Fitting windows without U trim

[chemicalali]

Hi,

I’m about to fit windows in my new to me T6. Never done it before and a bit stressed about the idea of cutting massive holes in my van!

I’m planning to use the “AG window frames” which is like a plastic trim that goes round the inside of the window to hide the cut edges, instead of the usual U trim.

Now I’ve heard that the U trim also works to keep the window the correct distance from the metal work of the van? So how do I do this if I’m not using it? Should I be using some kind of spacer? How far off the metal work do I want the window to sit?

Also my vans a twin sliding door model. And the window frames don’t really cover the bit around the interior handle. Any suggestions for what to do around that?

Thanks.

 

[Howzat]

I’m planning to use the “AG window frames” which is like a plastic trim that goes round the inside of the window to hide the cut edges, instead of the usual U trim.

Now I’ve heard that the U trim also works to keep the window the correct distance from the metal work of the van? So how do I do this if I’m not using it? Should I be using some kind of spacer? How far off the metal work do I want the window to sit?

The u trim is just to tidy up the cut metalwork. Don't think it doubles up as a spacer. The correct distance for the window is determined by the sealant and glass on the outside.

 

[Linoleum Bonypart]

Hire a nibbler tool rather than a grinder etc …to cut out the metal

 

[Bigsidavies]

They look good.
When I did mine I used a nibbler attechkent for my drill which worked a treat and left no sharp edges. I used a window sucker to allow wife to hold the pasnel to stop it dropping down the side of ther van.
I cut a few little (2cms ish) pieces of u shaped trim and placed around the cutout to ensure i coldnt press the glass in too far, then when the adhesive was dry i just pulled the pieces out. I then carpeted the van and put carpet over the cut edges and tucked it down between frame and glass using a trim tool. Been good for nearly 6 years now.
But those AG trims would neaten things up.
I can't work out from the pictures on line whether they are a u shape profile and effectively sleeve the window frame cutout, or they are just an L profile and fit around the cut edge only.
Let me know how you get on.
Also, if you use a nibbler attachment you will need to grind a flat piece into the side of the nibbler otherwise your cut will be 5mm higher than the window frame.

 

[Bigsidavies]

See Post 15 on this page

Post in thread 'Panel Van to Camper project'

8 Jun 2024

You can use a nibbler attachment on your drill. Cost about £30 but you have to adapt it slightly so it doesn’t leave a 5mm lip around the edge.
But it leaves a perfectly smooth edge and no metal swarf and it only takes a couple of minutes to cut out each panel.

• Bigsidavies

• 

 

[chemicalali]

They look good.
When I did mine I used a nibbler attechkent for my drill which worked a treat and left no sharp edges. I used a window sucker to allow wife to hold the pasnel to stop it dropping down the side of ther van.
I cut a few little (2cms ish) pieces of u shaped trim and placed around the cutout to ensure i coldnt press the glass in too far, then when the adhesive was dry i just pulled the pieces out. I then carpeted the van and put carpet over the cut edges and tucked it down between frame and glass using a trim tool. Been good for nearly 6 years now.
But those AG trims would neaten things up.
I can't work out from the pictures on line whether they are a u shape profile and effectively sleeve the window frame cutout, or they are just an L profile and fit around the cut edge only.
Let me know how you get on.
Also, if you use a nibbler attachment you will need to grind a flat piece into the side of the nibbler otherwise your cut will be 5mm higher than the window frame.

I’ve done it now. The AG window frames are an absolute pain in the arse avoid them like the plague!

Of the 4 frames I’ve brought the only one that fits even slightly close is the one with the cut out for the door handle so you can manipulate it a bit at least. The rest are out by at least an inch and the corners are a totally different radius. So now I’m stuck having fitted windows with no U trim and having nothing that fits to cover the cut edge with. I’m probably going to try melting the frames to see if I can make them stretch a bit? Absolute pain in the arse. The most expensive piece of plastic going, its only purpose is to fit a specific space and it doesn’t fit even close! Really unimpressed that reputable companies are selling this junk!

 

[ORION]

You could try a length of this barn door J trim from Camper Glass.

J Channel Trim - Volkswagen Transporter T5/T6 | Camper Glass

With J channel trim you get a greater amount of coverage for applying adhesive more comprehensively and effectively on your Volkswagen van windows.

camperglass.co.uk

Ignore the "barn door" moniker, the main thing is it has a shorter side which might just fit between your cut edge and glass.

Worth a punt to test first? I know that some of my my trims would pull off and back on due to the adhesive thickness

Sorry about the duff frames.

 

[ben5560]

I have those trims from THQ, they came in my van and I didn't have U trims: