96' 376 Side window cracked

[varigging]

With so many other pressing projects it took me a while to complete this one but it is finally done. I decided to do this on the day a TS/ Huricane was approaching but none the worse for the ware. Here are some photos of the job. It took a couple of hours to complete but mostly becasue of the prep work and a fibertglass repair that was needed under the window. I did use primer and about 2 tubes of 795. The new window was a bit thicker than the old one but it fit perfectly.

 

[Franklin]

Nicely done. I ordered new windows from this site a few days ago. I will be using LifeSeal as I believe it lasts longer. I assume you ordered these from this site and they came pre-curved so it was an easy fit?

 

[varigging]

I ordered the window and the 795 from here. I had to locate the primer separately. It was a little tougher to get. If you have issues with the primer PM me. I really like the 795. I have used Lifeseal before but the 795 worked better then any other sealent I have every used. Good luck. The trick to getting the old one out was to use a long blade box cutter first then feed a guitar "high E" string through the sealant and attached two handles to it and have one person on the inside and one on the outside pull it around to make your parameter cut. There wasn't much of a curve. The new window had enough flex that it just curved and fit right in.

 

[Franklin]

but what holds it to that shape? No screws or anything on these.

 

[varigging]

Nope, Unlike other boats this one is only held by the adhesive. I used some large Galvanized washers as spacers and then removed them as the 795 set up and back filled the spaces. There really isn't that big of a bend. I thne used tape to stop it from sliding down. This is the same way they install car windows. The 795 is actually used to install commercial windows in buildings. It set up pretty quick.

 

[Franklin]

I am using Lifeseal. It is on every hatch and sky light and opening port lights. 6 years and over 10,000 miles and no leaking so I will keep using it. I haven't had good luck with the dow stuff -- tried it twice on the sky light in years past.

I guess the problem with LifeSeal for this project is it takes a day or two to cure, so if there is any bend I need to provide, then I need to find an external source to apply the pressure to hold it with the proper shape. I ordered from here with the assumption they came pre-bended.