Hello all and thank you in advance for any help given!
I've purchased a used bus /mobile medical unit that has a custom windshield that is no longer manufactured. I need to replace the drivers windshield and need ideas. I spoke with a company that still runs these units and from what I gather they built up some framework around the original windshield so they could fit standard size replacements.
Any suggestions are appreciated!
Don't know how far you've searched but lots of so called obsolete windshields are available. They are custom made from original patterns that were shipped to offshore plants, I believe in South America.
A few years ago I was offered one special order for antique Cady for a small additional cost to one found in a warehouse in central US.
If you haven't already tried it's worth checking here.
http://www.pilkington.com/The+Americas/USA/English/Automotive/AGR/agr.htm
Dave.
Calumet, it helps when you tell us what kind of bus you have. Some of us may know where to find the windshield you need!
Jack Hart
Hi,
Sorry for not being more specific. The vehicle was manufactured by Calumet Coach in Calumet City, IL since bought up by other companies with a new name. The manufacturer doesn't have any more and stopped producing them years ago. I found a guy today who says he might have one and is going to look through his parts supply. The picture in my profile is of the actual unit.
Another guy I talked to actually welded on a new mask to the front so he could install flat windshields but I don't want to do that unless I have no other choice.
Thanks again!
Kris
Somewhere on the web is (are) companies specializing in obsolete RV windshields. They might be able to help. I would bet that Calumet did not use a custom windshield but rather worked with a stock glass from another application.
Len
Try these folks: http://www.curvedglassdist.com/busglass.html
Hope it may help. 8)
Thanks for all the great ideas. I'm following up.
Pics are at the following site...
www.calumetcoach.info/pics (http://www.calumetcoach.info/pics)
Kris,
It looks to me like those windshields belong to an HME fire truck.
HME is built in Michigan and you could probably get information from them on your windshields and other parts needed.
Good luck,
Dallas
Kris -
Dallas has you pointed in the right direction. In photo #ec8a_4, it shows the HME data plate, which has a barely visible Model Number. If you can figure out what that model number is, contacting HME should help you find a windshield.
This looks like it was a mobile x-ray unit for some medical facility in it's previous life. What are your plans for it?
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
I've contacted HME but it never occured to me to ask them about the windshield because I thought Calument built the body. A gentleman at HME is looking for info for me based on the VIN.
My hope is to turn the bus into a motor home. It has TWO slideouts in the back! Way cool!! and I love the drop down patio on the side. Just drop down my patio, roll up my door, and hang out in my lawn chair. It will make loading furniture and appliances easy too! I might even stick my sailboat in there - or a mini car - who knows! The ULTIMATE toy hauler.
Curved glass didn't have it...so I'll keep looking after the holiday.
Have a greate holiday everybody!
To the best of my knowledge, this vehicle was never a bus. The ones that I installed equipment in were specifically built to house the MRI cat scan equipment.
Richard
Try Pinson's truck parts in Boiling Springs,South Carolina ph 864-578-0674. I got the number out of a kind of old phone book but do not think it has changed. I think I remember seeing a couple of those in their junk yard. Be nice and forgiving when you call, some of their help are not much help but they have a lot of stuff. I only live a few miles from there if you want me to go look at anything. good luck!
Calumet, if Pinson's has it I could bring it down on one of my trips to FL. I live in Hickory, NC, not too far from Boiling Springs.
Jack
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.
DrivingMissLazy is correct, this was a mobile medical unit. It supposedly has 290K miles which shouldn't be too bad (I hope.)
Thanks again for the leads and offers of help - MUCH appreciated.
My - what good EYES you have grandma! I'm amazed you saw and remembered the vehicle.
I called Pinson's and someone I spoke with did indicate they had a vehicle like I described BUT the owner has told them he's not going to sell any parts off it. Apparently he wants to keep it. I asked how long it had been there - a long time.