How not to remove a 102DL3 side window

Jim Blackwood · July 01, 2022, 08:45:34 AM

I finally got around to replacing the lavatory window with a standard side window (salvage). It was both easy and difficult. I had a helper and we set up a 5ft scaffold for access. Having another foot or so would have helped a lot, also we set up too close, should have been maybe a foot away from the bus.

I had already removed the screws. We removed the clips, swung the window up but then didn't know how to get it to release from the hinge so we tried sliding it back and forth and managed to get it jammed. Then I beat on it with a mallet while Steve held the other end up trying to get it back to center. Somewhere along the line Steve's end came loose and then when I got it driven back far enough my end came loose and it crashed down on the scaffolding, skinning the back of Steve's hand in the process. All in all I'd say about the only thing we didn't do wrong was skin the side of the bus or fall off the scaffold. Steve was a good sport about it but I hate to think what Margaret had to say. We bandaged him up good though and it didn't seem to be causing him any real pain. Nasty looking skinned place though.

Once we had it out it wasn't hard to see that what you do is push the window towards the bus once you swing it up but not knowing that we did everything else but that.

The replacement went in easily and looks just like it should.

So now at least when I do finally get around to ordering those slider windows I'll be an old hand at swapping them out and can expect it to go smoothly. For anyone else considering doing this, the function of the mysterious clips is to keep the window from sliding inwards when it is opened, thereby disengaging the hinge and falling out. It's a small thing but a necessary one.

Jim

epretot · July 02, 2022, 05:00:46 PM

Glad to see you got it figured out. I removed every window and reinstalled.

I agree...easy once you figure it out.

Do you know how to get the fuel tank door open? Not the access door but the large one.

Jim Blackwood · July 03, 2022, 08:02:50 PM

I've had mine open and don't think it was too difficult. I'll try to remember to look at it tomorrow. I'm thinking either Dzus fasteners or maybe screws though.

Jim

buswarrior · July 04, 2022, 01:28:11 AM

Bolted inside at the top, and tips/lifts out at bottom, perhaps?

The entire panel will come off, one way or another, to allow the fuel tank to slide out of there.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Jim Blackwood · July 04, 2022, 08:39:31 AM

Correct, I just checked it. Put yer rubber gloves on and grab that stubby 9/16" ratchet. Try not to drop the wrench.

Jim

epretot · July 10, 2022, 06:04:07 AM

I dropped the wrench!

Got another one though. Backed the bolts out. There is a little play in it now...

Dave5Cs · July 10, 2022, 07:30:14 AM

Where is this fuel door located. My MCI 5 C doesn't look to have one other than the regular door where you fuel up?

Ed Hackenbruch · July 10, 2022, 11:12:52 AM

Dave, i just looked at mine. If you open the fuel door and look inside at the upper corners there is a bracket with a bolt that attaches to the panel. I think that if you undo those that the bottom is either hinged or sits down in either a slot or over a lip that holds it in place.....

Dave5Cs · July 10, 2022, 11:32:48 AM

Thanks Ed will look. Just never saw it before. Now I will have to look.

windtrader · July 10, 2022, 12:21:21 PM

I was just looking at that last week. I wanted to get access to a nut attached to a bolt in the wall of the battery bay. It definatefly felt like it was hinged but I could not sort it out at the time as I was able to get what I needed done without having to open that bay.

Ed Hackenbruch · July 10, 2022, 06:19:11 PM

Dave, was gone for a while and just got back and took another look at it. I think that the panel has a peg on each corner of the bottom and they go down into a hole and that keeps them in place so once the bolts are removed you just lift it up a little and out.

lostagain · July 10, 2022, 06:41:41 PM

Ed, it is not often you are wrong, but you are right again. LOL.

Ed Hackenbruch · July 10, 2022, 06:56:19 PM

JC, i am wrong a lot......just ask my wife!

Jim Blackwood · July 11, 2022, 05:58:30 AM

Yes but wives live in an alternate reality. (Dons Armor) just sayin...

Sebulba · July 16, 2022, 07:42:25 AM

Jim, Thanks a million for this. I have looked and looked at those windows and not been able to figure out how they work. I need to replace 2, 1 is cracked an the other one isn't tinted all the way to the top due to the destination sign in it's previous life.

too bad you didn't take a video.....

Now I just need to find some replacements and give it a try.

Seb

Quote from: Jim Blackwood on July 01, 2022, 08:45:34 AM
I finally got around to replacing the lavatory window with a standard side window (salvage). It was both easy and difficult. I had a helper and we set up a 5ft scaffold for access. Having another foot or so would have helped a lot, also we set up too close, should have been maybe a foot away from the bus.

I had already removed the screws. We removed the clips, swung the window up but then didn't know how to get it to release from the hinge so we tried sliding it back and forth and managed to get it jammed. Then I beat on it with a mallet while Steve held the other end up trying to get it back to center. Somewhere along the line Steve's end came loose and then when I got it driven back far enough my end came loose and it crashed down on the scaffolding, skinning the back of Steve's hand in the process. All in all I'd say about the only thing we didn't do wrong was skin the side of the bus or fall off the scaffold. Steve was a good sport about it but I hate to think what Margaret had to say. We bandaged him up good though and it didn't seem to be causing him any real pain. Nasty looking skinned place though.

Once we had it out it wasn't hard to see that what you do is push the window towards the bus once you swing it up but not knowing that we did everything else but that.

The replacement went in easily and looks just like it should.

So now at least when I do finally get around to ordering those slider windows I'll be an old hand at swapping them out and can expect it to go smoothly. For anyone else considering doing this, the function of the mysterious clips is to keep the window from sliding inwards when it is opened, thereby disengaging the hinge and falling out. It's a small thing but a necessary one.

Jim