Side window question
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
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Side window question
On my '96 E-350, the side doors have the permanently mounted windows. How much of a PIA would it be to convert them to the pop-open style for added ventilation? Is that even possible without swapping the doors? I've never been to a boneyard to look at the difference, so forgive me if that's a dumb question.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 458
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I'm interested in this,too, but want to know if there's any reason I can't swap the open-able windows out of my '79 Trailer Special E150 for the non-openable windows in the sliding-door of my '87 E150 cargo van . . .
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
If your '96 does indeed have factory side windows its a fairly easy swap to the pop-out or movable style.
Find a good set in the scrap yard and remove them------we'll go from there with proper installation. (I'm in the auto glass biz if that's of interest......)
Find a good set in the scrap yard and remove them------we'll go from there with proper installation. (I'm in the auto glass biz if that's of interest......)
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 414
Likes: 1
Thanks. They're factory as far as I know. The big windows aren't obviously but the side doors look to be untouched from factory. They're just set in permanently with little deletes in the doors where the pop-out handles would go. Thanks for the info.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 458
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[QUOTE=JWA;
(I'm in the auto glass biz if that's of interest......)[/QUOTE]
Well, yes. It is. There are plenty of amateurs making YouTube videos of their first experience at doing various tasks, guessing their way along. I can guess. I could probably do this job satisfactorily. But I like to hear from those who know, whenever they offer their expertise.
(I'm in the auto glass biz if that's of interest......)[/QUOTE]
Well, yes. It is. There are plenty of amateurs making YouTube videos of their first experience at doing various tasks, guessing their way along. I can guess. I could probably do this job satisfactorily. But I like to hear from those who know, whenever they offer their expertise.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 504
Likes: 3
From: West Texas
cutouts
I've looked at some of the aftermarket side windows made for my van...I've never installed one, but the videos make it look manageable, and after cutting the 14" square opening in the roof last year for the Fantastic vent, I think it should be easier working at ground level.
I guess the worrisome part is...what if I make a mistake?
Measure twice, cut once. They always say.
I'm looking at a fixed window for the sliding door and then one for the driver side near the rear of the van, that will have either a sliding or hinged panel for ventilation.
All it takes is money, time, effort, tools, skill, good weather, and a willingness to mutilate the nice metal sides of my van...
No problem!
I guess the worrisome part is...what if I make a mistake?
Measure twice, cut once. They always say.
I'm looking at a fixed window for the sliding door and then one for the driver side near the rear of the van, that will have either a sliding or hinged panel for ventilation.
All it takes is money, time, effort, tools, skill, good weather, and a willingness to mutilate the nice metal sides of my van...
No problem!
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Removing the old windows is the hardest part. The weatherstripping must be peeled from the outside to the inside with the glass still in it. I've found a plastic spatula helps as does warm weather and the van parked with the windows facing the sun for a while to soften the rubber.
With the old windows out, the new weatherstrip just slips on the flange and the upper hinge screws into place, then the windows swings down and the bottom latch screws onto the door.
Each window took me about 30 minutes with removal being 25 and installation 5.
With the old windows out, the new weatherstrip just slips on the flange and the upper hinge screws into place, then the windows swings down and the bottom latch screws onto the door.
Each window took me about 30 minutes with removal being 25 and installation 5.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,254
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Removing the old windows is the hardest part. The weatherstripping must be peeled from the outside to the inside with the glass still in it. I've found a plastic spatula helps as does warm weather and the van parked with the windows facing the sun for a while to soften the rubber.
With the old windows out, the new weatherstrip just slips on the flange and the upper hinge screws into place, then the windows swings down and the bottom latch screws onto the door.
Each window took me about 30 minutes with removal being 25 and installation 5.
With the old windows out, the new weatherstrip just slips on the flange and the upper hinge screws into place, then the windows swings down and the bottom latch screws onto the door.
Each window took me about 30 minutes with removal being 25 and installation 5.
