Aluminum in place of glass in windows??

[Blu88]

Has anyone taken apart the window frames and replace the window with sheet metal?

I want to take them all out, however aluminum sheet may not keep these flimsy walls as stiff as stock. Want theft deterrence, privacy, rigidity, and a few of the top vents for air flow

[Jay Brand]

It shouldn't be any problem if you prepare and finish (paint) the metal before installation.
You will want to size the thickness to match the glass so the seals (stops) fit correctly.
Booted glass (glass that has a one piece boot all the way around it will be a little different to prep.
You will need to sand a roll the edges a bit to keep it from cutting into the boot as the bus travels.

[Blu88]

How about turning them sideways?

Thanks for the heads up. I plan to tear one apart and sheet it tomorrow

[paddywagon]

I did exactly what you are proposing. I "re-glazed" five windows in my bus with steel which I had powder coated black, so they still look like windows from the outside. Turned out great but if I had to do it again, it'd definitely be with aluminum. The 3/16in steel panes are HEAVY. Luckily, they're held in the robust Gillig window frames. Just unnecessarily heavy duty.

[JOSY]

Maybe you can use aluminium sandwich panels to make it better? I considered to do that but my budget says no.