Bus Trip/Progress

[buddydawg]

Hey all! Just arrived at Short Stay Recreation Area for a weeklong camping trip.  It was a 178 mile drive with no issues, bus ran great.  Outdoor temps were in the low to mid 90s today and my two 12K BTU mini-splits kept the bus temps in the mid 70s.  The campground here is relatively muddy due to the constant rain for the past month but we found a site that was dry enough. 

My new method for bus renovation motivation is to complete a project before every trip.  This time I addressed my windows.  I was tired of fighting with the old sliding windows, which were only good for letting water in and my air conditioning out!  I stripped the old windows down to the frame and replaced the sliders with one single pane of bronze Plexiglas.  Combine that with some new outer seals and it appears that I have a new set of leak-proof/draft proof windows.  So far I am pleased with the results, the inside temps were stable and the ride was noticeably quieter.

[buddydawg]

Window Close-up

[Oonrahnjay]

Window Close-up 

     Nice work, Buddy!

[Kevin]

Lookin' SHARP!!!

Very nice, classy-looking coach you have there! You're doing right by it.

Enjoy your adventure,
Kevin

[buddydawg]

Here is another shot from the inside.  I am jacked about these windows.  I had suffered with the old windows for years, I wasn't sure I'd ever come up with an affordable solution. It was not a lengthy project, it  I had them all done over a weeks time.

[muldoonman]

very clean and nice coach there Buddy!

[pabusnut]

Bandon,

Veeery Nice!    I never got anything that nice in my '5301 !  Decided if I was re-doing, I'd start w/ something that has more storage.

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut

[LowTide]

You did a knock down job with those, they look sharp!

I am curious as to how you got the plex to stay in the frame and your selection of seals. Did you use the factory rubber seals or did you have to get creative when it came to replacing the seals or rubber? Also, what thickness plex did you use?

The only issue I would worry about is the plex scratching, so be carefull when wiping them off....I am sure you already know this.

Thanks
Mike

[buddydawg]

Thanks for the compliments. 

Mike

The old frames come apart at the top, I just removed the center hinge and ground out a small weld.  The windows have two tracks for the old slider windows to ride on.  The inside track in just over 1/4 inch from the inside part of the frame.  I made a 1/4 inch plywood template and adjusted it for a snug fit.  I applied a bead of sealant in the grove and installed the 1/4 plexi, I used the center hinge to rejoin the frame.  I also used a few bar clamps for some pressure while the sealant cured.  Once cured I rewelded the frame and put a bead of sealant on edges of the plexi to the frame.  I replaced the outer rubber channel seal which goes on the outside of the frame to the exterior of the bus.

I will take a few closeup pics later and add them.

[OneLapper]

The windows look great!