Dual to Single Pane Window Conversion

TASpinner · 05-31-2020, 06:38 PM

I have a foggy dual pane right front fixed window. It was acceptable for day use until I moved to a state with mechanical inspections and now I must fix it. I took it apart and tried to clean and reassemble. Glass was not etched and cleaned up well, but the fog returned quickly. Apparently the frame between the windows contains a now saturated desiccant.

I have it apart again, with the intent to remove one of the panes. With the center spacer that I'm also removing, I need to shim it out 11/32" to retain the current rubber molding. The next attempt involved the thickest home rubber weather stripping I could find as a shim, but it isn't a snug fit.

I saw one discussion on the forums using aluminum stock to space it out, but I'm not sure I can grind it down accurately from sizes I can purchase.

I would rather replace the rubber strip around the window with one sized for one pane. The window frame slot inner width is 3/4" and 1/2" deep, and the single pane is 1/8" thick. I see nothing in my online searches that would fit this and even have a local automotive / rv glass company stumped. They are calling Winnebago.

Does Winnebago's standard single pane use a different thickness glass or different channel width?

Any ideas on how to source this rubber? Other approaches?

I do most of my own work as this would not be affordable for me if I hired it all out. I'm in the Southeastern US and don't winter camp, so I really don't need the dual pane.

Oldchinahand · 06-01-2020, 10:55 PM

Dual paned glass has the two panes held apart by "swiggle". Usually a corrugated aluminum strip incased in a mastic. Comes in various widths for various pane spacing. There is nothing magic or RV specific about swiggle.

Contact a local glass installer. Same as if you broke a window in your home. I would recommend you have the installer replace the swiggle. The mastic requires an even pressure. If you want to improve the insulating quality, ask if he can fill the space with argon gas.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

TASpinner · 06-08-2020, 06:53 PM

Oldhinahand,

This was educational, and started a new search. I didn't find a source of this material is small quantity. I tried the local glass shop, but they weren't much help. They even tried to contact Winnebago without success. These things are likely sourced as an assembly so I knew at that point I was in the wrong place. I probably would have more luck looking in a big city, but I really needed to get my window back in the rig.

I looked at metal to build a spacer to take it down to single pane, but I don't have the tools to work metal and I could not find the rough width and depth that would work.

I am running an interesting experiment -- I ripped an furniture quality oak board down to the right size and used it as a spacer. Seems pretty solid. I'm hanging onto the one pane I removed so that I can go back to dual pane if this experiment fails and I can find a competent glass shop.

Thanks!

Goodspike · 06-08-2020, 07:13 PM

If you're in colder climates much I'd worry about increased condensation inside.

BobC · 06-09-2020, 05:54 AM

Rather than wood, I suggest you use something like Starboard plastic, available at Tap Plastics and other stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). Tap Plastics may be your best bet for a relatively small piece. It's similar to the plastic that cutting boards are made of but is made for marine use and will be guaranteed to be UV resistant, etc. It cuts and shapes the same as wood.

Oldchinahand · 06-10-2020, 02:37 PM

Good job, Bob! I was thinking of using lexan for an unrelated project. Don't like working it. Couldn't get 3/8 thickness in <4x8 sht.

Went on line to HD. No Starboard plastic unless you are a left coaster. Went to Tap Plastics. Can order, but not user friendly.

However, Starboard happens to be their name for high density molecular polyethlene (HDML). Suddenly a new playing field. It is jig making material available from Woodworkers Supply, Woodworkers Source, Rockler, and of course Amazon. (I can't stand it when I have to go thru Amazon) Heck, I even had a few scraps around my shop. Just hadn't connected the dots.

Good choice for TASpinner if he does not have to glue it. I use it to make fence faces and other jig parts that need to be slick. Very slick! Bandsaw, tablesaw, lathe, router, hand tools works easy. Caution -- the shavings on the floor are like black ice on a highway.

On my way to Wood Worker's Supply for a 3/8 x 24 x 48 sheet shortly.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

JimP · 06-14-2020, 04:47 PM

U-Tube video shows using foam tape to keep the separation between the glass panes.

