[VACList] Wing Window Replacement & Greetings to One & All!

["Carolyn & Gerry White" <whitelight@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Even though we have been browsing through the VAC postings for a while, this is the first 
posting for Gerry & Carolyn White.  We own a 1974 31' Sovereign, which was in such 
good condition when we purchased it that no restoration work was required.  (This was a 
bonus as we've spent the last ten years restoring 2 different "vintage" ocean capable sail 
boats, one which recently made a New Zealand landfall.)

Our curb side wing window's outer glass is shattered such that water is collecting between 
the panes.  We happen to have an identical glass window as a replacement which appears to 
have come from the same year trailer.  The glass is in perfect condition although the 
bottom part of the aluminum frame seems to bowed away from the glass such that a maximum 
3/8" of the secondary gasket under the frame is exposed.  This "bowing" occurs in the 
center of the bottom frame for approximately 5".  As we didn't see the "donor" trailer, we 
don't know if it suffered a blow to the curbside front, thus distorting the frame, or 
endured a rough tug by a de-installer.  The seal appears to be in great shape.

Any suggestions as to our best approach?  Use our "straight" frame and replace with the 
good glass?  (We've heard that the gaskets can't be reused & are unavailable - we also 
have been able to be inventive with "irreplaceable" gaskets on boats)
Attempt to straighten the frame?  So has anyone been in the same boat before?
Thanks for your input.