DIY Network

Exterior Windows and Access Doors Airstream windows are weather stripped and repaired From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-207

In this second segment host Kevin Tetz works on the windows and doors of the '70 project Airstream, which need maintenance, new weather stripping and some hardware enhancement.

advertisement

	Figure A
	New Weather Stripping

Replacing the Weather Stripping

Note: The weather stripping on the project '70 Airstream "Overlander" is shot (figure A). It must be replaced!

1. To replace the weather strip, remove the old strip first using a scraper.

2. Use adhesive removers to help dissolve the weather seal if you're having trouble with it. Also use the weather seal to clean off the remaining glue after the seal has been taken off.

3. A scrubber will clean in the crevices.

4. Next use an aluminum polish with an abrasive pad on areas that are pitted and oxidized.

5. Finish cleaning using a fine wool steel pad.

Applying the New Weather Stripping

1. Apply the new weather strip by putting adhesive on your finger to spread it out along the edges. Also put the adhesive on the weather strip.

   Note: Before applying adhesive to the weather strip, compare the new weather strip to the old to help find out which end goes where.

2. Wrap around without making contact. Make sure seam is on bottom of window.

3. Press firmly to get a good surface contact as you go. When you come to a corner, don't stretch your seal because it could pull loose as it naturally shrinks.

4. Let the adhesive set before putting it into your trailer.

	Figure B
	The new window hardware adds that extra shine to the exterior.

Enhancing the Hardware

1. To spruce up the brackets, use an abrasive pad to clean the scale off for better paint adhesion. Then paint it with a rust-prohibited silver paint.

2. The steel rods that hold the window in the guide can also be cleaned using an abrasive pad. The handles for the window guides are aluminum. If you use a tumbler (figure B), it makes the window hardware pieces look new and shiny.

3. The re-finished window slips into the hinge at the top of the casing and the support rods install through the window guides at the side.

4. On the project Airstream the latch and handle hardware are re-installed.

In the next segment the exterior restoration continues with Kevin painting the Airstream emblems, restoring the trim and completing some general touchup.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Floating Cork Floor
Natural Cork
Toll-free: 800-404-2675
Fax: 706-733-8120
Website: www.naturalcork.com

Window Slides
Inland RV Center Inc.
391 Elizabeth Ln.
Corona, CA 92880
Toll-free: 800-877-7311
Phone: 951-734-8130
Fax: 951-734-8132
Website: www.inlandrv.com

Paint for Nameplates and Emblems
Dupli-Color Paints
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
101 Prospect Ave., NW
Cleveland, OH 44115-1075
Phone: 216-566-2200
Fax: 216-566-2947