R2D2 · 06-14-2020, 04:53 PM

I had a friend in the glass business redo two of mine due to condensation. There was no spacer of any kind between the panes. Just foam insulation tape that is readily available at most hardware stores. It comes in many width's and thicknesses. It is sticky on one side so forming it to fit the radius was very easy.

jarnarcos · 06-14-2020, 08:31 PM

Off the wall idea -sorry if that works into a pun....leave the space between the two panes open to the air and then create a way to throw some heat into the space. Could be as simple as some infrared LED's or a couple of watts worth of incandescent bulbs (think Christmas tree lights). The heat will dry out the condensation; you'll still get some of the insulating qualities of the double panes.

NeilV · 06-14-2020, 09:33 PM

Most glass shops that repair thermopane glass are able to handle this so you are likely dealing with the wrong glass shop. Look for one that repairs thermopane glass that has lost its seal. Aside from that the glass in the correct sizes should be available from Atwood and Winnebago Customer Support should be able to advise you on the best way to convert from thermopane to single pane if thats what you want to do, It will likely involve a thicker inside retainer strip.

Aluminum bar stock rips quite well on the table saw with the appropriate metal cutting saw blade or even a fine tooth wood working blade. Be sure to wear protective gear due to the aluminum chips and dust that will be flying about, PVC decking also may work well for this purpose and is already UV resistant. PVC trim board is many times foam core and not the best choice.

Starboard is available through marine supply stores such as West Marine and they will honor the best on-line prices you can find at the local stores too and I believe it comes in black.

Bo Walker · 06-15-2020, 04:52 AM

You mentioned using Lexan which is a brand name for polycarbonite. I bought two 4' X 8' X 1/18" sheets last week. The two sheets cost me $408.50. I don't know if you can get smaller pieces or not. I think you can.
I cut the sheets with a power saw and router.
It sounds like you need to go to a larger city and find some one who will make it for you.
There is a local glass and screen business in Tallahassee Who used to make insulated windows. I bet they could make your window.

Bob T · 06-15-2020, 05:53 AM

I had a similar problem in that the drivers sliding window fogged, plus the window in front of started to go.
That would have meant no rear view mirror.
Went to a place in Sebring Fla.
They removed the one window, split frame apart and replaced the sections with new glass panels that they laminated together. Very much like your windshield, sandwiched together with plastic in between.
Invoice is in the motorhome but I believe the company name was Darren Root glass.
Hope this gives you another option.
Bob

LizandBruce · 06-15-2020, 06:32 AM

I found the products needed to repair ours on Amazon and ebay. The gap between our two panes of glass is 3/16". Here are the links:
1) This provides the glass pane gap. This comes in different thicknesses on Amazon and ebay. We also used this product around the entire window assembly to reinsntall on our coach.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2) I used this product around the edge of glass to seal it. Available on ebay and Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Windshield-Ur...2223855&sr=8-5
3) Used this scraper to clean the side of the coach.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4) Used mineral spirits to clean the seal off the side of the coach and clean the sealer off the glass panes after scraping with razor blades.
5) This product worked well to remove some of the minerals on the inside of the glass. I also used a made for glass buffy pad on my drill with this polish.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are a few videos on Youtube that show how to separate the glass panes and reseal the glass. This is not very hard but requires some patience and entry level dyi skills. Good luck

BobC · 06-15-2020, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LizandBruce

I found the products needed to repair ours on Amazon and ebay. The gap between our two panes of glass is 3/16". Here are the links:
1) This provides the glass pane gap. This comes in different thicknesses on Amazon and ebay. We also used this product around the entire window assembly to reinsntall on our coach.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2) I used this product around the edge of glass to seal it. Available on ebay and Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Windshield-Ur...2223855&sr=8-5
3) Used this scraper to clean the side of the coach.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4) Used mineral spirits to clean the seal off the side of the coach and clean the sealer off the glass panes after scraping with razor blades.
5) This product worked well to remove some of the minerals on the inside of the glass. I also used a made for glass buffy pad on my drill with this polish.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are a few videos on Youtube that show how to separate the glass panes and reseal the glass. This is not very hard but requires some patience and entry level dyi skills. Good luck

So what did you do in terms of the air between the two panes?

Jakm · 06-16-2020, 06:48 AM

You might want to check this place out.

https://rvglassrepairservices.com/

LeonardoBF · 06-20-2020, 04:47 PM

Your issue is a common one with RVs. If you will be visiting Florida, I recommend visiting - Suncoast Designers | RV Window Repair Specialists in Hudson, FL. Your problem is their speciality. They have RV hookups so you can stay there while they repair the window, and they warranty their work. I had 7 windows in my Adventure repaired 4 years ago and they are as good as new.