4.17.2013

Restoring Airstream Windows.




Before

After


Nikki working hard polishing all the small items.
Before shot



The window latches were polished using a fine wire wheel. Then we poured oil into the spring mechanisms to free them up. They worked very smooth after that. Left-before, Right-after


After the windows were polished and the new gaskets were put on, I tinted the windows using 15% tint from windowtint.com. We ordered one roll of 24”x 50 feet. It was less then a 100 bucks. I found some very helpful techniques that will save you time and tint- email me if you want me to send you that advice.
 






I love the new look with the tinted windows! Blocks out 99% of UV’s and also reduces heat by 65%  

We used the D Seal gasket 381665 from Out-of-doors Mart. All the windows and doors will have this type of gasket


I tried multiple products on the windows and found that the Dico buffing wheel (Important: Use only the one with the single stitch) was the way to go! It was very effective. I just bought the connector to use with my drill and applied NuVite when needed.    

Before I polished the widows, a lot of oxidation and dirt had to be removed. I used a bottle of water with 20% vinegar and a 3m fine scotch pad. It removed so much of the oxidation with very little scratching. This dramatically speeds up the polishing time.     


34 comments:

  1. Mike and Nikki, love this blog. We are renovating our 1970 Sovereign. Loving the great advise. I will probably be asking a few ridiculous questions but it looks like you guys really made some good choices. We already have the new cabinets and new everything else getting ready to go in but some of the details, ie cleaning and buffing looks like you know your stuff. When you say, you buffed the window, the glass or trim? I see both in pic is pretty bad.

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    1. Very exciting! I love hearing about new projects. I would love to see some pictures. And don’t worry about asking questions, I love giving advice. “ I know I’ve asked my share of questions”

      I buffed the trim Only. I used a razorblade and Windex to clean the windows.

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  3. Amazing post!! Your pictures are saying everything.All know about window tint.Tese are very useful in our life.They protect use from UV rays.
    _________
    http://www.getsunstoppers.com/custom_vinyl.php

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  4. So, how did you deal with that awful, old, peeling window tinting in the Vista View windows? My husband and I are renovating a '72 Sovereign and we're almost to the point where we have to deal with those suckers and I'm clueless as to where to start. Any tips?

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    1. Well, it was pretty simple. It may not be the best thing to do but I’ve done some research on what others have done and they have had no problems years later. Basically remove the inside window. The vista view windows are double pane windows so removing the inside one will be ok. I drilled a small hole in the middle of the window (they are plexiglass) and started cracking it away. After removing all the pieces I cleaned up the back side of the outside window and add the tint. I hope this helps!

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    2. That's a huge help, thanks. Can you also share some of your tips about applying the window tinting? I think I have my husband convinced that it's a good idea to tint the windows, we're just a little concerned with now difficult it will be.

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    3. You can email me directly, if you like. jessmwhite@gmail.com

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  5. I just bought a '78 that has the same issues with the windows. You have given me hope that a really slick look is possible! I love how that tinting looks and with that kind of heat savings I think I'm going to add that to my list. Love all the pictures on your blog- Super helpful!

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    1. Thanks for the complements! Tinting the window isn’t so bad nor is polishing them. Just takes time and patients. The windows come off easily but you will find putting them back on can be a pain! Some of them will just go right on and some of them might take to people to do. The trick is finding the sweet spot and applying pressure to the center of the groove. Thanks again!

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    2. Do you think you could email me your advice on diy tinting? I'm about to make that jump and I'd like to do it right! Thanks so much!

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  6. Mike...which one of the tints did you select for your Airstream. There are a lot of styles from which to choose. Thanks! Bob

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    1. We went with the "car tint by the roll", "pro Non-Reflective Auto Film", "Pro Non reflective 15% VLT Auto Window Tinting film"

      Just go to windowtint.com and select car tint by the roll.

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  7. Thanks Mike...can you email me what you found to be the most effective way to apply the tinting. Bob

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    1. Sure thing Robert. I was out of town for most of the week and haven’t had time to respond to comments. Let me get a few things together and email you what I did and used.

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  8. Hello,

    I'm also interested in the tinting tips. I'm about to tint the windows on my '78 Airstream. Thanks!

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    1. Sorry for the long delay, ive been pretty busy. Let me get something together today and i will post it. Ill send another message when its done. Thanks!

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  10. Hi guys! I've been finishing up taking out all my windows and frames and putting them back in and I have the front three left over. Do you have any tips on tinting the wing windows since they are a complex curve? I'm having some tinting fails over here :/

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  11. Awesome ride, Mike and Nikki! Your Airstream is coming out nicely. It’s amazing to see the two of you tackle this project together. Keep it up, and thanks for sharing!

    Cleora Schroeder @ Xtreme Autoglass Pros

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  13. Could you please send us some info on the window tinting tips?

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  14. I am looking for info on the window tinting also! Please email me at fillmyvase@gmail.com Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. So am I. Would be great if you could share. thomas.p.abney@gmail.com

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  15. We have the same trailer and are restoring the windows. What type of plexiglass did you use? I see a bunch of different plastics available all at different prices, looking for someone with this experience to guild us. Thanks, Tom and Diana tommartino71@gmail.com

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  16. Hey there, Im in the boat with all these fine people! An email would be greatly appreciated, thanks for your contribution to this community!

    Cheers,
    Forrest
    forrestbrodsky@gmail.com

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  17. I know this thread is a few years old, but we just happened upon a 1974 31 foot International Land Yacht. Very excited to get it going, but I have a few questions about the windows. Specifically getting them out, and back in. Taking them apart, and putting them back together, and getting them so shiny and nice. Please contact me if you can.

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  18. Last month, when i visited your blog i got an error on the mysql server of yours.;’–; tinted windows london

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  19. interested in your tinting tips and how the tint you bought it holding up so far.

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  24. Hi, I'm looking to replace the plastic c-channel vista window trim that I see is also missing from your photo above. In addition to covering the rough-cut vinyl coated interior sheet-metal, it apparently kept the shades from easily slamming down by themselves. Do you know where I might find some trim best suited for this? Thanks.

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