RV10 Rear Window Installation

rkbrown819 · #1 06-09-2020, 06:41 AM

I know there has been extensive discussion about window installation adhesives. I am getting ready to install the rear windows and will be using the Vans-supplied WELD-ON. The forward (door) window installation was pretty easy since the doors could be put on a table and weights placed on top of the windows while the WELD-ON cured. Can anyone suggest a good way to hold the rear windows securely in-place while the WELD-ON cures?
Thanks for any advice you can provide.
Rick

iwannarv · #2 06-09-2020, 07:31 AM

I haven't completed this and have a ways to go. But, I have seen several drill holes outside the perimeter of the window (in the cabin top flange) and install wingnut style clecos with wooden shims to evenly clamp the window down and into place for curing. Clecos removed and flox fills the holes.

rocketman1988 · #3 06-09-2020, 08:19 AM

I drilled holes around the perimeter and made some clamps from scrap aluminum. Basically just a short piece of aluminum with a bend I one end. They are then checked to the cabin top and hold the window in.

Make sure you do not have any excess or squeeze out weld-on around the window. When cured, it is MUCH harder than the surrounding fiberglass or the Plexiglas, and can be VERY difficult to remove.

oren_rokach · #4 06-09-2020, 11:24 PM

I took on myself the role of reminding anyone asking about windows installation about the silpruf method, so ... here it is :

https://youtu.be/A336SG-fsiI

Bill.Peyton · #5 06-10-2020, 06:49 AM

I would seriously consider using Lord Adhesive. Call Aerosport and chat with them about it.. or do a search

9GT · #6 06-10-2020, 08:25 AM

Weld-On. Wouldn't touch that stuff with a 10' pole.

rkbrown819 · #7 06-10-2020, 01:45 PM

David,
Can you tell me more about your objection to Weld-On? I just completed my door windows using it. Not fun for sure, but it wasn't all that bad. Is you objection due the difficulty of using it or do you have a concern about its effectiveness? Vans seems pretty emphatic about its effectiveness. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from other folks' experience before I commit to it for the rear windows and the windscreen.
Thanks,
Rick

9GT · #8 06-10-2020, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkbrown819

David,
Can you tell me more about your objection to Weld-On? I just completed my door windows using it. Not fun for sure, but it wasn't all that bad. Is you objection due the difficulty of using it or do you have a concern about its effectiveness? Vans seems pretty emphatic about its effectiveness. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from other folks' experience before I commit to it for the rear windows and the windscreen.
Thanks,
Rick

There are many stories of folks that have used the stuff and developed crazing in the transparencies. I used it years ago when I replace the transparencies in my C-152 to glue on the compass mount per the replacement manufacturers directions . It started crazing within a month afterwards under and extending a bit beyond the joint. That was enough for me to use the Rutan method for installing the transparencies on my RV-10: Flox as the bonding agent and encapsulating the transparency on the outside with 3 layers of fiberglass tape. Hope your install does not craze as it seems to be a hit and miss issue.

togaflyer · #9 06-10-2020, 07:40 PM

Sikaflex 295UV is good. Cirus uses it to install there windows. Even though it claims to be UV resistant Sika recommends a UV barrier (look how most boats have a black tape band around the plexiglass window installation. It will work fine if you plan to fiberglass around the outside of the window. If doing the Sportsman method you want Silpruf, which is silicon 100 percent UV and has slightly more elasticity.

jeffwhip · #10 06-10-2020, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkbrown819

David,
Can you tell me more about your objection to Weld-On? I just completed my door windows using it. Not fun for sure, but it wasn't all that bad. Is you objection due the difficulty of using it or do you have a concern about its effectiveness? Vans seems pretty emphatic about its effectiveness. I'm trying to learn as much as I can from other folks' experience before I commit to it for the rear windows and the windscreen.
Thanks,
Rick

If you do a search on the forums, you'll find where weld-on has caused many windows to craze. Vick wrote a great article on Kitplanes detailing the use of Sikaflex 295. I used it and am very happy with it. I would encourage you to use either the Lord Adhesive or Sikaflex. I drilled small holes around the window and then used special clecko's (not sure what they're called) that allowed me to set the individual depth of each one.

I can provide more info if you have any questions.