Camping
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New User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
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Very nice rojostar, didn't know they made Eddie bauer editions. Not to sure about the roof popper, I think it might leak after awhile. Maybe if I was converting it into a dedicated camper. Not to mention I have noticed my van is leaking inside when it rains from the pass side fixed window. I'm thinking some caulking or epoxy will fix that.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
You can get liquid butyl rubber in a squeeze tube, and carefully pry a gap between the upper molding edge and the body and squeeze it in. If you can distribute enough of it along the entire top edge, some of it should flow into the leaks and seal them. It's hard to know exactly where the leak is since water will migrate to the low spots before revealing itself.
The proper way to do this would be to remove the glass and apply a butyl rubber "rope" around the frame. But that requires removing the inside panel, and is a real hassle.
The proper way to do this would be to remove the glass and apply a butyl rubber "rope" around the frame. But that requires removing the inside panel, and is a real hassle.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 226
Likes: 5
From: greater Zurich area
A airmatress and a military multilayer sleepingbag is my standard equipment during winter - sometimes snow-blizzards can bring traffic to a standstill overnight. I also got two fire-extinguisher installed, one in front and one rear of the passenger compartement. Lately on a tradeshow, i've found a product called Rescue-Tape a silicon based repairtape approved by US-troops. It can fix a burst radiatorhose and even a brakehose temporarily!
97' XLT 3.0L RWD 115930mls.
97' XLT 3.0L RWD 115930mls.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Did you try the Rescue Tape? I am interested since that seems like something very handy in emergency situations, like when a hose bursts due to my lack of maintenance, which is due to laziness, which is due to old age, etc ... 
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 226
Likes: 5
From: greater Zurich area
and IF you're old you probably will do maintenance to your Aero* all day long
Didn't have tried out the tape until now, fortunately. I do believe it works as promised. Another guy told me, he used resque tape to fix a leaking brakehose while on a trip through the Sahara desert and almost forgot to do the permanent repair with a new hose after he came back from his journey..
I'm not affiliated with the product at all but have now both available sizes always with the truck.
greets
New User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Best camper feature in hot weather...
I REALLY like the electric fan in the roof vent on mine (check out the thread about the 95 camper). The roof mounted solar panels keep a couple of batteries charged all the time and run the fan just fine.
I use it pull air into the van and out the windows, the fan can run in either direction, it stays nice and cool. Even when not camping, I crack the two front door windows and turn on the fan when I leave it parked (like when shopping) in the summer and it is nice and cool when I come back!
I suggest a cheap 12v solar panel setup from Harbor Freight, they have a single panel 48 watt (I think) set up. When you use a 12v deep cycle battery you also get an alternative way to start the van in an emergency and power for lights at night when camping.
Then add an electic motorhome roof vent.
I use it pull air into the van and out the windows, the fan can run in either direction, it stays nice and cool. Even when not camping, I crack the two front door windows and turn on the fan when I leave it parked (like when shopping) in the summer and it is nice and cool when I come back!
I suggest a cheap 12v solar panel setup from Harbor Freight, they have a single panel 48 watt (I think) set up. When you use a 12v deep cycle battery you also get an alternative way to start the van in an emergency and power for lights at night when camping.
Then add an electic motorhome roof vent.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
You can get liquid butyl rubber in a squeeze tube, and carefully pry a gap between the upper molding edge and the body and squeeze it in. If you can distribute enough of it along the entire top edge, some of it should flow into the leaks and seal them. It's hard to know exactly where the leak is since water will migrate to the low spots before revealing itself.
The proper way to do this would be to remove the glass and apply a butyl rubber "rope" around the frame. But that requires removing the inside panel, and is a real hassle.
The proper way to do this would be to remove the glass and apply a butyl rubber "rope" around the frame. But that requires removing the inside panel, and is a real hassle.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Yeah, I remember having to do it for both of my Aerostars. I wonder why the Aerostar windows are that prone to leaking?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
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From: SoCal
Long expanses of sheet metal trying to keep aligned to long expanses of glass, with different moduli of elasticity, constantly getting shook up by road vibrations. It's a wonder that the seals hold for as long as they do. This is why you need to use a sealant that stays soft, like butyl rubber.
New User
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2
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From: NE Indiana
Does anyone know of a source for old conversion van rear windows? I thought I recalled seeimg them years ago. Replaced the fixed glass in the rear quarters. Hed a small slider at the bottom with a screen for ventilation.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 11
From: Longmont, CO
I could be wrong, but don’t remember Aerostars ever coming with those. The full-size Econoline had them for sure. Here is a ‘factory’ installed conversion.
https://row52.com/Vehicle/Index/1FMDA41X6SZA25870
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https://row52.com/Vehicle/Index/1FMDA41X6SZA25870
.
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
CHC Camper
Last edited by smiro; Dec 19, 2023 at 05:12 PM.
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
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