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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: richard5933 on February 18, 2018, 03:15:43 PM

Title: GM Windows - Digital Files
Post by: richard5933 on February 18, 2018, 03:15:43 PM
Any chance anyone out there has a digital file with the outline of a window on a 4108? Probably the exact same as a 4905 or other related bus models.

I'm trying to make a set of screens to use on the OEM sliding windows. The plan is to make something which will fit into the crescent-shaped opening created when the window is slid open. I'll wrap its edges with a thin rubber gasket, and then close the window against it to hold everything in place.

I thought that I could cut two layers of 1/8" acrylic to create about a 1/2" wide frame, and then glue them together with a piece of window screen between. If I could get a digital file our LASER engraver can easily cut the shapes and I'd have a good fit.

Of course this relies on being able to get or create a digital file with the shape of the window.
Title: Re: GM Windows - Digital Files
Post by: Fred Mc on February 18, 2018, 04:14:29 PM
Just to piggyback on this request, if the digital files are also available for a 4106 that would be gtreat as well.


Regards

Fred
Title: Re: GM Windows - Digital Files
Post by: dtcerrato on February 19, 2018, 03:56:37 AM
We built screens for all our sliders on our 4104. Used two prices of 1/8"" tempered hardboard (Masonite).stretched the screen in a larger frame then placed the Masonite frames cut to the shapes of the opened windows over the stretched screen -one on each side & sandwich glued them. After trimming the screen around the outside perimeter, took a belt sander to chamfer the edges for a good fit into the window channel. Been using them over 35 years - no issues, no bugs either. When I get the chance I'll post some photos.
Title: Re: Re: GM Windows - Digital Files
Post by: richard5933 on February 19, 2018, 04:35:37 AM
Quote from: dtcerrato on February 19, 2018, 03:56:37 AM
We built screens for all our sliders on our 4104. Used two prices of 1/8"" tempered hardboard (Masonite).stretched the screen in a larger frame then placed the Masonite frames cut to the shapes of the opened windows over the stretched screen -one on each side & sandwich glued them. After trimming the screen around the outside perimeter, took a belt sander to chamfer the edges for a good fit into the window channel. Been using them over 35 years - no issues, no bugs either. When I get the chance I'll post some photos.
Any chance you have a template of what you used?
Title: Re: GM Windows - Digital Files
Post by: Runcutter on February 19, 2018, 06:35:25 AM
Richard, please consider that the 4107 & 4108 are 35 foot coaches, while the 4903 & 4905 are 40 foot coaches.  I suspect the window height may be the same, but the length differs.  The same is true for 35 and 40 foot fishbowls.  In fact, to me, the easiest spotting difference between 35 & 40 footers, viewed from the side, is the window proportions. 

I do think it's an interesting question whether 35 foot coaches and 35 foot fishbowls may have the same windows, I hope someone has the answer.

Arthur
Title: Re: GM Windows - Digital Files
Post by: dtcerrato on February 19, 2018, 06:54:44 PM
The only difference I'm sure of is the slider side windows on a 4106 are taller than those on our 4104...
Title: Re: GM Windows - Digital Files
Post by: richard5933 on February 20, 2018, 10:39:40 AM
I think that on the next dry day I'll start trying to make my own template the old fashioned way by tracing the window opening to a piece of cardboard with a pencil. Hopefully I can get the cardboard to fit, and then transfer to a digital file to have the LASER machine cut the acrylic.

I'm going to basically do what dtcerrato suggested earlier, only I'll use the acrylic instead of masonite board. I can cut up to 3/16 acrylic on my machine, so that should make for a 3/8" thick rim, thick enough piece to hold firmly into place once the rubber gasket is applied.

I'll let you know once it's done how it works.