Bus windows arnt all the way up?

[58shorty]

My windows all don't seem to stay up ive tried getting them up, but all seem to fall a hair down and not locking up? what can I do to fix that?

[Robin97396]

shorty, well no wonder. Your window catches are 58 years old.

You've probably got the metallic window catches. Honestly I don't know how to fix them but it's obvious your catches are fairly worn if they all crack open a little bit. I had a bus that did that, had being the operative word there.

I think you should take a window out and disassemble it carefully so you can get access to the window latches. Remove at least one so you have it to compare to donor vehicles, or if you want to purchase some new window catches from a bus window parts place.

With a 58, not to many people here are going to be able to advise you. This is the learning process and it involves just a little pain, and time. Lots of time.

[Robin97396]

Oh yeah, for now a roll of window weather stripping would go a long way toward sealing those windows until you're ready to replace or repair the latches.

[58shorty]

Yes thanks , I think I will look for a window repair person to help out.

[Robin97396]

It's not that hard and you're going to take a lot of things apart on that bus. Probably only need a couple screw drivers. Well, and time.

[58shorty]

Okay I will have to look at the windows, I don't like taking anything apart.Baby steps I guess

[Robin97396]

If you're planning to sheet over any of the windows with metal, you've got spares. I'd take apart the worst one, just in case.
Look at it like a new hobby where just about anything goes. Now you're a bus engineer.

[58shorty]

Im too chicken,i don't do any of the work on my bus,it goes to the shop.Not planning on covering over any of my windows..but I will have a look , but I don't think im gonna take anything apart, I will have to see, but im hoping its not hard might be pretty simple the bus was built in 58 not as complicated

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by 58shorty

Im too chicken,i don't do any of the work on my bus,it goes to the shop.Not planning on covering over any of my windows..but I will have a look , but I don't think im gonna take anything apart, I will have to see, but im hoping its not hard might be pretty simple the bus was built in 58 not as complicated

sometimes the latches wear or break, there are springs in those latches.. and springs over a period of time lose their springi-ness.. you can also put heavier springs in sometimes too which help things out at least for a while.

without seeing what ytour actual windows and latches (and the ports they go in) look like its hard for me to get an idea.. but the fact they drop down to the first level only and never any more makes me wonder if the hols / ports where the latches "latch" to have been wallowed out at all..

there are still amazingly lots of school bus windows pieces manufactured for various busses

-Christopher

[shortstuff]

Our windows are also startig to stop shutting, spring is broken. Some we don't open anymore becaus of this.

[Robin97396]

Isn't anybody thinking of putting in some RV windows, or are you trying to maintain the look of the school bus?

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

Isn't anybody thinking of putting in some RV windows, or are you trying to maintain the look of the school bus?

for me personally I want my bus to be a bus... for others it may be the skill required to take out windows, then cut into the side frame to enlargen the opening. rework the frame members andplace a window.. that can be a daunting task if not familiar with complete custom metal work, cutting, sizing, welding, etc..

-Christopher

[Robin97396]

Perhaps some replacement windows that fit the openings for a bus that old? They'd seal better. Personally I'd like some safety glass in a rig that old.

[dan-fox]

Jake Von Slatt has a good video on Youtube about taking windows apart and putting them back together. His emphasis is on what's needed to "turn it upside down" so that the lower panel is the inner one and the one that slides, but lots of good detail on how they come apart and go back together and where to put the grease.