| Author | Message | ||
| Dustin Bringham (Dmbringham)
Registered Member Username: Dmbringham Post Number: 16 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 98.162.238.75 Rating: N/A |
On an MC-8 when “Blocking” the windows can I leave the existing windows in , and cover over them with metal, or do I need to take the windows completely out, and cover over the holes. I have pulled the windows and blocked them on an Eagle, but the MCI windows seem more flush with the side of the bus. | ||
| Dan West (Utahclaimjumper)
Registered Member Username: Utahclaimjumper Post Number: 160 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 208.66.38.115 Rating: N/A |
Why haul the weight around for nothing??>>>Dan | ||
| Grant Thiessen (Busshawg)
Registered Member Username: Busshawg Post Number: 127 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 206.45.93.160  Rating: N/A |
I would remove the window and frame and skin them over. Will help to prevent leaks from bad seals etc and give you more room for isulation. However if you want to go over them I can't see why not, just something I wouldn't do. | ||
| Dustin Bringham (Dmbringham)
Registered Member Username: Dmbringham Post Number: 17 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 98.162.238.75 Rating: N/A |
I have heard both arguments, that's why im am asking for advice. | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 857 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.162.83.117  Rating: N/A |
On a much earlier thread (about two years back?) you'll find a few comments regarding the glass breaking inside the coverings, leaving the owner to listen to rattles forever. Take 'em out. Just take the pin out from the outside upper hinges, and remove the assembly. It's easy to cover over the remaining window frame, add 2" styrofoam panels cut to the size of the opening, spray foam (cans) for any gaps, and cover the inside. I used 2" square tubing in the middle of each window, to add some strength. Just "L" tab the tubing top and bottom. You'll be very happy to have that added insulation!    | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 111 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190  Rating: N/A |
The window I take out I will use to double pain windows I keep . Only thing better than double pain is triple pain ! Weight is marginal to a point. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 748 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 69.19.14.35 Rating: N/A |
Bus windows are great in a bus , they suck in a mororhome/bus camper.. The problem is the sliding opening which covers half the window when "fully" open and allows rain by the ton to pour in. I would remove the bus windows and keep the frames. In the South there are many small mfg. of windows , I would go to one and find awning windows to fit the rectangular portion of the stock opening. Custom size would require a set up fee , but $100 split on 8 units is not a big deal. The ability to open a bit , even in a real rainstorm , or really wide , really open in warm weather is worth the effort. The ability to properly ventilate (and an awning either side) will allow you to avoid being locked in canned air for many extra months. FF | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 98 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 75.211.11.85 Rating: N/A |
Dustin, there is no advantage in keeping the windows in when you skin over the sides. There are a number of DISadvantages, not the least of which is that glass in a motor vehicle is dangerous in any kind of accident. Moreover, with the original windows out, you can put in small windows for the bathroom, hall, etc. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 963 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 206.53.153.28  Rating: N/A |
My windows are double pane. They make for a great insulator! As FF always says, KISS! Also, if your existing windows DON'T leak, why would you open a hole that would/could potentially leak? I have had NO problems what so ever after 6 years! Ace (Message edited by ace on April 10, 2009) | ||
| joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab Post Number: 341 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33 Rating: N/A |
Sealed double pane windows may be be great, but how do you get fresh air into a sealed can? Neither am I suggesting the running of the air conditioner 24/7. Oops I forgot, you are not north of the 49th. Up here we have a habit of having windows open during the summer months seeing that we cant afford that luxury in the midst of oll man winter. Joe. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 964 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 206.53.144.103 Rating: N/A |
Joe am I missing something in your post? "How do you get fresh air into a sealed can"? Are you thinking that just because I covered over my windows rather than remove them that I don't or can't get fresh air inside without running the ac's? Uh I have OTHER windows still left in place that are not covered that I can also open if I want them open such as if we are camping dry and want some fresh air over a/c but that would be about it! Ace | ||
| Ralph Peters (Ralph7)
Registered Member Username: Ralph7 Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 66.59.120.99 Rating: N/A |
I covered my windows and when we get RV windows in they go. For air 3 roof fantastic fans, escape hatch, an 1 AC. | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 118 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190 Rating: N/A |
