Changing windows

[unicom]

I plan on changing all the windows on my 1980 M20J. I will have it done by the French Mooney Service Center - Troyes Aviation. It is quite expensive as I have been told changing the windshield is very time consuming (35 hrs ???)

I understand the new windows are a litlle bit thicker than the orginal - 1/4" instead of if 3/16". Apparently this should decrease noticeably the noise in the cabin. Does anybody has an experience with these new windows ?

Also, these new windows have 'rounded corners' to make them look like the newer mooneys. I would be interested in seeing pictures if anybody has already installed them.

Cheers,

Philippe - F-GPHR

 

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: unicom

I plan on changing all the windows on my 1980 M20J. I will have it done by the French Mooney Service Center - Troyes Aviation. It is quite expensive as I have been told changing the windshield is very time consuming (35 hrs ???)

I understand the new windows are a litlle bit thicker than the orginal - 1/4" instead of if 3/16". Apparently this should decrease noticeably the noise in the cabin. Does anybody has an experience with these new windows ?

Also, these new windows have 'rounded corners' to make them look like the newer mooneys. I would be interested in seeing pictures if anybody has already installed them.

Cheers,

Philippe - F-GPHR

 

[howardld]

When my windows were changed the rounded corners were used. That in combination with a fresh paint job appeals to me. When I look at my plane it looks new when in fact it is a 1983 model. The rounded corners are a personal choice. Up close you can tell that it is a modification but that does come off as a negative.

[Gone]

Howard:

 

Don't be so hard on the benefits. I think the rounded windows are a plus, regardless if they look like they were added on later.

 

[howardld]

Typo: I intended to say it does not come off as a negative. I am very pleased with the results.

[unicom]

Quote: edgargravel

Howard:

 

Don't be so hard on the benefits. I think the rounded windows are a plus, regardless if they look like they were added on later.

 

[LuvFlying]

I've heard that having a thicker windshield is most effective for noise reduction.

I've seen 3/8" thick plex too - can't remember who sells that, but when I upgrade, that's the thickness I'm getting for the windshield. It was very small cost difference (90%+ of the cost is in the labor!)

 

[Scott Aviation]

I am going with Great Lake Aero for my new glass. gray sides and dark gray for my two rear windows. My windshield is already 1/4" grey. 

The website is http://www.glapinc.com/ There is a quick catalog on their site to your make and serial number to get the right ones.

[Immelman]

I was talking with my mechanic about this recently. He put a 1-piece into an older C model and it took him something like 15 hours time, for the windshield only.

Note this was NOT a '201' windsheld convert, just a 1 piece in the same form factor.

Given that, 35 hours sounds quite high. I also recall that LASAR quotes 40 hours to convert an older mooney to 1-pc '201' style -- again, that is additional sheet metal work.

[LuvFlying]

.

[LuvFlying]

I was on the phone with Dana at Willmar and briefly got into a side conversation about a 201 windshild replacement. Off the cuff, he estimated 25 hours.

[KSMooniac]

Keep in mind that if you go for thicker windows, you will be eating into your useful load.  That may or may not matter much to you, but perhaps it will to the person buying your plane in the future.  The most effective noise reduction solution is a modern ANR headset.

[GeorgePerry]

When I had my windows replaced (1/4 thicker plexi) I also complied with SB M20-208B.  When the shop removed all the old 1970's insulation and replaced it with light wieght sound absorbant materials, my plane actually picked up a pound or two of usefull load.

[Buster1]

When I was teaching in the T-38C, I had a student take a vulture in the canopy.  He ejected and survived, the IP in the back seat did too, but was injured badly.  I will pay any cost to strengthen the windshield in any GA plane...they are not very strong IMHO.  ANR headsets are great, but they don't protect from birds.

[LuvFlying]

Quote: Buster1

 I will pay any cost to strengthen the windshield in any GA plane...they are not very strong IMHO.  ANR headsets are great, but they don't protect from birds.

[unicom]

Finally got my quote from Troyes Aviation (French Mooney Rep):

              Labor: windshield (30hrs): 1740 €

                  windhield (1/4" - grey):   283 €

          Labor: side windows (25hrs): 1450 €

          4 side windows (1/4" - grey):   723 €

              Transport (USA - France):   394 €

                                            TAX:   899 €

                                         TOTAL: 5489 € or $ 8178

 

 

[unicom]

Quote: LuvFlying

I've heard that having a thicker windshield is most effective for noise reduction.

I've seen 3/8" thick plex too - can't remember who sells that, but when I upgrade, that's the thickness I'm getting for the windshield. It was very small cost difference (90%+ of the cost is in the labor!)