This is getting very, very old

Charles in SC · April 08, 2010, 01:44:46 PM

Does the book have any directions for replacing the windshield? I had to replace mine a few years ago and the book had a very good explanation in it. My only problems were that it has 6 panes in it and none of the glass folks around here would touch it, not to mention the glass was not available new. I wound up doing it myself. How is it that someone like me that has never done it before was able to install it when none of the pros knew how? Makes you wonder.

Melbo · April 08, 2010, 03:31:58 PM

Ruthi

I had cracked windshields when I got my bus and ordered replacements -- the passenger side went in fine but the drivers side did not fit. I'm not talking about a little did not fit I mean there was a 3 inch gap on the left of the windshield and when you would drive the flex of the bus would "walk" the windshield right out of the opening. I could tell stories about driving a spicer and holding the windshield but back to the point. I took one of the cracked windshields and checked that it was still the proper shape (not flexed or deflected) and used it to build a frame which I attached to the bus and built another frame that bolts to the first and holds the windshield in place. I put masking tape around the edge of the windshield and the cavity that windshield fits into and filled the void with PL roofing adhesive caulk which is black. I then trimmed all the excess off when it was dry. Now if I need to change a windshield it is 6 bolts to remove and masking tape and roofing adhesive. As frank (slow rider) noted one evening in chat -- I may never find out how easy or hard it is to change a windshield if it never breaks. I have pictures and can give you a detailed explanation of how I actually did the frames.

Melbo

ruthi · April 08, 2010, 03:39:16 PM

Bryanhes, you are too funny, you made me laugh.

bryanhes · April 08, 2010, 03:57:24 PM

Ruthi,

I figured you could use a laugh at this point

Bryan

ruthi · April 08, 2010, 04:16:40 PM

for sure,

bryanhes · April 08, 2010, 04:22:08 PM

Ruthi,

Its been a while back that I spoke with Ken. I meant to ask him but forgot. Did you guys leave the hump under your cap on the Buffalo?

Bryan

ruthi · April 08, 2010, 07:56:01 PM

yes

ruthi · April 08, 2010, 08:29:58 PM

I have to once again thank all of you for your support and help. You guys are all great. I appreciate the help and suggestions from all of you. Where else could I learn about 100 mph duct tape, lol. When I know more, I will let you know. Ruthi

Busted Knuckle · April 08, 2010, 10:06:18 PM

Ruthi have you, Ken, or the installers called Carl "Fritz" Raines about the windshield problem?
I guarantee that Carl has had to replace many of them!
FWIW

BK

ruthi · April 10, 2010, 11:02:35 AM

BK, I dont know who you are talking about. But.........if we put it back in the way it was originally, there is no way it could be replaced if broken in the future. After the front cabinets are built, because you have to be inside and outside to get it in, from top to bottom. So now, we are thinking what else we could do for a solution to that problem. As I said, this is getting very old. $:-\$

JackConrad · April 10, 2010, 11:16:04 AM

Ruthi,
Any chance of designing the front cabinets to be removable? Just a thought. Jack

ruthi · April 10, 2010, 11:32:57 AM

Hmmmm I will mention that to Ken, but, sounds like a pain. We will have a lot of cabinets and openings for all out electronics, etc, and that is a lot, also the tv. I dont know how solid you could make them if they were removable. Also, so far, we cant even get both the windshields installed without one getting broken. If one got broke on the road, who knows what would happen. We never imagined that the windshields would be the biggest problem with the conversion. I am glad Ken is leaving to work as he needs a break from the stress. I think we both got too stressed with this the last couple of weeks. When you see 450 dollar windshieds getting broken, not to mention labor cost, it gets pretty stressful. You can hear the money going, ca-ching!

John316 · April 10, 2010, 11:40:07 AM

Sorry for the troubles, Ruthi. I am not sure what else to say

.

Thanks for the explanation, Jack. Makes sense to me.

Now, I have never seen a Dina up close in person. But, is there any way you can modify the front end so a MCI D windshield will fit? Or is it not even close...Reason I ask is, D windshields are 200 delivered, and many coach lines have them lying around. Or, it could be a J or E, might be close. I don't know, but I am just throwing out desperate suggestions.

God bless,

John