Immelman Posted June 12, 2010 Report Posted June 12, 2010 Ok, time for the next project on my '66E: Replacing the wind shield and all side windows. I've decided on going with the 1-piece (non 201 style) wind shield from LP Aero. My A&P has installed one on a C model and I got to check out his work..no issues at all, but he cautions me its a big job. I plan to work with him to learn the ropes so I can then do the side windows on my own. On the side windows, one thing I would like to do is modify the location and/or size of the pilot's storm window. --> Is this even possible? Legally?? I'm a tall guy, and I like taking photos -- having a larger opening that was a bit higher up would be great. I plan to call LP Aero Monday to ask them if they will customize the pilot's side window but am after any other information here. I did come across something on the 'mod works' (mooney mart?) web site suggesting they could do such a mod. I am only after the parts and STC, if applicable. Quote
The-sky-captain Posted June 12, 2010 Report Posted June 12, 2010 I would study up on MM before doing any biz with them. I had a bad experience with them, as have half a dozen others on this site. Just a word of caution. Good luck with the window project and have fun with it! Quote
carusoam Posted June 12, 2010 Report Posted June 12, 2010 The LP folks are pretty good. They make the windows for custom order. It takes only a few days. I would guess a phone call to them with exactly what you want will get you what you expect. In the past, I have sent them an old window for verification. You might consider determining where you want the new vent window to go. Trace it out on the old window and send it in with your order....... Just remember measure twice cut once. Also consider purchasing the drill bit from them for the screw holes. Drilling into the plexiglas is more of having a very pointed drill bit and testing your technique on the old window. You won't need much help for side windows that you can't get from LP. lots of cleaning of old sealant. Best regards, - anthony - Quote
Stefanovm Posted June 20, 2010 Report Posted June 20, 2010 My right rear window has a 2" crack. When should I expect to have to replace? Is it immediately, or can I plan it for when the crack gets a bit longer? Quote
carusoam Posted June 20, 2010 Report Posted June 20, 2010 I would expect a stop drilling would be a good idea. Using a proper drill bit for plexi-glas of course. Your mechanic can probably do this quickly and at low cost. Caution: Cracks in plexiglas are very easy to propagate. Best regards, -anthony- Quote
Stefanovm Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 Stop drill all the way through? It does not leak now. Wil it leak water into cabin if I have my A&P stop drill? Maybe not much? Quote
carusoam Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 I think it would be fair to us a drop of silicone to fill in the stop drilled hole. Without stop drilling, I think you are only a bump away from propagation. As in, if somebody bumps into the plexiglas, the crack will probably run. I don't think this is a pretty way to fix things. A side window doesn't cost that much. They take a few days to have made. You may consider purchasing one, just to be ready. Installing one is not extremely technical. Most of the work is probably removing old sealant. The challenging part of installing the new one is drilling all the screw holes in the right place. -a- Quote
Stefanovm Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 I just got a reply from LP Aero that the thickness I need is .125. I will be orering in the near future. Quote
carusoam Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 They have three colors. gray, clear and coke bottle green... My 65 C had coke bottle green from the original windows. It took me a while to figure it out. (I actually sent a sample to LP) 40+ years of being outside, inside, covered and not covered, made it difficult to be sure of what color it was. Save yourself some hassle, just make sure you order the correct color. Quote
Stefanovm Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 Yup, saw that in the catalog. I prefer clear unless there is a good reason for doing otherwise? Quote
carusoam Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 Clear can be incredibly hot. It gives great visibility, but you will want to block the sun on the summer days... Gray is the more modern way, if you are replacing all of your side windows. Otherwise, if you are only replacing one, you may consider keeping the color to match what the other windows are already. -a- Quote
Stefanovm Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 They all appear clear now, but I will relook tonight. I am only planning on replacing the one with the crack. Quote
carusoam Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 I thought mine were clear too..... I think projecting light onto a white piece of paper may be helpful. If you can look at the edge of the window it becomes more obvious, the crack may give similar indication. Let's just say I got really good at replacing the same window. Quote
Immelman Posted June 21, 2010 Author Report Posted June 21, 2010 An update: I went ahead and ordered the windows. I decided to forego a custom photo window. This would have been nice but I have shot nice aerials through good-quality clear plexi before (some photoshop cleanup is necessary but I can deal). LP aero actually had some information about custom jobs on their website. It was clear that I'd need FSDO approval for such a customization. I have a good (so far) relationship with one of the local FSDO guys but I think it would be too much hassle. COST-SAVING TIP: Check the LP website for part number. Then, call Chief Aircraft to place your order. They will order through LP. You will pay substantially less than list price. For ALL windows on my E, including a 1-piece windshield (1/4 in), clear all around, the price came out to $665 shipped to the west coast. This is far less than you will pay if ordering from LP directly. Regarding tint, I decided to go clear all around. I value the view more than anythnig else and am willing to wear sun screen and long sleeves as necessary. I want maximum visual accuity, and to enjoy the view and take photos. A couple weeks ago I got the opportunity to fly an open-cockpit Stearman -- WOW! It reminded me of what the view should be like, and of how much my aged (and tinted green) windows reduce what I can see. So hopefully I'll have the parts in a week. The next question becomes: How much of this can I get done before heading to Oshkosh!? Quote
Immelman Posted June 21, 2010 Author Report Posted June 21, 2010 Quote: Stefanovm Stop drill all the way through? It does not leak now. Wil it leak water into cabin if I have my A&P stop drill? Maybe not much? Quote
Stefanovm Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 Except for the 2" from the screw at the top back side of the window, the windows are in good shape. I will have top drilled and RTV'd first. The crack is in a place that would not interfer at all with the passenger's, which I rarely have, visibility. Quote
DaV8or Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 Quote: carusoam Clear can be incredibly hot. It gives great visibility, but you will want to block the sun on the summer days... Quote
carusoam Posted June 21, 2010 Report Posted June 21, 2010 I think "green" in green house refers to what is growing inside. In NJ, they use uncolored glass or plastic for green houses. The tinted window is pretty good at reducing the sun's energy entering the cabin, no matter what color tint you select. I think green colored sunglasses were probably popular in the 60's. Shades of gray seem to be more popular today. Fortunately, you can change the side windows yourself. It is not too expensive to experiment. I tried clear for one, and then went back to green..... Now, all gray..... -a- Quote
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