Review and Fitting of SHIELD AUTOCARE Sliding Cassette Windows on FIAT DUCATO Campervan Conversion.
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- Опубликовано: 20 окт 2024
- My experience of fitting these windows in a Fiat Ducato 2014.
When I was researching which windows to purchase for my camper conversion, I found these Sliding Cassette Windows from Shield Autocare.
They seemed great value and I liked the description, but I couldn't find any independent information about them. For once ... nothing on RUclips !!!!
Or anywhere else for that matter. So I thought I would make my own review to help out anyone else in the same situation.
Luckily, the company were about a 45 minute drive away from me, so I headed off to their warehouse and had a look at them. I was impressed with the quality, they felt very solid and well constructed.
The windows are supplied with plenty of screws for fixing. I was emailed a word document with fixing instructions. Which were OK but not very clear (or that could be me. I always have trouble following instruction documents)
There seemed to be a couple of minor design flaws with the inner metal frame. The dimensions of which didn't line up with the outer metal frame. Which made fixing tricky and after fitting I could see some of the screw heads? I was using hand tools to fit, so once again that could be me.
Plus the outer metal frame had a circular radius in the corners, the inner metal frame was a 90 degree corner, which looks a little odd.
The large window in the sliding door run's out a fair bit from top to bottom due to the contour on the van door. I did think as I was uploading this video that I could have maybe used smaller wood for the top of the frame but realised the instructions do state 30mm depth is required, so maybe not.
I would have also struggled to cut a gradient on the uprights using hand tools. So all in all, probably as good as I was ever going to get.
Now they are fitted, I am very happy with them. The reasons I mention in the video for purchasing them : being double glazed tempered glass, good locking mechanism, plus integral blinds and fly screen, sturdy construction etc make these a great practical option for the price.
Even with the minor issues mentioned, I am very pleased with my purchases and would use them again.
www.shieldauto...
Hi Craig, thanks for the video. I've just got myself two of these, and was totally confused with them. I wish I hadn't got them to be honest. The finishing is awful where you can see the curve of the window. Total manufacturing fault.
Yes, not the best designed product. I'm still very happy with mine despite all that. Especially for the money.
@@thesoundtherapycompany Well I've got them now, so I'll just have to make the best of it. When it finally stops raining lol
@@foxystravels I know, I still have work to do. Weather is not being helpful 😂
Hi Craig, Thanks for putting up the video its always very useful to see someone fit the windows first. You would think the company should be putting up a video for us all to follow. I think and i haven't tried it yet but maybe the plywood should be cut around the window to follow the curves of the frame before you fix the square metal outer frame then the plastic frame fits over the ply to hide the cuts? I am going to have a go myself so fingers crossed.
Hi Paul, I did consider that, but the metal frame has a lip on it, so it is not flat and it didn't seem to make sense. Let us know how you get on 👍
Hi Craig! Thanks for the upload! Great content mate! What sealant did you use?
Puraflex 40. It's a black sealant. Similar to sikaflex. I think I bought mine from screwfix.
@@craigeddington-soulshineli3990 Thanks for the reply! I’m fitting mine tomorrow 👍🏼
Hi mate! Where did you install/apply the black pvc strip that came with the window?
@@Nutberg20 in the channel, over the screws on the inner frame ( hope that makes sense)
@@craigeddington-soulshineli3990 Appreciate the reply! Thanks 👍🏼
Hi, what part of the window or frame did you use to make your template? Thank you
I drew around the inner profile then added on a few millimetres each side. It gives the precise measurements in the fitting instructions. It was about 3 or 4 mm from memory.
I have the same window, the instructions were tosh and I think the whole unit was badly thought out.
There's definitely room for improvement with the fitting instructions. Plus, how the frames align and fit together. Personally I am happy with them and their functionality now that they are fitted. For the price, I feel they are good value, and I was not aware of anybody else making similar windows for campers. But I agree that they are not the most elegant or thought out product.
look nice, what is dimensions windows
They have a few different sizes. Best to check the website
www.shieldautocare.co.uk/product/cassette-sliding-windows/