I wish i would have seen the tip about predrilling the pilot holes. I just installed 2 awning windows in the back of my Sprinter and the screws were really hard to get tightened all the way without them but they're done!
Glad to hear the tip helps! We took a break from the build to work on a number of other pressing things, but we're back at it now and working on new videos as I write this!
I agree that a jigsaw is more maneuverable to follow the the curve of the inside stamp out, but the blade is also wider and much more flexible. This may lead to rougher cut with the reciprocating saw. I would love to hear your thoughts if used the reciprocating saw on any other window. Either way, many thanks for sharing your experience and your analysis. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the video! I used a reciprocating saw , sharpie to mark cuts, with a fine tooth metal blade (6") on a 2023 sprinter driver side, from the inside and it resulted in wavy cuts (3-4mm variance) on the horizontals (especially around the "studs"). Corner cuts were jagged and required multiple passes. I dry fit on the first pass, but had lots of cleanup with both a dremmel tool, angle grinder, and file. I'm switching to jigsaw for my rear windows. Cut even slower, and check a lot (more than every 2"). Blue Tape + primer on inside and out made a mess to have to clean up the tape, and in so doing, some rip off of primer. I did let the primer and tape set for 20 hours though. I'm thinking primer with fine brush next go and a wet paper towel for drips instead. Foam brush got chopped up on the inside of the two van walls. The clamp suggestion helped a lot. C-clamp made frame alignment easier since the press frame was slightly askew as compared to window. Used about 5 of my clamps to help fit along with screws put in to hold. One spinner screw at the end where I think I stripped the threads.
Great job! But it is very strange that the manufacturer does not recommend using Loctite thread locker and anti-rust primer in the new holes. This goes against my understanding processes ;)
To grind the metal edges you could use a die grinder, air powered they cost about $70 CAD. They run at 25,000 rpm and can trim a window in about 3 minutes. Once again you need that darn compressor.
Really like your build, excellent explanation of your process, how is that T window holding up, I have heard all sorts of pluses and negatives, wondering about your thoughts. Ian
I really enjoy your videos, I'm considering on getting a new 144 high roof gas. I was just wondering, if you were to build out a Sprinter van on the Mercedes website, can you order it that way from the dealer with all the bells and whistles you chose?
Thanks so much! Glad you're enjoying them. We'll have a lot of new videos coming soon. To answer your question, yes, you can. I'm not sure with covid how long it will take, but pre-covid, our dealer told us 3-4 months
@@wanderlibre4434 Cool, I’m going to get rid of my used salvage title 170 diesel because it’s bare bone stock and start investing on a 4 banger 144 gas.
Question. Did your window not require caulking? If it doesn’t I definitely want that window! Very good instruction and wrap up. Cheers from Canader eh!
Thanks! No, it doesn't require caulking. The window is sealed with a built-in rubber gasket and when you clamp the window in place, the gasket is pressed against the side of the van and is water-tight. No need to caulk!
We love the size of it because it does allow more light. We've opted not to install any in the back, so we felt that we needed at least one big window. Good luck making your decision, and most importantly, with the installation!
Where was the 3M windshield adhesive..As that thing will leak without it..Trust me.. Friend of mine built these Vans.. As that 3M also holds the window in place from vibration and blowout....The screws will vibrate lose over time...
Good to see you guys back to posting. The cold weather is motivating me to do some editing instead of van building.
Yeah, it's been a while! We have a backlog of footage and we're finally getting to editing. How's your build coming along?
@@wanderlibre4434 same.. I've installed the galley with hot water mostly carpentry left to do
great demonstration....thank you!!
I wish i would have seen the tip about predrilling the pilot holes. I just installed 2 awning windows in the back of my Sprinter and the screws were really hard to get tightened all the way without them but they're done!
Thanks guys. Pre drilling the clamp ring is a good tip. Wondering how the van build is going. Would love to see a progress update.
Glad to hear the tip helps! We took a break from the build to work on a number of other pressing things, but we're back at it now and working on new videos as I write this!
I agree that a jigsaw is more maneuverable to follow the the curve of the inside stamp out, but the blade is also wider and much more flexible. This may lead to rougher cut with the reciprocating saw. I would love to hear your thoughts if used the reciprocating saw on any other window. Either way, many thanks for sharing your experience and your analysis. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the video!
I used a reciprocating saw , sharpie to mark cuts, with a fine tooth metal blade (6") on a 2023 sprinter driver side, from the inside and it resulted in wavy cuts (3-4mm variance) on the horizontals (especially around the "studs"). Corner cuts were jagged and required multiple passes. I dry fit on the first pass, but had lots of cleanup with both a dremmel tool, angle grinder, and file. I'm switching to jigsaw for my rear windows. Cut even slower, and check a lot (more than every 2").
Blue Tape + primer on inside and out made a mess to have to clean up the tape, and in so doing, some rip off of primer. I did let the primer and tape set for 20 hours though. I'm thinking primer with fine brush next go and a wet paper towel for drips instead. Foam brush got chopped up on the inside of the two van walls.
The clamp suggestion helped a lot. C-clamp made frame alignment easier since the press frame was slightly askew as compared to window. Used about 5 of my clamps to help fit along with screws put in to hold. One spinner screw at the end where I think I stripped the threads.
I am installing 6 windows so I think I will buy a reciprocating air saw. Thanks for the tips!
That's a lot of windows to install! You'll be glad you have the reciprocating saw 👍
Great explanation. I found this helpful.
Great! Glad it was helpful 👍
Great job! But it is very strange that the manufacturer does not recommend using Loctite thread locker and anti-rust primer in the new holes. This goes against my understanding processes ;)
Which brand of window did you use for the side of your sprinter?
To grind the metal edges you could use a die grinder, air powered they cost about $70 CAD. They run at 25,000 rpm and can trim a window in about 3 minutes. Once again you need that darn compressor.
Really like your build, excellent explanation of your process, how is that T window holding up, I have heard all sorts of pluses and negatives, wondering about your thoughts. Ian
Glad it was helpful! The window is holding up fine for us!
I really enjoy your videos, I'm considering on getting a new 144 high roof gas. I was just wondering, if you were to build out a Sprinter van on the Mercedes website, can you order it that way from the dealer with all the bells and whistles you chose?
Thanks so much! Glad you're enjoying them. We'll have a lot of new videos coming soon. To answer your question, yes, you can. I'm not sure with covid how long it will take, but pre-covid, our dealer told us 3-4 months
@@wanderlibre4434 Cool, I’m going to get rid of my used salvage title 170 diesel because it’s bare bone stock and start investing on a 4 banger 144 gas.
Question. Did your window not require caulking? If it doesn’t I definitely want that window! Very good instruction and wrap up. Cheers from Canader eh!
Thanks! No, it doesn't require caulking. The window is sealed with a built-in rubber gasket and when you clamp the window in place, the gasket is pressed against the side of the van and is water-tight. No need to caulk!
Great work... looks complicated :)
I will have to see if i will install big window like yours or the smaller ones. But certainly this one looks amazing ! Alot of light and air.
Thanks! It wasn't too bad. It was easier than we thought it would be, so I guess that's a positive!
We love the size of it because it does allow more light. We've opted not to install any in the back, so we felt that we needed at least one big window. Good luck making your decision, and most importantly, with the installation!
Where was the 3M windshield adhesive..As that thing will leak without it..Trust me.. Friend of mine built these Vans.. As that 3M also holds the window in place from vibration and blowout....The screws will vibrate lose over time...
We followed the manufacturers instruction and have never had any leaks in 60k miles
Hello, was that a cr laurence window?
CR Laurence window is great!