I finally got around to ordering the rear 2 side windows. As I said in a previous post, Vehicle Leisure Windows would not quote for them, so I ended up going to a company called Vanbitz in Barnsley. He had the solid (non vented) windows for the back side windows, and could supply them for £246 delivered, including the fixing/bonding kit.
So, I ordered them, 28th September, hoping to have them in time for the following weekend. I got an email saying that his supplier didn't have stock, and they were trying to source some more. Got a little worried, until a couple of hours later I got another email saying that they had managed to source them, and I would receive them in 7-10 days.
Well, three weeks after paying, I still didnt have my windows. When I emailed asking why on the monday, I got an email on Tuesday saying he had only got the windows the day before, and I should receive them that day, or tomorrow, tomorrow being Wednesday. Despite asking for tracking details a couple of times, none were forthcoming.
No windows turned up tuesday or wednesday, so he had lied to me making me think that the windows were on the way. Not happy.
However, I got an email, late on on the wednesday, from Vehicle Leisure Windows, the original company that wouldnt quote me, saying my order had been dispatched, with a tracking link to Interlink Express.
How odd :S. Hadn't been quoted, let alone ordered and paid for windows from them.
Well, it turns out Vanbitz 'supplier' was Vehicle Leisure Windows, I was actually quite happy about this, as I had lost all confidence in Vanbitz, especially after reading a review for them online saying they sell inferior products. I have to say though, it was one review, on the whole net, so I cant judge them just by that, all the same I was happy Vehicle Leisure Windows were actually supplying them, as they have lots of good reviews on the Self Builders forums, I just dont understand why it was so difficult getting them to give me a price on the windows.
Anyway, from there on in, Interlink's tracking process was second to none, even telling me what hour slot the windows would be delivered in making it easier for one of us to be home to sign for them. They arrived Thursday dinnertime :)
They came with a double fixing kit for two windows, AND the internal trim for the metal edge of the frame.
For the next windows, I hope I can get a quote direct from VLW, will save so much hassle !
So, now I had them, I CHICKENED OUT of actually fitting them, I just didnt want anything else to go wrong. So I called Dave at Five Valleys Windscreens, and asked him, if I took the old windows out, cleaned up the frames ready, would he actually come fit the windows, he offered to do just that for a very good price. The plan was for me to remove the windows and do the clean up over the weekend, and he would come and fit the windows Monday. Brill !
SATURDAY -
Well, today was the day, so I took my knife, and started cutting in to the rubber seal on the passenger side window, I had now passed the point of no return !
It turns out the seal had the window stuck in there pretty good ! With some very determined cutting, finally, the window came out, thankfully, in one piece, I intend to sell the windows I remove to help out with the cost of the new windows.
Once I pulled the large rubber seal off, I was left with this unsightly mess, I knew I was in for a tough time cleaning that up !
But clean it up I did, sharp knife and my brake and clutch cleaner with a non scratch scourer. Took at least a couple of hours, and I ached quite a bit afterwards.
It was starting to get dark, so decided to leave the second window until Sunday. I cut some tarpaulin up to slightly bigger than the window aperature, and sealed it all up with Fabric Tape.
SUNDAY -
After yesterdays success, I started today with high hopes, knowing what you are dealing with really helps the old confidence, and within about 10 minutes, I had the second window out, in one piece again !
Pulled the large rubber seal away.
Then I saw it.
The frame was eaten away by rust :(.
Instead of sorting out the leaks properly as they happened, the NHS mechanics just kept sealing it, which, unlike the other side, which was letting the water flow inside quite freely, it held the water and caused the frame to bubble and rust :(. When I took the the seal off from the top of the frame, lots of water dripped down :(.
As you can see, totally different to the opposite side, no amount of cleaning up will get this side ready for a new window glass. :(
But I did clean it up, the best I could get was this.
Not good :(.
Will see what Dave says tomorrow, if its not possible to fit this side tomorrow, Nina is provisionally booked in for Tuesday at Bedford Street Motors to see what they can do. If they can make it all solid again, I can get the window put on. In an ideal world.
So now Ive sealed up that side too, its a waiting game until tomorrow morning, when Dave is coming out to fit them.
Everybody cross your fingers for Nina, and hope she can get fixed as quickly, and cheaply as possible !
Hopefully, come bak and see a pic tomorrow of at least one window fitted :).
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Location:Gloucester
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