Date:         Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:14:35 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Rear hatch window success
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Rear hatch window project complete.

Folks were not kidding, getting that window back in is a challenge.

        After several days of coating the area I removed the rust from  we were ready for install.  We prepped by grinding down the rust.  Luckily no holes.  Then POR 15 two coats.  Primer two coats, and two plus coats of my original auto paint I had in a can. 

We did the string and soapy water method. 

Well the window was very tight. We first were using a different spray bottle but changing to true soap and water was better. The string helped but I was the outside window pusher and I didn’t have the strength or skill.  My friend made slow progress doing both outside and inside. 

Finally, after I thought it would not happen, his wife returned from errands and looked at our progress.  She said, let me climb inside and pull the rubber seal over while you push. 

That did it.  She got that window right in and in place as we pushed it in the best we could. 

Now, all is back in place.  The paint looks fine along the edge, and that rust has been seriously slowed down.

Fingers crossed other windows are good s I do not look forward to doing that job again!

A bonus was that the metal clip for the defrost ground wire had come loose some time ago.  Friend soldered it back on and it works great again. 

These busses sure do build great friendships and opportunities for adventures!

Now, we are expecting rain, and once the salt is washed off the roads I hope to get out in the vans and get them running after the winter sleep.

I hope your projects are coming along as well.

eRic