...if you make them double pain , you can still open the frames jsut as they were designed to open for a emergency escape or fresh air. This does not suggest you can not install smaller sliders in places were that is best. All glass (or plastic use on some grayhound spec. buses should be safety stamped , either S-1 or S-2 sae rated. Weather you make double pain out of the keepers or not; keep a few pains of the removed windows as spares. | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 750 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.162.12 Rating: N/A |
Every window I have seen so far in a coach that was "doubble pane" was a con job.AKA Boob Bait fir da Bubbas. OH sure it had 2 layers of glass but glass SUCKS as an insulator , as does air. To get ANY insulation as a "double pane window" the air between the glass must be evacuated and Argon , or a similar insulating gas installed. A reflective surface is also usually installed before the window is vacumed and sealed. Haven't kept up with sliders as they are so poor as windows in a rainy area , so perhaps today the Tech is possible ,but I'm still waiting to see it after 50,000 miles off the super slab, unfoged between the glass. KISS FF | ||
| Clint Hunter (Truthhunter)
Registered Member Username: Truthhunter Post Number: 121 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 24.129.235.190 Rating: N/A |
I have seen a few older MCI factory double pain up here in Canada. It is true that Argon,and all the other tricks do increase the efficiency. Making your own vacuum sealed is not to difficult, the trick is to heat them before you put them together and have a good seal, spacer. Even without being evacuated, it is still a big improvement over single pain insulation wise and clear vision (condensation & frost ) wise. I have not created the double pane on the MC 8 yet, but I do have a plan & intent, I have done my own on other applications with success. Use what you got, be it is cash or junk. | ||
| joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab Post Number: 342 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33 Rating: N/A |
Ace I reread your 7:18 post again in case I had gotten it wrong that is the idea that if the existing windows did not leak, that you would not want to open a hole for a potential leak to take place. Your profile picture does not give enough detail to show if there are any openable windows.You may have them, but I presumed (likely incorrect) that you did not. I have a couple of Prevosts in the yard with the stock windows, double pane and as I found out also very expensive but none opening. The only way to get fresh air in them is by opening the escape hatches, which is impractical when it rains. So I am suggesting that openable windows should be used but with extra care taken to ensure that the sealing job is done properly. Joe. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 966 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 206.53.153.40 Rating: N/A |
Joe on the H model coaches there are windows that open. They actually work well when it rains while sitting parked because they swing outward from the bottom due to them being hinged at the top. These windows have not been covered over. Yes these windows are the escape windows but fresh air is fresh air no matter how you obtain it! Ace | ||
| Dustin Bringham (Dmbringham)
Registered Member Username: Dmbringham Post Number: 18 Registered: 2-2009 Posted From: 98.162.238.75 Rating: N/A |
When blocking out the windows is there usually 1 peice of metal on each side or is there 2 peices, and a seam. If the is a seam do you overlap it or just butt them together, and have them filled during paint? Thanks! | ||
| Bill Gerrie (Bill_gerrie)
Registered Member Username: Bill_gerrie Post Number: 246 Registered: 3-2006 Posted From: 216.198.139.38 Rating: N/A |
Dustin Usually you will cover the window openings with one piece of metal. If you use two pieces over lap them with sealer between them. You don't want water to penetrate to the inside. Use metal thick enough as well. I used 14 gage as that is what I had. A little heavy but strong. If it is a large opening you might want to reinforce the joint with a piece of angle iron inside. Just remember to not let steel and aluminum touch as they will corrode with electrolices action. Coat the metal to prevent contact. I used duct tape between the sheets if I could hide the joint then sealer. Cheap and works well. No problem after 20+ years. Bill | ||
| joe padberg (Joemc7ab)
Registered Member Username: Joemc7ab Post Number: 343 Registered: 6-2004 Posted From: 66.38.159.33 Rating: N/A |
Ace I went and had another look at my XL's. The escape windows might work better than I had initially thought. Certainly they should work fine in rain. The only down side that I see is the need for screens if surrounded by pesky mosquitos or black flies. But then Busnuts tend to be somewhat innovative and usually are able to solve their problems. Joe. | ||
| H3-40 (Ace)
Registered Member Username: Ace Post Number: 967 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 75.221.234.202 Rating: N/A |
Joe, glad to hear that you r windows open up and can at least shed some fresh air! Screens are nice IF you can fit them in. We haven't done it yet although it may be in the plans for when we dry camp. Most of the time so far we have been hooked up to 30 or 50 amp power which keeps us pretty cool down here in the heat! Ace |