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Topic: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane  (Read 287 times) previous topic - next topic
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Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
I just discovered a 5" crack in the passenger side rear sliding window (that's the window with the irregular shape). The crack is only on the inner side of the double glass (as far as I know in the 2001 model the two panes are glued together).

I don't know how this happened. However, I replaced about a week ago the sash lock on this window, and the crack starts almost exactly where the screw for the lock goes into the window. I have loosened that screw now a little, and I will of course watch the crack to see whether it gets longer.

What do I do best with this crack? If it would stay as it is I could live with it. If it gets longer I guess the glass or the window will have to get repaired or replaced. What kind of shop can do this now that Lazy Daze has closed?

Is there any special material (a foil or something similar) that I can put onto the crack to keep it (at least for some time) from getting worse?

Thanks,
Klaus
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #1 –
Hi Klaus; Off hand I'd say take it to any glass shop, not necessarily automotive, and see what they say. Was that screw the same one that came out of that spot?  Maybe file the point off of it since it doesn't really need it now that the hole is 'tapped'.   Pictures of course help fill out this story.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #2 –
Thanks, Ron. I will try a glass shop. I used the screw that came with the new sash - that was probably not a good idea. It just did not occur to me that the screw could touch the glass.

I have now put a small piece of blue masking tape below the end of the crack. That will make it easy to see that the crack (hopefully) does not get longer.

I also tried to upload a picture, but this function seems not to work right now. I tried jpg and png in different sizes (275 kb, 500 kb, 1000 kb), I also tried different browsers - nothing works.
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #3 –
Klaus,

If you have your photos on a smart phone, you can select images straight from your phone’s picture gallery and send them to the forum.

I do all my LDOG work on my iPhone and the process is very straight forward once you figure it out.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #4 –
I have the pictures on my MacBook. Until today I never had problems to upload jpg's or pdf's to the forum.

PS: I just successfully uploaded one of the images to another forum.
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #5 –
... trying one more time to upload an image here (5 Inch Crack 275 KB.jpg).

PS: Yoohoo, it worked! (This confirms my general theory that complaining often helps.)
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #6 –
I wonder if you could go to a windshield shop that fills cracks and maybe drill the very end of the crack and use their epoxy to fill the end of the crack. Had it done on a windshield once and it lasted for a very long time.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #7 –
You may wish to consider calling Todd, to request a referral to the Lazy Daze Inc.’s former glass supplier.  I know that glass supply was a challenge to the Mother Ship of late, in part because Hehr was purchased by Lippert Componants, during the Pandemic.  If Todd is not able to help, you might try a company like this one that specializes in RV glass.


Aftermarket RV Window supplier
Hehr and Kinro RV Windows - RV Windows

Lippert’ s RV Product Summary (their Web store does not offer a full range of products hence, you may need to contact an authorized dealer)

RV & Trailer Windows | Lippert

Lippert’ s DIY Summary gives insight into the relatively simple process of replacing a “Hehr Style” window

RV Window Installation Guide
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #8 –
Klaus,

Your story reads almost exactly as my experience with a new latch. On my 2005 mid-bath, I replaced most of my fogging double pane windows with laminated panes. They are about the same thickness, but solid. When I needed a replacement latch, the mothership sent what they were using at the time. The new latches are designed a little differently. The base of the latch where the screws go through to the frame is just a little thicker then the existing latches base. When I received the latches, there were no screws included and the old screws were not quite long enough to go through the base to grab the frame. At the hardware store, I got new screws that were ever so slightly longer which did the trick.

Fast forward a few weeks, the exact same thing happened to me. I noticed a crack emanating from the top screw. I backed out the screw slightly, but the damage was done. Put a piece of blue tape to judge it's progression. The crack is creeping out past the mid-way mark. This is the sliding pane next to the dinette.

I am quite surprised that the screws did this to your double pane windows. I would have thought the screw would hit in between the panes and not affect them, except for maybe breaking the airtight seal.

On my way right now to Coberg OR, to RV Glass Solutions to get it replaced. Apparently, they don't do class C's anymore, but agreed to do mine, I guess, because they did the original replacements.

It actually did occur to me that this could happen. I notice the original screws don't seem to have a sharp point on them. When I have the glass replaced, I'm going to ask to see, or have them photograph, how deep the screw can go before it penetrates the frames' other side. I think filing down the end tip of the screw would do the trick. I don't recall if the originals were machine screws - which have flat ends, or sheet metal screws, but putting any pressure on the edge of the glass must be avoided.

Good luck with your repair. It's gotten much more difficult finding a shop to do the work.

Best,
David G.
2005 MB
 
Re: Crack In Rear Sliding Window Pane
Reply #9 –
Same window lock screws got loose with in few months of buying the RV and screws lost threads. I was tempted to get a longer screw but instead I talk to the factory and they asked me to fill out screws hole with jb weld proxy and put in the screw right away .... to my surprise screw/lock is holding out well for last few thousand miles.

Quote from: Klaus  - 
I just discovered a 5" crack in the passenger side rear sliding window (that's the window with the irregular shape). The crack is only on the inner side of the double glass (as far as I know in the 2001 model the two panes are glued together).

I don't know how this happened. However, I replaced about a week ago the sash lock on this window, and the crack starts almost exactly where the screw for the lock goes into the window. I have loosened that screw now a little, and I will of course watch the crack to see whether it gets longer.

What do I do best with this crack? If it would stay as it is I could live with it. If it gets longer I guess the glass or the window will have to get repaired or replaced. What kind of shop can do this now that Lazy Daze has closed?

Is there any special material (a foil or something similar) that I can put onto the crack to keep it (at least for some time) from getting worse?

Thanks,
Klaus