Installed fixed window on upper sliding door (hightop)

[DesertTed]

I've not continued my thread on our conversion, but feel I should show any of you interested in installing a fixed glass window in the top of the sliding door. I think it's pretty neat, especially considering the cost, speed and ease of installation. When we first bought our vehicle, we approached cutting into the sheet metal with great trepidation. After the ceiling fan and rear windows, holes through the side for an ac electrical connection, the water inlet, a couple dozen screw holes for cable clams, the two floor vents and this window, we can say that although it's not a hole piece of cake, it doesn't inspire the fear and terror that it did when we started on the conversion.

 

We bought the CRLaurence window from Campervan HQ for $160 and $20 shipping. It has a 28% tint. Hub says this is how he did it:

 

"I used sheets to mask off the rest of the van from the metal shavings. I got two fire extinguishers handy because I decided to cut from the inside of the van in order to follow the factory cut-out more easily and the angle grinder puts out a s***load of sparks while cutting into sheet metal."

 

"I then drilled 36 holes around the perimeter of the cutout from the inside. Once that was done, I went outside and taped around the perimeter with three layers of masking tape. I then, from the inside started to cut the hole with the angle grinder. I shortly decided that between two layers of sheet metal defining the cutout and the mass of sparking, it was easier and safer to cut from the outside. Around the radii, I played it safe and also used the drill and hacksaw blade. I then filed the edges and used touch up paint on the bare metal (after I made sure the window fit)."

 

"Then my wife held and put pressure on the outside of the window while I screwed in the frame. I then hosed the window with direct spray at least as strong as a deluge raining sideways."

 

"Voilà! Done. Condensing the time, it took about three hours total for the installation. The tools I used were: the angle grinder, drill, hacksaw blade, a metal file, a Philips screwdriver, touchup paint and masking tape. And a shot of tequila after cutting out the big hole (at 0930). "

 

Photos below of window, the raw cutout, the outside finished product and the view from the inside. It really adds a good amount of light within. It's also nice to be able to see out at least on the one side without having to scramble into the front seat.

Edited May 6, 2017 by DesertTed

[mk1_62]

That looks fantastic...I love it.

[Glidedon]

Looks good DesertTed. Thanks for posting. I want to do this too, have you seen a window that opens and fits in the same spot?

[DesertTed]

I know that Outside Van has an opening window on their NV conversion in the same place (upper sliding door). I don't know where they got it, but in my perusals, I think I've seen that people have used a Ford Transit sliding window. Don't hold me to it, though. I think it's pretty much the same size. It is nice that with the CR Laurence window, though,that the cutout is exactly the size of the indentations on the door. It was idiot proof (comparatively).

 

In a perfect world, an openable window would be nice, but Hub wanted "easy" on our last project of our conversion. We were done with the project until I said "Honey, can we do just one more thing?" But we're done now, with only finishing touches remaining. I'm sure that, once we're on the road, we'll have plenty of small tweaks to make.

Ted

[Glidedon]

Thanks for all your posts regarding your conversion DesertTed

[Bamps]

Looks great!!