Let's talk windows, Ford window's. Searched and haven't found much info, am in the final stages of planning our Homebuild and over analysis has set in.

We're looking to add two windows to our Ford EB cargo van.

1 driver side for second row seating and one about halfway back on passenger side.

What I know is that CRL, Hehr and Kinro all make van windows, there are a few smaller outfits. Sportsmobile, it would seem, now uses CRL, I know of older vans have Kinro or Hehr.

CRL has the most information about their products out there. They make model specific windows as well as some universal windows. Though sometimes they have window listed as both model specific and universal. Confusing, I know.


Has anybody used, "flat" non contour windows, I've seen a few installs but hard to tell from the pictures what was done.


What about trim rings, any luck with 2' trim rings that are common in the RV world, in my head I can see the gap being taken up by some trim. There are lots of RV windows on ebay.

I really like the look of the All Glass windows, and love the option of Awning windows.

And Lastly...

The real question I ask, anybody have any luck installing this window for a Spinter, in a Ford van.

http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/sh...&ModelID=36548

It may be just a touch on the long side, I'd have to go double check measurements, but it is really close in size to the factory Ford window, with the benefit of a pop-out section.

What am I missing before I pull the trigger and cut 2 big holes in the side of my van.

i don't know without measuring a cargo van, but I bet it's too long. I think the only real parameters are what you can fit between the pillars (the thick molded 'posts' that support the roof). If it fits in the single wall sheet metal you should be fine.

I'm in the auto/truck glass biz and deal with both Hehr and CRL windows purpose-built for bigger trucks; Freightliner, Mack, Volvo, etc etc. Both make top quality stuff, CRL most likely having Hehr make some of their products in fact. That's not really helpful though.

I'd dig through the Home Build section here as I've seen many an original cargo van refitted with larger sidewall windows. Contacting anyone whose install you like might get specific part numbers.

Scotty has this right thought about what would fit and not compromise your roof strength. Comparing a cargo van with a Club Wagon version even from the outside its easy to see the approximate dimensions you could safely fit. His advice about the install should only require cutting the single metal wall section is spot on.

For cutting, I would recommend reviewing Ford's guidelines. Really long windows may not fit within specified cutting areas.

Select your year van, then scroll down to the "Body Panel Window Removal Area" figures about 2/3 of the way through. They also tell you where to cut the rood out in case you ever decided to add your own raised roof.

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2000 E450 dually V10 wagon

CarringB are those recommendations part of the body layout books or another site?

Sorry I meant to include a link. Here ya go:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/incomp.html

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2000 E450 dually V10 wagon

That link was great info. Looks like it will fit, almost exactly… Don't think it's worth the gamble though.

I"m going to sleep on it, make a few calls tomorrow.

Probably will end up doing with CRL VW50091L, cheaper, made for Ford Van, and the size I'm looking for.

Consensus says that Flat/non contoured windows will not work wiout some modifications/lip showing on the outside of the van. The exception would be for some small windows which to do accentuate the curve issue. Go outside and take a yard stick/flat edge and lay it accross the van vertically, look at the space you have to close up somehow on anything much over 10-12".

I asked over on expo and called SMB about several windows, the ones that SMB uses are for a Chevy van.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350939796148?ss ... 1423.l2649
Amazon actually has a better price that eBay and anyone I checked with locally.
They are the all glass look at crank out. The down side is that they are quite expensive. When I bought my van I was excited at all the "deals" on windows off eBay. Then after some research and figuring that they were flat and I could not use them without having a lip at the top or bottom I quickly became frustrated. Mainly because my budgeted amount for windows @ <$100 each to reality of $350+ each hurt and made me change plans.

These CRL models also work:
VW21601L
VW21601R
FW904RS - linked above to ebay (actually listed as Chevy part)

I narrowed it down to those models becasue I wanted a smaller window that what comes in a factory style conversion van. In the end I ended up buying a parts van that has a Mark 3 conversion, so I will probably use some of those since they are essentially free. I am on a very tight budget so this will probably dictate much of my build. Without having a huge budget and/or being willing to go in debt over it I plan to build slow and smart.

Regardless which model you chose AVOID seller Glasswarepro on eBay---they're absolute crooks pricing wise. (I'm in the auto glass biz so know full well their prices are simply ridiculous, often times 200% of full MSRP.

Anything they sell or offer can be found elsewhere. Using their own numbers a Google search typically yields the same item direct from the manufacturer or someone more reasonable like CR Laurence. (Sadly CRL isn't cheap but availability is pretty much untouchable.)

Later today I'll check my pricing and see if I can do anything better for you. Look for an update one way or the other.

Good to know about Glassware pro.

DK Hardware is the other place that sells CRL windows online, their pricing wasn't much better, but shipping was.

I have yet to pull the trigger on anything, still working on the floor and wiring.