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Windshield glass replacement ?s

Just got a runner on the 02 U270 on a trip a couple weeks ago-- stone hit drivers side at the base near gasket and took off north... 

It looks like the driver side (that was damaged) was replaced right before we bought it in 2006.  To avoid replacing both panels, the gasket was actually cut in the corners, separated then filled with sealer on replacement.  Is this a typical repair??  I'm guessing now that the whole gasket will require replacement now given sealer that was used and it was cut.  The (coach glass brand) replacement piece also did not fit well as the radius of the bend extended beyond the radius of the body by almost 1/4". 

I've contacted Guardian for some installers.  They seemed like the ones to go with...  Anything that I should be planning for??  Do I need a new gasket??  Will the pass side panel get reset also?  Never seen this done before so I'm curious.

thanks, Mike
Mike
2002 U270 36'

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #1
Funny you should bring this up right now. Originally my drivers side glass has shifted so I hired a recommended glass company to re-set the glass. When the glass was out is when I realized the bond from the cap to the dash has broken loose that is now fixed Fiberglass bonding failure.... then when they were putting the glass back in they broke it...... OK so they order a new glass and 10 days later it came the wrong size.  OK, another glass was ordered and it came back the wrong size also.... well now for the third try and a month later we still cannot get the right size.  It's been a genuine circus.

In the whole scheme of things I have learned a bunch about this.  You will probably not need to replace the gasket. Make sure they bond the glass to the rubber and the rubber is also bonded (urethane) to the fiberglass cap.  Turns out mine was not bonded and that is the main reason it shifted about a 1/4-3/8"  like yours did. James at Foretravel was the one that told me to make sure they do this.  I am assuming your '02's glass is set in the cap like mine, but if it's not please just ignore my post.

Steve

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #2
Mike, I have had both sides replaced on my 2001, they did a very fine job about 2 years ago, no issues and theydid not replace the gasket on either side not the center gasket, they were a very professional  glass shop that did mobile service calls. Did mine at the Keystone RV shop in Pa.
The glass fit very correctly.
Think each about $1,030.00 total with the FT discount.
Good luck
Dave M

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #3
Dave do you recall what brand the glass is?  I planned to go with Guardian.

The replacement done at the dealer before we got the coach was passable at best.  It got a fair amount of silicone fill on one side to deal with the misfit.  Since they were trying to sell it, they just got it close and I never noticed it until a few months after I bought it. 

A buddy of mine does a lot of coach glass work in southern Oregon and I'm trying to find a way to meet up with him, but I wanted to learn about it a little first.  Thanks for the replies...
Mike
2002 U270 36'

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #4
Maybe Gary Bouland will chime in on glass for a GV,he had lots of trouble with off brand glass,he fnally had glass shipped from FT and it fit like it should.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #5
Had the passenger side glass replaced once, then both replaced a month later (don't ask). Duncan Systems did it using Guardian glass. Knock on wood, I've had no problems or leaks. Now I've probably jinxed myself.
Steve & Ginny Hill
96 U295 36'/Wrangler
Tampa

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #6
My drivers side replacement is a Guardian so looks like they are the one to use as in a yr I have had no problems
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #7
John, for what it's worth, doing my own glass work I have found Coach Glass fits these older M.H 's a lot cleaner then guardian in replacement glass.

Thanks, Mitch Sayer
Mitch Sayer
1990 GV 36'

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #8
My 20 year FT mechanic mentioned coach glass in a conversation.  Arizona?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #9
Replacement glass, the VIN was needed to order from FOT, do not recall what brand name is on the glass, just know the next time I need glass, I will go back to Keystone RV and have their local glass shop do the job, It took 3 men to work the glass into position. No yelling, swearing, just pros doing their thing.  I am sure there are other ways of doing it, but I am happy with the end result.
Dave M

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #10
I just had both windshields replaced on our 03 u320 at FOT and it did not take them very long to do it as I am sure they get plenty of practice. I don't know why on a u270 the gasket would have been cut, but if it was, I think you would need a new gasket
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #11
I had my windshield replaced at MOT. Took two guys and a bunch of plastic wrap to prevent it from shattering and leaving glass in the gasket. It was really broken and it was flexing and admitting water while driving to Nac.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #12
Quote
Just got a runner on the 02 U270 on a trip a couple weeks ago-- stone hit drivers side at the base near gasket and took off north... 

It looks like the driver side (that was damaged) was replaced right before we bought it in 2006.  To avoid replacing both panels, the gasket was actually cut in the corners, separated then filled with sealer on replacement.  Is this a typical repair??  I'm guessing now that the whole gasket will require replacement now given sealer that was used and it was cut.  The (coach glass brand) replacement piece also did not fit well as the radius of the bend extended beyond the radius of the body by almost 1/4". 

I've contacted Guardian for some installers.  They seemed like the ones to go with...  Anything that I should be planning for??  Do I need a new gasket??  Will the pass side panel get reset also?  Never seen this done before so I'm curious.

thanks, Mike
mike, Duncan sent glass but just looking at it it would not fit. Finally had Duncan order Guardian from FOT. Installed new gasket at same time, no problems after two minor adjustments to center glass.
Gary B

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #13
thanks all--  I'm gonna have my buddy Nick Kroske from Kroske Glass in Bend, OR do the job with Coach Glass.  He's confident the coach glass earlier misfit was due a 'slam-bam' install by the dealer's contractor --he's had no issues with their product in dozens of different coaches and said that FTs are often easier to install due to well built frames around the window opening. 
Mike
2002 U270 36'

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #14
Just so you know Guardian Glass is the OEM supplier to the factory, they bought Varacon glass co out several years ago,and have all the original molds.  We went on a the "Made in America " motorcade 2 years ago and toured the factory.  Got to see them make our windshields.  We own a glass buisness and have done many Foretravel installs.  We won't use any thing else!! Coach glass is made over seas, as is many others,Guardian is made in Ohio, USA!!!
M. Crick
1981 31 ft. V-8 diesel pusher
1989 36 ft. GV
1999 40 ft. U320
2006 40 ft. Nimbus

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #15
Dave do you recall what brand the glass is?  I planned to go with Guardian.

The replacement done at the dealer before we got the coach was passable at best.  It got a fair amount of silicone fill on one side to deal with the misfit.  Since they were trying to sell it, they just got it close and I never noticed it until a few months after I bought it. 

A buddy of mine does a lot of coach glass work in southern Oregon and I'm trying to find a way to meet up with him, but I wanted to learn about it a little first.  Thanks for the replies...

FIW. Had to have mine replaced about a year ago (right side), Guardian did the work. 1st W/S was distorted, Installer returned with another Guardian it was worse than the one that was already in before they ever started, they finally got one from Coach Glass no problem so far. The install was not a problem just the glass was distorted  before they even installed it.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #16
M. Crick, maybe you could post in the commercial section just in case. jc
JC
1999 U320

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #17
Looks like my comment of Aug 2 was correct as to fit etc and why Guardian is the one to use, if they have the moulds (original)
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

 

Re: Windshield glass replacement ?s

Reply #18
My front glass issue has been resolved. Two wrong sized replacement from Duncan and one wrong size from Coach. They were all the right shapes but 3" to long. Coach/Duncan gave permission to the glass company (installers) to cut the extra 3" off.  Went in perfect and I am a happy camper.... now on to other projects........