Driver's window - advice needed

[Kaklehr]

Hi All,
I need some help with my driver's side window.

Background: the driver's window leaked like a sieve, so I removed it, cleaned it and the frame, added new butyl tape and seam sealer, and reinstalled the window with more seam sealer. It still leaked something awful. I figured the window gaskets were bad; I accidentally broke the two windows and screwed up the frame removing the window the 2nd time; it's not repairable.

I called everybody and their brother around the US and cannot find a replacement window (I have a 1992 Navistar DTA360, Carpenter SB 2508 chassis).

I figured I'd install sheet metal and an RV window, which I purchased. My concern is that the RV window is tinted and just doesn't provide as much visibility as the original window. Plus I'm concerned the tint may be a hindrance to night driving visibility.

Here's the question: Would it be possible to install a different make bus window into the sheet metal frame? If you think so, how?

[plfking]

Originally Posted by Kaklehr

Here's the question: Would it be possible to install a different make bus window into the sheet metal frame? If you think so, how?

When I skinned over my original door, I bolted in tube stock above and below, turned a 'standard' window sideways, removed the latches, and screwed it in. Then skinned around the perimeter.

Works as well or better than my driver's slider.

[EastCoastCB]

https://www.wheelerfleet.com/product...yABEgJajvD_BwE

[Kaklehr]

Looks cool. What did you use to fill the side blanks?

[cadillackid]

I have already looked for a carpenter window.. carpenter has gone out of business a long time ago.. it appears an 'IC' driver window can be made to fit a high headroom carpenter bus.. a Wayne window (just as hard to find) was a drop in replacement on a carpenter as well.. school bus junkyard will be your best bet. a Thomas High headroom bus like an HDX is a possibility as it looks similar.. I sort of repaired my driver window so I havent gone on a mission to find another one.. I do know of a good one if your bus is a low headroom.. some friends are parting out a low headroom mid-90s Richmond-built carpenter..
-Christopher

[plfking]

Originally Posted by Kaklehr

Looks cool. What did you use to fill the side blanks?

I skinned the opening with one of the interior ceiling panels I removed.

I went this route because I, too, called everybody and their brother AND their sister trying to find a driver's slider window, with no luck.

[Kaklehr]

HI Christopher,
I'm not sure what you mean by "low headroom". The window opening is 28 3/4" tall x 32" wide.

[Kaklehr]

Hi Cadillackid,

I do know of a good one if your bus is a low headroom.. some friends are parting out a low headroom mid-90s Richmond-built carpenter..

I'm VERY interested. Thanks!

[cadillackid]

high headroom vs low headroom has different heights for the windows, yours is a high headroom window opening, same as mine.


the bus being parted out is a low headroom meaning the driver window is a different size..

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

high headroom vs low headroom has different heights for the windows, yours is a high headroom window opening, same as mine.


the bus being parted out is a low headroom meaning the driver window is a different size..

U sure about that Chris? I'm pretty sure on at least Thomas buses they only used one size driver window.

[cadillackid]

Bluebird conventionals used one, carpenter and IC used 2, Thomas used 1 on conventional ..

The busses we are talking about here are carpenters

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

Bluebird conventionals used one, carpenter and IC used 2, Thomas used 1 on conventional ..

The busses we are talking about here are carpenters

10-4. Just was wondering.

[Kaklehr]

Thanks for checking Chris. Guess I'll go the - skin & RV window route.

I really appreciate all your feedback!
Cheers, Kathy