Hey All,
I recently replaced my awning window after our friend @Kiltym managed to replace his a month or so ago. Mine was badly cracked and whistled terribly at highway speeds. After I saw Kiltym's post https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55117&page=3 -, I decided it was finally time to make the switch. Huge thanks to Kiltym for guinea pigging this for all of us!
I installed the same slider window and seal. Below are the part numbers for each. The window cost me $430 and the seal $25.
5122302AA Glass Slider
5104246AA Gasket
It is also important to note that I measured the window cut out once the window was removed to ensure it matched with others measurements, and it is exactly the same as Kiltym's measurements - 23 15/16" x 41 3/4".
Before choosing that slider, I first reached out to numerous Seitz dealers in the UK to determine if they could provide me with just the glazing, but it was no to avail. I know many have done this prior, but I thought I would follow up and see if I could find anything. Not only was our specific glazing not available, but they also will only ship in the UK. This would have been the easiest fix.
As others have mentioned it may be possible to get our original awning westy window imported, but it comes with a hefty price tag. I estimated importing that window would be around $1500.
For what it is worth, I thought I would offer my advice based on my experience for anyone else in the unfortunate position of needing to replace the window. I won't explain the process for removing the old window as Kiltym does a much better job than I can. I will second Kiltym's comments in saying that removing the old window is a breeze, and the tedious part is removing the adhesive and gunk from the old window.
Since the old window seals with a gasket and not screws, I used a JB weld epoxy stick to fill the holes after I primed with a rust preventive as Killytm suggests. There was no indication of rust, but better safe than sorry!
Installing the new window takes some serious muscle and finesse. A buddy and I ended up getting the window installed in about 2.5 hours. The process is straight forward, roping it into place, but it is easier said than done. Be sure to use a generous amount of dish soapy water to lube the seal, and prevent any tearing of the seal as you pull the rope through. This also helps as you manhandle the window up/down left/right as you are roping it into place. We reapplied the soapy water often during the process. We found it easiest to start the roping process from the bottom and ensure you do not end on a corner as the interior trim is extremely tight on the corners.
Although it is an extremely, extremely, extremely, tight fit, DO NOT GRIND DOWN THE LIP of the window that the seal goes into. I thought of doing this many times during the process but found that if the opening was any bigger, that seal wouldn't seal properly. It may make it easier to install, but I am sure it would be poorly sealed.
The new window looks great (IMO) and functions well. I like the idea of be able to drive with the slider open for passengers in the back. There is no whistling at speeds that I can tell (like my old window was doing, and happy to have the project complete!
Attached are photos of the new window. Thanks again to Kiiltym for pioneering the window swap!!!!
I do have the old window and all window parts if anyone is interested. Let me know!
I recently replaced my awning window after our friend @Kiltym managed to replace his a month or so ago. Mine was badly cracked and whistled terribly at highway speeds. After I saw Kiltym's post https://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55117&page=3 -, I decided it was finally time to make the switch. Huge thanks to Kiltym for guinea pigging this for all of us!
I installed the same slider window and seal. Below are the part numbers for each. The window cost me $430 and the seal $25.
5122302AA Glass Slider
5104246AA Gasket
It is also important to note that I measured the window cut out once the window was removed to ensure it matched with others measurements, and it is exactly the same as Kiltym's measurements - 23 15/16" x 41 3/4".
Before choosing that slider, I first reached out to numerous Seitz dealers in the UK to determine if they could provide me with just the glazing, but it was no to avail. I know many have done this prior, but I thought I would follow up and see if I could find anything. Not only was our specific glazing not available, but they also will only ship in the UK. This would have been the easiest fix.
As others have mentioned it may be possible to get our original awning westy window imported, but it comes with a hefty price tag. I estimated importing that window would be around $1500.
For what it is worth, I thought I would offer my advice based on my experience for anyone else in the unfortunate position of needing to replace the window. I won't explain the process for removing the old window as Kiltym does a much better job than I can. I will second Kiltym's comments in saying that removing the old window is a breeze, and the tedious part is removing the adhesive and gunk from the old window.
Since the old window seals with a gasket and not screws, I used a JB weld epoxy stick to fill the holes after I primed with a rust preventive as Killytm suggests. There was no indication of rust, but better safe than sorry!
Installing the new window takes some serious muscle and finesse. A buddy and I ended up getting the window installed in about 2.5 hours. The process is straight forward, roping it into place, but it is easier said than done. Be sure to use a generous amount of dish soapy water to lube the seal, and prevent any tearing of the seal as you pull the rope through. This also helps as you manhandle the window up/down left/right as you are roping it into place. We reapplied the soapy water often during the process. We found it easiest to start the roping process from the bottom and ensure you do not end on a corner as the interior trim is extremely tight on the corners.
Although it is an extremely, extremely, extremely, tight fit, DO NOT GRIND DOWN THE LIP of the window that the seal goes into. I thought of doing this many times during the process but found that if the opening was any bigger, that seal wouldn't seal properly. It may make it easier to install, but I am sure it would be poorly sealed.
The new window looks great (IMO) and functions well. I like the idea of be able to drive with the slider open for passengers in the back. There is no whistling at speeds that I can tell (like my old window was doing, and happy to have the project complete!
Attached are photos of the new window. Thanks again to Kiiltym for pioneering the window swap!!!!
I do have the old window and all window parts if anyone is interested. Let me know!
