PVC widows

Post by **barrie013** » 16 Jan 2006, 16:27

Could anyone give some advice or comments on making and fitting PVC windows to my van please ?
The theory is as follows:
Cut hole in door panel using a nibbler.
Bond PVC sheet to inside and outside of panel.
Finish neatly with aluminium inside and outside, drilled and bolted.
Does this seem feasible, and do you think it would be easier than fitting secondhand windows ?....Thanks.[/list]

Post by **Horza** » 16 Jan 2006, 16:31

Some thoughts

How thick is this PVC going to be? Not plastic fertilizer bag weight I take it?

Wont it scratch very very quickly and become non see through?

Don't trap any spiders between the pains.

Post by **barrie013** » 16 Jan 2006, 16:46

I'm going to check some sheets of PVC to work out what thickness I'll need for it to be strong enough. (I'm too old to get my head 'round millimetres !)
Never thought about the scratches...good point.
I am very very scared of spiders, so if there's one in the van my wife will have to escort it out safely for me

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 16 Jan 2006, 17:09

You might be better getting a price for secondhand windows from a breaker and think about fitting them - it's a bit conventional, but it might just work....

Post by **barrie013** » 16 Jan 2006, 17:55

Ideally I'd like to fit four windows to the van, but I'm not sure that I am capable of fitting 'proper' windows, and I'm far too mean to pay anyone else to fit them for me.

Post by **missusjen** » 16 Jan 2006, 19:21

PVC can be a pain in the backside to cut tbh - it likes splintering, and to get a thickness and quality that wouldn't splinter might cost you quite a fair bit. By the time you've faffed about with aluminiun strips etc you might find fitting second hand ready made windows was less bother....

Post by **kevtherev** » 16 Jan 2006, 19:26

I'm sure the DOT may have some comments to make as will your insurers.
the glass in mine is safety glass for obvious reasons...I.e if a car hits me side on I haven't got large sharp chunks flying around the van..

It's your van..you can do anything

Post by **barrie013** » 16 Jan 2006, 19:33

Thanks everyone. I was alright up until the 'splintering'....the thought of that happening with the children in the back doesn't bear thinking about.
Looks like a scrapyard after all and give it a go.....

Post by **missusjen** » 16 Jan 2006, 19:46

Put a 'wanted' ad in classified - people are always breaking scrap vans, and windows are often something that is left when they've used all the bits they need initially.
There are several T25 breakers around the country, although I can't think of anyone off-hand round your way.....Marcus in Coventry or CJ in Devon may be your nearest, but there are also plenty of members down your way, one of whom may have a scrap van - BrianJBox and Ermie get through them fairly regularly and are both in Chatham........