skinning and windows MC8

[rcbeam]

I am at the point of planning my skinning and window installations.  Hopefully while it is still hot so I've only the rest of July, August and some maybe in Sept.  I just cannot get my brain around all of this.  I've done searches and read lots of posts, mostly about silkaflex.  I can't quite get the work flow down in my head and don't want to get the cart before the horse and not figure it out until I've already done something wrong.

What I want to do is remove all of my MC8 windows.  Skin over the window openings and then install probably RV windows.  I want windows that open and with screens and I'd like them all to look the same outside except for some difference in sizes.  I want two in the bedroom, one small one in the bathroom on one side, one small one in the kitchen at the sink, one or two larger ones on the street side living room, one larger one at the kitchen table curb side, and two large ones curb side living room.  (Yes, I want to be able to see out and open windows.)

Is my flow to:  1) remove windows; 2) reskin complete sides; 3) cut holes for new windows; (do the new windows need metal framework on all sides?)  If so do I build my metal frame work and install before I reskin?

On reskinning can I really use an adhesive only, like silkaflex?  I really don't want to rivet.  Also can I use aluminum sheets instead of steel?  I'm looking for something lighter here. 

Anyone care to give me some guidance on what THEY did?  There seems to be SO many decisions to this.

[robertglines1]

was just discussed   look up   cutting aluminum skin       is one of subjects  only back 5 or 6 pages    and skinning over windows.. Lots of pictures.    Bob

[Handyjim]

Nick Russell, editor-publisher of the Gypsy Journal, has an excellent blog of his conversion process on an MCI.

http://gypsyjournal.net/bus_conversion_page_1.htm

His wife, Terry was in the window business, so quite a lot of information about what you want to do.

[christopher]

russ, if your windows slide, i would be interested in some of them
Thanks
Chris
MCI5C

[rcbeam]

Chris:  I have to that are movable... curb front and street rear.  The remainder are solid.

[artvonne]

  I really want to retain the original look of my Bus, so Im trying to figure out the best way to make it look like it still has the OE windows. On the same hand, I want it done so there are no leaks, and that its well insulated.

  One idea im thinking of is to cut up the frame, cutting the outside away from the inside. Then box in the opening around the perimeter, and skin it over with black aluminum sheet or black plexiglas. Then screw the outside portion of the frame against the "window" with countersunk screws and fill them.

  Probably not the ideas your looking for.

 

[JackConrad]

When we reskinned, we decided on (RV type) window locations and sizes, then added additional steel framing where the windows would be before installing the new skin.  Jack

[christopher]

russ,
Thats what im looking for. If you want to sell them I am interested.
Let me know.
Thanks
Chris
mci5c

[rcbeam]

Chris:  I have not taken any out yet, and I'm not there yet... I assume I can unscrew at the hinges and just remove the part that swings out. Is that what you need?  Providing I get them out without damaging them, I'll give them to you.  What ever I can do to help another busnut.  Of course, the $64000 dollar question is where r u?  I'm in Lexington, KY.

[artvonne]

  Anyone have any MC5 windows that slide?

[thomasinnv]

Russell, FYI you can just remove the hing pins. they come out rather easy. then if you want the hinges outa the way it's much easier with the window out.

[Highway Yacht]

Russel.... here is a link to a thread I started when I pulled out my windows and skinned the sides..
http://mcibustalk.com/bbs/index.php?topic=188.0

Here is the thread where I installed the RV windows.. Not a lot of detailed info but there are some pictures..
http://mcibustalk.com/bbs/index.php?topic=202.0

[christopher]

russ,
im up in boston. when your ready. i will come down and pick them up. that will be a good sunday drive.
email me if you like
Thanks
Chris