7 replies to this topic

[Charlie]

2019 Hawk with the front dinette configuration.

 

We were just starting north on the Dempster Hwy, when a passing truck threw up a rock which shattered the back half of the left window. Fortunately with some salvaged cardboard and duct tape, we were able to get to Tuk and all of the way back to Colorado with this fix.

 

The glass was the sliding part of the window . It's smoked and tempered glass, and just has an aluminum extrusion along the front edge, with the locking handle in it. The extrusion was salvageable.

 

Has anyone ever had to replace this glass? Any advice on where to get a replacement or where to get the work done? 

 

Also, to make the field fix, I operated the emergency exit to take the window unit out of the frame. On seeing the way that the emergency exit just hinges on a couple of sheet metal screws that go through the top of the frame and which kinda tear through the frame, it occurred to me that perhaps the emergency exit is not meant to be reused?

 

Cheers,

Charlie

 

 

[fish more]

You should be able to have glass replaced by any glass shop, locate a shop who does auto glass repair.

[Robinsondog]

Same problem here. Rear sliding glass panel (the sliding part) somehow shattered while on the road near Kalispell. Local auto glass shops could not fix it without a special order for the glass and then disassembling the frame. They told me that it would be several weeks just to order the right sized glass. 4WC has replacement windows in stock which appears to be the best option and they tell me that they are not too difficult to replace. How did you get your situation resolved?

[Charlie]

I haven't completed this yet, but it's close. 

 

After inspecting the unit carefully, I figured out that the frame would have to be disassembled/damaged to be able to put new glass in, so I decided to just order a new window.

 

I got a quote from a custom window maker, which would have been the same price as the FWC replacement, but would not provide the egress (this is a driver side window). 

 

So I ordered the window from FWC. This process was somewhat slow, as it seemed to always take a few days after contacting them before anything happened. And then they sent the unit for the wrong side, and so the correct model (w/ egress) may be delivered tomorrow. Overall, it will have been a month from when I placed the original order to delivery of the correct window.

 

That said, FWC has been very friendly and helpful.

 

I intend to keep the outer frame (which has the red handles), and just replace the egress part of the window. That way I don't have to remove/replace the excellent caulking that FWC did on the outer frame. There is the issue of the sheet metal screws, which I haven't resolved yet. I may just have to replace the complete assembly.

[Charlie]

Same problem here. Rear sliding glass panel (the sliding part) somehow shattered while on the road near Kalispell. Local auto glass shops could not fix it without a special order for the glass and then disassembling the frame. They told me that it would be several weeks just to order the right sized glass. 4WC has replacement windows in stock which appears to be the best option and they tell me that they are not too difficult to replace. How did you get your situation resolved?

 

BTW, did the shop give you any hints? I wonder what is the method for releasing the caulk that holds the whole outer frame in the camper?

[Robinsondog]

BTW, did the shop give you any hints? I wonder what is the method for releasing the caulk that holds the whole outer frame in the camper?

Thanks for the update Charlie. I have only spoken with 4WC once and they told me that is would be easy to replace but I did not ask for details. I have not ordered it yet but plan on doing so as I just got the camper home after a cross country drive. The glass doctor shop in Kalispell put crash wrap (clear plastic which covers the damaged window) on and it amazingly stayed put for my drive back home.

 

There is a video on you tube that details replacement of a similar type window and they use a plastic spatula to remove the caulk and then mineral spirits and alcohol to clean off the residue. Part of me wants to take it to a 4WC dealer and see if they can order the window and replace it since I work that it might not be as easy as they are saying that it is. I like your idea of only replacing the interior portion and keeping the caulked outer frame in place. I need to figure out how to do this as it sounds like a good option as well.

[pvstoy]

If you have a FastGlass or similar in your area see what they say.

[Robinsondog]

If you have a FastGlass or similar in your area see what they say.

Will give that a try-seems like overkill to replace everything. Thanks!