covering windows on 4106

[jimsflx]

i want to cover the 2 middle windows on each side. if you cut them to size how do you fasten them down? looks like if you rivet them the would suck in the metal? thaks for any advise jim

[Iceni John]

I recently covered over two windows on each side, and instead of riveting or screwing the sheets of aluminum (I want to keep a clean smooth look) I used 3M 5200 marine adhesive.   I also used it when I skinned over the front cap to cover where the red flashers used to be.   It's intended for through-hull fittings and underwater use, so it should be OK on a bus!   So far so good.   Could you do something similar?   3M's VHB tapes are another possible option.

John

[RJ]

i want to cover the 2 middle windows on each side.

Jim -

Why?

[Chief Coach Painter]

You may want to try 3M Panel Bond 8115 Adhesive, you'll need the manual applicator gun PN 08117.
Panel bonding is used on most newer transit buses these days and is stronger and more flexible then welds.
Go online and look at 3M Automotive aftermarket division, www.3M.com/automotive

[TomC]

On my transit, once I removed the windows, the frame had a lip on the inside. I then cut 2 3/4" plywood to fill in (just the right thickness) and screwed the plywood to the window frame. I used Dupont 90 spray adhesive to both glue the two plywoods together, and also the outside aluminum (that was cut as a panel, rather then just covering the window). Just for looks, I installed rivets to duplicate the pattern on the bus. Once painted, you can hardly tell windows were there in the first place. Good Luck, TomC

[jimsflx]

thanks tomc and every one else itook the metal from between the tw0 windows. and it is all one piece with the matching ribs. just picked up the finish metal and know will replace thanks guys jim

[Boomer]

Like RJ, my question is why?  You can retain the classic look by simply covering the window openings on the inside.  On my Silverside I used wood paneling with a bronzed mirror plexi facing out.  Looking through the OEM windows towards the inside, you can't tell anything is there.  Please, don't alter such a nice looking coach.

[Utahclaimjumper]

 If you decide to cover, be advised that sheet steel works better than aluminuim as it will not expand and wrinkle as aluminium does in the heat,,stays flat, smooth, and will not dent as easily.>>>Dan (I used 16 gauge)

[TomC]

As to the expansion problem of aluminum, this is why I glued the aluminum to the plywood filler. Never wrinkles. Steel is just not a good idea on a bus with aluminum sheeting. Unless you know how to isolate the aluminum from the steel, you'll have corrosion problems (aluminum bubbling) down the road. Aluminum is much easier to work with-can cut with a tungsten tipped blade circular saw. Good Luck, TomC

[Utahclaimjumper]

  I covered mine 16 years ago and no problems since.>>>Dan (the trick is to paint with poli and glue the panels into place with modern adhesives,, I've seen too many aluminium panels warp in the sun,, looks terrible)

[Boomer]

This is how you can cover your windows and still retain the original windows as I tried to explain in my previous post.  Of course if you are not into the original look, or your windows are broken, then please disregard.
Mark

[Boomer]

Oops, second picture didn't make it.