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Post by oldmodeltguy on Jun 24, 2024 9:31:10 GMT -8
Hello, I just acquired a 1959 Avion and my first step is to fix the broken windows. It doesn't look like I can embed photos directly into the post, so a photo of the window in question and weatherstrip in posted here: http://instagram.com/p/C8m041kvQQo Questions: To install new window glass, but the riveted frame need to come apart, or is the weatherstripping flexible enough to just work it in? Is the amount of shrinkage shown in the next photo acceptable, or should all the weatherstripping be replaced? There's a close-up of the weatherstripping cross-section and I will need at least some of it. I don't see this exact one on either Steele Rubber Products or Vintage Trailer Supply. Is there another source? Thanks in advance. I'm new to the trailer world. Jeff |
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Post by vikx on Jun 24, 2024 11:56:55 GMT -8
I can't really see the shrunken seals, but if they are dried out and possibly leaking, then they should be replaced.
Start with one window and work slowly. It's possible you won't have to de-rivet the frame but you won't know until you try working with new seals. Heat always helps.
Let us know how you do.
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Post by oldmodeltguy on Jun 24, 2024 13:45:36 GMT -8
The shrinking I'm talking about can be seen in the second photo. There's about an inch gap at the top center of the window between the ends of the seal. Thanks.
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Post by vikx on Jun 24, 2024 13:53:56 GMT -8
Try vintage trailer gaskets. Your gasket is different than I've seen.
Your windows look like mine, which used the "hehr standard glass seal". I used a thin clear gasket glue to hold it in place. The seals can be squirmy...
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John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jun 24, 2024 17:47:16 GMT -8
I believe your windows were made by Woodlin.
I have two different friends (Danny and Dennis) that have Vagabond trailer's, one is a 1950, and the other Vagabond is a 1954 model. Both of these have earlier version Woodlin windows that the frame comes apart. You separate the moveable frame at the seam and basically carefully "unwrap the frame metal and work your way around the window glass. IMO, you would never be able to get the new seals installed without disassembling the window. You are going to need to learn how to cut round corners on replacement glass, after my glass shop quoted $10/per corner I figured it out for myself. Buy a new cutter, oil it up, and make a series of straight cuts and break away the pieces. Use some rough carborundum to smooth out the edge. ACE will sell you a large piece of glass and make as many cuts as you need. Make certain the replacement glass length and width is not cut oversized.
Robert from Vintage Trailer Gaskets drove over to Danny's 1954 Vagabond to figure out what seals would work in his Woodlin frames, and he sold him some vinyl lip seals for the outer fixed frame to the trailer body. But they never figured out what would seal the glass to the moveable frames, In the end, Danny had a glass shop glue the glass to the frame with butyl glass glue the way they install modern automobile windshields. It looks fine, and works good, but will be a PITA for the next owner that needs to replace a broken glass,
What you need is a U-shaped rubber EDM seal that fits the frame and has a .100" slot for the glass. It's a lot of time-consuming work to rebuild any trailer's windows. It seems like wasted time to not use gaskets that are specifically extruded to fit your specific make and model of window frame.
You can buy 90% of the seals sold by Vintage Trailer Gaskets on Amazon as generic "universal fit stick-on foam gaskets"
At this point, I would not restore a trailer that was built with Woodlin windows. Sorry, I was not able to help out.
John Palmer
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