Side Window Use and Replacement Options, plus Carpeting and Ceiling Thoughts

[ChestnutBrown]

Really pleased with my T6 purchase but looking to finally now start on the sound deadening and carpeting, as some major life chores now sorted.

When I bought the van, I spotted that both original sliding side windows had been sealed up. Seller said they were unaware, as only had the van about 9 months, but I suspect they were well aware. They should have, given the obvious water damage to the factory trim panels.

Anyway, I luckily knew this when making the purchase choice, but it’s been in my list to potentially sort. They don’t leak, so the any previous issue appears to be sorted.

I haven’t actually missed using them, and neither have my family, but unsure if that’s due to knowing that we can’t.

So I have a few questions:

1. How often do you actually open your sliding side windows and use them whilst driving?

2. If I was to replace them, which aftermarket options are cool in the real world? Sliders or safari style, for example.

3. How easy is it to replace them after the interior sides have been carpeted?

4. How much nicer looking is carpeting the metalwork and panels, vs just carpeted ply panels? Anyone done panels only, just to end up doing the metalwork after?

5. I really like the idea of wood ceiling, whether the wood strip type or the routed ply style, but also think the halo type carpeted panels are cool too. Opinions? Any obvious noise issues with wood vs carpet?

6. Anything else you guys wish you’d done on the rear interior area, had you know about it before starting yours?

Cheers all.

 

[Vinyl1210]

Hi.

I have. T6.1 that I bought as a PV but had ‘fixed’ aftermarket windows fitted on slider door and fixed front panel.

I’ve had a T5 Kombi with OEM sliders before and they leaked from new, and subsequently each replacement under warranty did the same, so not a fan

Given the above here’s my thoughts where I can.

1. Obviously now… I can’t but on T5 I opened when driving once in a blue moon. So I’d not be bothered.

2. I’d deffo replace as they will eventually rot. Your choice, but I’d go fixed or Safari. (Had I known/researched about Safaris before fitting mine two years ago I’d deffo have the safari.) look great, and option to open up when stationary and AFAIK no issues (yet) with leaks. Others who have them will comment.

3. Bit of a pain I believe. I sound deadened and insulated myself, but had a ‘pro’ do the windows and carpet lining. As I gather from my guy, the trade much prefer to do the windows BEFORE the carpet. Much neater finish.

4. Personal choice. I think it’s neater to do most of the metal work. Usually the tailgate (that’s what I have) and slider metal is left exposed but pretty much everything else is done. Really pleased with mine.

5. Again mines a single ply section but carpeted. I know the ply panels you refer to and I like them too. I can’t see them being any discernible difference in sound over a fully carpeted affair, if you sound deadened the roof body work and perhaps stuck some combined insulating and sound absorption mat on the reverse of your ply roof.

6. Not that I can think of

Just search instagram or on here. Loads of photos and ideas.

Good luck. It’s an addiction money pit…… I mean it’s an adventure and a sound investment

 

[david173]

I had both my OEM leaky windows taken out and replaced with fixed glass. I really like the clean look. In the 5 years of ownership I haven't missed the opening function at all.
Caveat is I don't camp in mine, just use it more of a day van. If I need ventilation I open the front windows (have wind deflectors fitted) or the whole sliding door.

The fixed glass feels like a much bigger clean looking window as its not interrupted by the section down the middle or sliding mechanism. If you really wanted one for cooking etc then the safari would be a great option as stop rain coming in if your parked up.

In a perfect world the carpet lining would be done with the windows taken out so the carpet can be tucked into the metalwork and then the windows reinstalled for the neatest finish. You might be able to find somewhere that will do this for you all in one?

when I replaced mine I didn't have carpet lining done. I intent to carpet line it in the future and try and tuck it in the gap, failing that you can get window trims to fit round the edge or vanshades to cover it up.

good luck!

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Cheers for the replies guys. Very useful indeed.

I like the idea of the Safari style, as think they look cool and could be useful, but I won’t be cooking in them and not using as a Camper, so could do without.

I hadn’t thought about going for just one piece glass, as mine are solidly bonded closed, so don’t expect them to fall out and didn’t see the point of swapping from technically fixed glass to actual fixed glass. I hadn’t thought about gaining the nicer aesthetic from both of external viewing and looking out from inside too. Will have to sit in the back to consider this, as my seat is always as driver.

I am about to order sound proofing and insulation and plan to carpet myself too, but will make a few calls about cost of both carpeting and window replacement together first.

Your posts have been very useful as expected, for those extra considerations, thank you.

 

[ChestnutBrown]

Vanshades is another option I actually am considering too maybe. I have the Ovano system installed, so might well sleep in it, plus might be useful for passengers when travelling too.

 

[david173]

when my phone is fixed ill take a picture from the inside so you can see what the fixed is like

 

[The Bear78]

4. How much nicer looking is carpeting the metalwork and panels, vs just carpeted ply panels? Anyone done panels only, just to end up doing the metalwork after?

It depends on the colour combination to dome degree and how much it contrasts (or clashes!).
One big consideration is where to end the carpet. Any metalwork that is surrounded by door seals or panels etc. can be carpeted easily. The exposed edges being neatly covered and held by other parts. One obvious example being the metal sides in the back of the van where the carpet edge is overlapped and held by the side and roof panels.
Metal areas on the slider door and tailgate, for example, have nothing around the edges. There is no easy way to neatly finish the carpet edge so these are usually left bare metal.

 

[TeeCeeJay]

@jimc91 and @lebb2017 both have vans with bare metal frame and only carpeted panels.

Safari windows all day. Well, they're in our van and we love them.