I'm assuming your windows are made from .060 thickness material, but did you measure it?. The 19-3/4" width had a factory allowance of +- 1/16". I'd bet undersized ones move a lot easier than oversized ones! Adjustment is easy on a 10" table model disc sander.
Most coupes have had many, many welt installations. NOBODY likes proper preparation, but cleaning the welt channels all the way back to bare metal all around is the best insurance for success. I like acetone (and I don't use gloves; it's natural...your body makes it too, but make sure you have GOOD ventilation), rough terry rags (Home Depot, paint dept.) and sharp hardwood scrapers.
Cut up box cardboard into 3"-4" (or so) wide strips 5"-6" long. Stack two, fold double at halfway point and hold with a clothes pin; repeat many times. Lay the welt in the channel (without cement). Wedge some the cardboards into the welt making sure welts are forced all the way down in...cardboard should hold welt sides and back firmly against the inside surfaces of the channel (and verify welt length). Increase or decrease cardboard wedge thickness until desired results are achieved-you need enough to go all around.
Apply "fine line" tape to any painted area you don't want cement adhering to. I seem to recall using a dry silicone spray on the front (sliding surface) of the welts before gluing them in.
Apply cement liberally to the back of the welt, starting at one end and pressing well in with fingers and jamming in cardboard wedges in to hold in place until dry. Wipe away excess cement with cloth and solvent as you go. (test solvent you use on hidden area of paint first!) Leave cardboard wedges in overnight before removing.
Mask the sidescreens and spray (edges that run in the welts) with the dry silicone on each side of each side, install and enjoy!
Regards,
William R. Bayne
<____|(o)|____>
(Copyright 2002)
On May 26, 2004, at 6:30 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hi fellow Coupers: I am having trouble with the window welt/sliding window installation and was wondering if anyone else has had the same problems?
I have installed new welts with the felt to the outside (top) using 3M black weatherstrip adhesive. The welts are properly placed in the channels and the window is 19 3/4" wide(purchased from LP aero plastics). I have lubricated the welts with baby powder (mostly talc) but the window just does not slide up and down easily.
I have done several installations prior without any problems and am hoping that someone has an answer. I feel sure all the welts are made by the same manufacturer, but I have installed welts purchased from Aircraft Spruce, Univair and Skyport with the same results.
Any ideas guys and gals?
Thanks in advance.
Lynn
