[VAC] 66,67,68 Corning Windows

[wescott50@xxxxxxxxx (Bill Scott)]

Many on this list have asked about the windows on 1966,1967 and 1968
Airstreams.  The front and rear windows are flat glass, thin and can be
replaced with flat glass or lexan.  The side windows are slightly curved
and follow the radius of the side of the coach.  Corning originally made
the glass.  Here are some options for replacements.   Most any glass
shop has the thin flat glass for the front and rear.  If you are on the
road, a large piece of Lexan cut to size can be fitted in the  upper U
channel, then the metal clips can be tapped into place. Those lower
metal clips with a square hook are essential so the closures will attach
and pull the window snug against the rubber strip.  If the lower clips
are lost, the plexiglass can be screwed to the inside frame as a fast
fix.  For the side windows, most any glass shop can refer you to a glass
bender.  There are speciality shops through out the country that can
bend glass.  It is very expensive and time consuming.  The lexan pieces
for the side windows can also be bent, or just pulled in with the clips,
and allowed to take a set.
If you need new clips, you can order them from;    
Tony Williams
1035A 9th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 395-8706

They are $2 each , or $20 per 6 + $2 S&H

Now the other hardware, is another storey.  Many people break or lose
the piece that fits the upper channel.  It is a J elbow with a hole for
the opening arm, and held on by a small "C" clip.  The elbow is made of
cheap pot metal and is a weak link.  You can have it re-fabricated at
??? expense.  A good welding shop might be able to make a suitable
replacement piece out of aluminum.  Still expensive.  I had one that was
broken.  The window next to the door, when open is a target for anyone
walking to the door. I decided to close it permanently, and use the
closing hardware for other windows.  You may want to do the same.  The
lifting arms and cranks are still available from Blaine.  The center
closing cranks and closing mechanisms are no longer available, but can
be cleaned , lubed and painted.  They don't wear out, they just get
corroded, and rusty.  Clean them and kept them lubed with a little white
lithium grease.   The rubber seals on the inside frame are D shaped
rubber, or square rubber, and is available from SoffSeal, or you can use
the closed cell weatherstrip available at most hardware stores.  Doug
Rowbottom, WAM, (Wayne Moore) and Clayton Rogers, of the WDC Unit, have
all recently replaced or repaired their windows.  They may have other
ideas for fixing the widows.  Corning glass, may still have the jigs for
the curved glass.  If they were approached about making a small run of
the windows, they just might do it.  You can call Airstream and ask what
Corning factory did the initial work.  If someone can convince Corning,
or another glass maker to make some of the windows, then more power to
you.  Plexiglass can also be used, but it has a tendency to break down
from UV rays after a few years.   I hope that covers the gamut, if
anyone has specific questions about these windows, just fire away.  I
will post the Blaine and Soffseal url in another post.

Good Luck,
Bill Scott
66 Trade Wind LY