02-08-2022, 11:47 AM
Hi Everyone,
I've got an interesting issue with my 1983 restoration. I'm in the process of repairing a bunch of floor rot and with all that old sub floor out of the way and some heavy rain, I can now see that a lot of the water is coming from the windows. So with that in mind, I decided to focus my attention on the windows and start looking in to removing, rebuilding and resealing them. All the felt window channel is worn out, but all the windows still slide decent except the driver's window is kind of tough.
This coach has the parallelogram, or "go fast" windows as I've heard some say on this forum. I'm trying to determine what brand they are. I'm pretty sure they are not the Peninsula windows that lots of folks have. The only thing I can find is the glass specs and on the latches I think it says Le Van. Google search indicates that this was a window company that made some automotive sliding windows but there is very little info on that.
I pulled one out and found some interesting things. I know that these windows are supposed to have weep holes, but this particular one out of the bathroom has some "extra" holes in the bottom corners. It almost looks like they were drilled after the fact. If I am looking at this right, this is just going to allow water to run right down on top of the frame underneath the window and cause water to come in pretty much exactly where mine is rotted out. Wonder if anyone has see this before? Maybe the old window track seal was supposed to seal it? I'm thinking I'll probably just caulk them shut when I put the window back but just wasn't sure.
So that brings me to the last dilemma - window channels. If my research is correct, this stuff is called window run channel and comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I found some at Steele Rubber that I think might work. Here is a link. https://www.steelerubber.com/uchannel-70-3572-256. My channel width is around 7/16 wide by 7/16 high and the glass is .220 in or about 7/32 in thick, so that falls about right in line with the specs on that stuff. Also they say the below statement which really sounds like what I've got here:
"Use where a mohair-lined channel is needed to eliminate rattle and provide a smooth sliding surface to protect the glass. Ideal for mid-1970's GMC motorhome channels for sliding glass windows. Replaces originals that were rubber-coated mesh metal."
The description and the fact that they mention GM buses (This thing has a lot of GM parts on it including apparently the windshield), makes me think it might work. Also LeVan windows were used in GM vehicles back in the day apparently.
Anyway, Anyone have any experience with trying to use this stuff?
Here's what the current channels look like:
I called Newell today and started working with them on trying to get some info on this coach so I can maybe order a windshield and some other parts as well. If they get back up with me before I receive my stuff from Steele, I'll ask them about it too.
I'll let ya'll know what I find out and thanks in advance for any info!
I've got an interesting issue with my 1983 restoration. I'm in the process of repairing a bunch of floor rot and with all that old sub floor out of the way and some heavy rain, I can now see that a lot of the water is coming from the windows. So with that in mind, I decided to focus my attention on the windows and start looking in to removing, rebuilding and resealing them. All the felt window channel is worn out, but all the windows still slide decent except the driver's window is kind of tough.
This coach has the parallelogram, or "go fast" windows as I've heard some say on this forum. I'm trying to determine what brand they are. I'm pretty sure they are not the Peninsula windows that lots of folks have. The only thing I can find is the glass specs and on the latches I think it says Le Van. Google search indicates that this was a window company that made some automotive sliding windows but there is very little info on that.
I pulled one out and found some interesting things. I know that these windows are supposed to have weep holes, but this particular one out of the bathroom has some "extra" holes in the bottom corners. It almost looks like they were drilled after the fact. If I am looking at this right, this is just going to allow water to run right down on top of the frame underneath the window and cause water to come in pretty much exactly where mine is rotted out. Wonder if anyone has see this before? Maybe the old window track seal was supposed to seal it? I'm thinking I'll probably just caulk them shut when I put the window back but just wasn't sure.
So that brings me to the last dilemma - window channels. If my research is correct, this stuff is called window run channel and comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I found some at Steele Rubber that I think might work. Here is a link. https://www.steelerubber.com/uchannel-70-3572-256. My channel width is around 7/16 wide by 7/16 high and the glass is .220 in or about 7/32 in thick, so that falls about right in line with the specs on that stuff. Also they say the below statement which really sounds like what I've got here:
"Use where a mohair-lined channel is needed to eliminate rattle and provide a smooth sliding surface to protect the glass. Ideal for mid-1970's GMC motorhome channels for sliding glass windows. Replaces originals that were rubber-coated mesh metal."
The description and the fact that they mention GM buses (This thing has a lot of GM parts on it including apparently the windshield), makes me think it might work. Also LeVan windows were used in GM vehicles back in the day apparently.
Anyway, Anyone have any experience with trying to use this stuff?
Here's what the current channels look like:
I called Newell today and started working with them on trying to get some info on this coach so I can maybe order a windshield and some other parts as well. If they get back up with me before I receive my stuff from Steele, I'll ask them about it too.
I'll let ya'll know what I find out and thanks in advance for any info!
Wil Bolton
1983 Classic 36ft