We are aware fitting windows may be a difficult job for anyone who hasn’t fitted a window to their van or done any conversion work before.

So, we decided to speak to Vincent, owner of Voyager MPV, a company who have 25 years’ experience in purpose-built taxi sales, wheelchair accessible minibus, retail and specialist conversions and supplying new and used vehicles to customers throughout the UK.

We asked Vin an array of commonly asked question regarding himself, windows and the fitting process…

How long have you worked in this industry for?

Well, I am 58 now and I started working with vans when I was 22. Roughly about 36 years, so a long time.

Do you enjoy the hands-on side of your job?

Yes, I do. I’ve always preferred to be more hands on.

What’s your favourite van at the moment?

My favourite van, I think it has to be the Ford Transit Custom at the moment. I used to love Volkswagen products, but I prefer the quality for money with the Transit Custom. 

Now time for all our commonly asked questions regarding windows and the fitting process.

What do you need to fit a window?

Tools, good quality tools. You would need a jigsaw or a metal shear. A window sucker if you have one available to you would also be hugely beneficial. You will need a primer, adhesive and knock-on trim. And, a good quality tape to hold the window in place whilst it’s curing.

How easy is it to fit a window?

It depends on the type of vehicle that you are fitting the window too. As long as you have all the equipment needed, your vehicle protected and some common sense you will be able to fit it fairly easily.

How long does it take to fit a window?

About 3 hours. For anyone who hasn’t fitted a window before it is best to allow yourself 3 hours to do it competently and properly.

How many people does it take to fit a window?

You can do it on your own, but most people if they are doing it on a DIY basis would like someone there to help them.

What is the process for fitting a window?

You need to ensure before you do any cutting that the glass you have is the correct one for the vehicle. The best way to tell is by doing a dry fit, you can do this by having two people hold the glass up to the vehicle and gently press it to the body and measure whether the radiuses and the areas are correct. Once you are happy with the fit, you will need to start the cutting.

To do that you will need to look on the inside of the van for the seam to find out where the cut line is, as long as your cut line is going to be hidden by the window there will be no issue. So, go inside the vehicle and drill a hole big enough to fit your cutter through, and cut round the panel.

Once it is cut out you need to dress the edges neatly with nice curves and straight lines otherwise the knock-on trim won’t sit level. Then you should use a scotch brite pad to level all edges so they are neat and tidy.

Next use a primer to prime around the edge, once that is cured you need to ensure your glass is clean and ready to fit it.

With the adhesive, some people put it on the glass and other people will put it on the body and that is down to personal preference. When you are applying the adhesive, it is important you don’t get any air bubbles and that you do it in a continuous string.

Here’s a tip for the adhesive; start at the bottom of the glass, work round and finish and overlap at the bottom because if you start at the top and don’t get a good seal, water will enter and run down the window where you overlapped the adhesive. But if you have a gap at the bottom, the water won’t come up and into the van.

Have you got any trade tips or tricks that you’ve found makes fitting windows easier?

Preparation, making sure everything is clean, and using a primer if the adhesive manufacturer states a primer is needed.

Always dry fit the window before you start, to know if you have the correct window for your vehicle.

Once you have applied the adhesive, create a fist and gently tap round the glue edge as this will help remove any air bubbles from the adhesive.

Once the window is fitted and taped up and whilst waiting for it to cure, I always spray a little bit of water between the glass and the body and let it seep down. I do this because the adhesive is moisture curing so the more moisture there is the quicker the window will cure.

Whilst you are working on the window make sure you leave your rear door(s) or windows open, if you shut the doors with all the windows up then you will cause a vacuum that can push the window out.

Make sure you prepare your van by using a sheet of polythene paper and taping it to the side of your van to avoid damaging the paintwork of the vehicle.

What is your advice to anyone who hasn’t done any van conversions prior to window fitting?

Use different guides and videos off YouTube. I taught myself and there are some good videos out there. Be careful with certain tutorials though as I have seen people using grinders to cut out panels; grinders shouldn’t be used because they send sparks of molten metal all over your van so once your van has been out in the rain afterwards you will have rust spots over your van.  

If you are doing a DIY job make sure you still think about different health and safety measures; you will need to wear protective eye wear and protect your ears from the noise levels. I’d recommend using a circuit breaker, checking all wires on any tools you are using and make sure the tools are of a good standard.

Check out Voyager MPV’s Facebook page HERE.

 

*We do still advise that you always seek professional assistance when fitting your van windows. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for damage caused following the tips or guidance in this post.