4104 windshield

[Geoff]

I'm working on a 4104 that has a non-repairable Sun Frost Model R-12 12v refer in it.  I have to remove the frig but it is so big it has to come out the windshield.  Or, I could cut it up.  My concerns are :. How big a mess it it to cut up?  Or, if the windshield cracks, are new ones available and how much?

[Gordie Allen]

I'd cut the fridge up. Way easier than removing and replacing a windshield. You can get a new windshield from Luke at U.S. Coach. I believe they are $150.00 plus shipping. You have to remove the locking strip from the gasket holding the window in. To remove the glass you'll need two suction cup handles. plastic levers to pry the glass out of the gasket, and at least one other person to help. My first windshield took me three days (and three attempts) with an experienced glass shop guy helping me. We had to fashion a few plastic tools to get the gasket back around the glass and then reinstall the locking strip. Then you should drench the windshield for at least five minutes to check for leaks. IMHO tear the fridge apart.

[windtrader]

if another is going in that needs room, may as well pop the window; otherwise, cut in half.

[Geoff]

I told the owner she should get a 10 cu ft apartment size since at 24" it will fit through the door.  But if she wants a bigger one out comes the windshield. Cutting up the old one is going to be messy with all the insulation.

[chessie4905]

You want the front of coach facing the sun for a couple of hours to soften the gasket. After removing lock strip, start to work it out on top rounded corner with help, of course. A platform to work from is a good idea. As you work back the outer part of seal, apply light pressure on inside where you are at on outside. You aren't trying to pop it out now, just keeping gasket from going back tight against glass. Be patient, it is like difusing a bomb. Forcing it is like cutting the wrong wire.
Btw,Luke now has new windshield rubbers incase yours is old and cracked and brittle.

[dtcerrato]

I've done 4104 windshield twice and planning on doing it again in the not too distant future. It takes patience but is doable like anything else. If the weather strip is old & hard - recomend a replacement seal. A 5/16" diameter rope in the glass channel makes it a lot easier install. As the glass is being pressured against the seal from the out side pull the rope straight away from the seal outward and the rope will peel the seal over the glass with the use of slime (what electricians pull wire with. It works pretty slick-literally!

[Dave5Cs]

The white vinyl covered close line rope works really good to with the Slim also.

[oltrunt]

Once you get the glass out be real careful about subjecting it to rapid temperature change.  I once carefully pulled a front glass in a sort of warm shop with the plan of storing it in the next bay.  It never got there.  The second I left the warm bay and hit the cold air outside the glass practically blew up    Jack

[eagle19952]

I installed a lot of glass in construction eq. Caterpillar mostly.

all the tips here are good ones, my go to window rubber glass slickum lube is GOJO hand cleaner.
that and plastic glass install spoons is all that touches the glass.



https://www.amazon.com/Tapered-Windshield-Stick-Setting-Tool/dp/B000MPRRBS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_263_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XBW322GZHR9DMGM73512

[RJ]

I told the owner she should get a 10 cu ft apartment size since at 24" it will fit through the door. 

Geoff -

Here's what we replaced our 6 cuft NeverCold with.  Have to order from HD, but it came in a couple days (altho some stores have them in stock.)  Also available in white.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Chef-10-1-cu-ft-Top-Freezer-Refrigerator-in-Black-HMDR1000BE/302245062

FWIW & HTH. . .

[Dave5Cs]

RJ nice do you run it on inverter going down the road or generator. Or just as some keep door closed as much as possible.
Dave5Cs

[dtcerrato]

I couldn't imagine RVing without a fridge that at least has LP mode as an option. Our old instamatic was a never cold fridge but when we replaced it with the Dometic, cold & froze has never been a problem. It's LP & 110 volt. Can boondock forever on LP. Of coarse we never got into huge battery banks nor solar. I guess we're old school...