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Old 03-02-2015, 07:57 AM   #31
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

sorry, went camping this weekend...

i cant say if the flat windows will be an issue or not. my window was slightly contoured and slightly uncontoured the van after the install. not enough to really notice though.

i think like jwa already mentioned, that it will depend on the gaps after the straight edge test. if the gaps are more than a 1/4", it might be worth re-evaluating the windows. not trying to detour bee or anything, but when cutting a hole, its definitely better to be safe (and pay some return shipping fees) than to have a big hole in your van with a window that wont quite seat down flush.

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Old 03-02-2015, 08:03 AM   #32
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

Not the best looking windows, and they seem a bit small on this van, but I really like the apparent functionality of the windows in the thread below. No firsthand experience however.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15292&hilit=seitz


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Old 03-02-2015, 10:54 AM   #33
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Not the best looking windows, and they seem a bit small on this van, but I really like the apparent functionality of the windows in the thread below. No firsthand experience however.

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15292&hilit=seitz


Herb

If we were doing it again, we'd consider windows like those full awning ones. Very cool and super popular on the high end expedition rigs.

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Old 05-02-2015, 10:11 AM   #34
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

I'm suffering paralysis from over analysis on which window to choose.

We want a CRL window to go in the driver side forward position in our 2010 E350 Cargo. I've got Sienna seat and am putting them in right behind the driver and passenger seats. We have a 3 year old who will sit in the driver side one most of the time and want him to have a decent view out the window. However, we want to prioritize safety and reliability of the windows integrity.

The biggest CRL window forces me to cut more of the inner framing of the van's body, gives the biggest view, but leaves him the most exposed if in an accident. It is the "all glass look" and follows the curve of the side the most. This one cuts across the lines of the van to some extent.


The middle size CRL window is a the traditional style and is flat. It basically fits in the cutout already built in to the panelling of the van and follows the outside lines of the van for the most part. I wouldn't have to cut into any of the prominent ribbing on the inside. Anyone had any leaking issues with these?


The smallest CRL window is another "all glass look" and definitely fits inside the cutouts and fits inside the outside lines. It would obviously restrict the views for our little passenger the most.


Anyone have any advice for me?
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Old 05-02-2015, 11:19 AM   #35
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

Had three of the large CR Laurence windows installed in my van (SMBw installed) and never had any leaks during the 2-3 years that I owned it.




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Old 05-02-2015, 11:30 AM   #36
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Had three of the large CR Laurence windows installed in my van (SMBw installed) and never had any leaks during the 2-3 years that I owned it.
Herb
Herb,

Those look great...would you be able to offer any advice as to what headaches I'll run into cutting the inside ribs or finishing it off in there?
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Old 05-02-2015, 11:38 AM   #37
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

Quote:
Originally Posted by FarmerFrederico
Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
Had three of the large CR Laurence windows installed in my van (SMBw installed) and never had any leaks during the 2-3 years that I owned it.
Herb
Herb,

Those look great...would you be able to offer any advice as to what headaches I'll run into cutting the inside ribs or finishing it off in there?
'fraid I'm not much help there, since I didn't install them myself. Once and only once have I taken a jigsaw to sheet metal and that was for a buddy's sunroof (after a few beers).


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Old 05-02-2015, 02:32 PM   #38
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

Re CRL windows - the smaller FW904RS all glass awning is available. I have an acct with them and they will not provide any info on the larger All Glass awning, it seems it is SMB proprietary and would have to be ordered from SMB. The other middle size window shown is a T-Slider, so no awning feature. I have not looked up that part #.

The middle size window looks the best to me, fits the scale and lines of the van well. I wish there was an awning version of that one.

Maybe someone (JWA?) can confirm what I believe is the case.
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Old 05-03-2015, 04:53 AM   #39
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1der

Maybe someone (JWA?) can confirm what I believe is the case.
I can't speak to what CRL has available and honestly would avoid making specific recommendations without seeing the van to receive a new window first. If existing trim considerations are the bigger priority one is severely limited in choices.

I would say this 3 year old will be growing so considerations as to his comfort shouldn't be part of the final decision. What's comfortable not might not be in a few years.

Quality of installation is just that---CRL or most aftermarket van windows tend to be decent enough quality so as a unit they don't leak. How or by whom they are installed is 99% of this so make sure you use methods put forward here OR find someone locally who does this frequently.

Were this me I'd choose either a fully fixed glass unit, flush to the body OR a "tee slider" for passenger ventilation. I've found the hinged awning types to have longer term quality issues with the hardware, almost always more cost-effective to replace failed parts with a complete new window unit.

HTH
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Old 05-03-2015, 09:58 PM   #40
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Re: Window Cutout Tool

JWA - I've read you are the expert...so the medium sized window (second in my post with pics - what CRL calls a "traditional" t-slider) would probably leave me with the least headaches over several years if installed correctly?
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