Saturday, 21 April 2018

N/S rear window (opener)

The decision to add a rear window was a good idea, let's a lot of light into the back, along with being able to open it whilst cooking etc.
But the fitting was "fun" using the term loosely!
First problem offering up whilst panel still there, wasn't possible because of the sliding window set up.
So measured everything twice or thrice 😜
Second: kitchen unit higher than bottom of window, this was on purpose but meant I couldn't get in to drill bottom two starter holes. But retro fitting anything is fun anyway.

Bit of trail and error got me there though. Cleaned up the cut panel, filed edges and painted them.
I'd cut the inside panel smaller than needed so with the panel out it was easier to see what needed to be cut. Thus done I set about prepping the window and van panel. Cleaned first then used the supplied "wet wipes" on window and panel.
Added the trim supplied, different to what I've used before, it didn't have the rubber tube effect, just square section about half an inch across at top. Cheap shit basically where it was joined in manufacturing made for weak spots that split on first curve, fortunately I could cut it off with enough left to finish the job. Not particularly pretty but it won't be seen once the window pod is fitted!

Set up lengths of masking tape to hold window in position. And added the mastic around the panel, wasn't fun, the small piece of plastic that is used as a depth guide folded in seconds, so back to good old guess work!
Anyway, time to offer window, whilst pressing it into place I noticed the right bottom corner sat a bit proud, pushed it in bottom left lifted at front!
Secured it, as to late to remove, making sure all aligned. The offside black fitted perfectly, but there was no movement available inside to bring that corner out to meet the window!
It was only a few millimetres adrift so i managed to secure the front by taping opposite corner securely and then tape it down with only slight pressure. All gaps then ok. On the inside tho I could see a gap, so I had to get sealant into it as high and as long as I could.
Needless to say I'm still trying to remove the sealant from my fingers 🙄
Left all over night and removed the tape this morning, giving it a good inspection and a few wallops from inside it seems and feels solid!
He says with fingers crossed we'll see after first road test 😂

I can see nothing more as the panels on van are identical both sides and there was no way of pushing that corner out to reach glass even a few millimetres! So possible manufacturering issue whilst glass was hot it got a very slight bend or knock!

Puzzle number 2
How to cut away a few inches of ply behind the kitchen unit? Without taking the counter top and hob sink unit out ( hopefully)

We'll see!

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