CR Laurence Window Hinge Attachment Maintenance

[peteco]

Seeing the occasional post here and elsewhere regarding the hinge-to-window bond failing on a CR Laurence crank open window has me planning to do some maintenance. Right now it appears the window bond to the hinge is good, but looks may be deceiving. The windows do operate and seal properly, so that mechanism and alignment appear to be good.

I could try to separate the glass from the hinge and reseal. There is much discussion on adhesives, from the CR Laurence product (some poor reviews), 3m Window weld, and others.

Or I could simply add a strip of Gorilla Tape or equivalent, and replace every few years when the UV deteriorates to the tape.

Any experience or suggestions?

[jjrbus]

No answers but have mine taped as I do not know and plan on redoing someday. Will be following.

[peteco]

Originally Posted by jjrbus

No answers but have mine taped as I do not know and plan on redoing someday. Will be following.

What tape did you use?

[jjrbus]

Originally Posted by peteco

What tape did you use?

It was going to be temporary so I cut up a piece of Eternabond and painted it black, about 3" X 3" times 2, not nice looking at all, even worse now that the paint is failing. But I have 100% confidence in the eternabond not failing.

[booster]

I have been pondering the same question for quite a while now for 07 190P Roadtrek. The 190s have an issue on the driver side rear window with frame fit to the body so the glass to frame bond gets stressed as it nears closing. Our had a 1/4" gap when closed at the rear lower part of it. I fixed that by remounting the window to get the frame straight so now closes well and evenly, but still worry about the past and future stress on the bonding. Our van stores inside so it has way less UV and heat than an outside stored van, especially from the South.


I am tempted to just put a bead of black PL urethane caulking on the inside and outside of the connection. That stuff sticks well and is flexible enough not the shear if the maid bond does fail, I think. For belt and suspenders type fix I would add a piece of the black outdoor rated Gorilla tape, and as Peteco says just replace it when it deteriorates. With it being inside, we may never have to replace it.

[jjrbus]

Have not thought about this in a while. I have also considered replacing the glass with plexiglass and mechanically fastening the plexi to the frame, then just need a sealer not adhesive. Possible even eliminating the closing mechanism with regular RV window closers.

This project is on the back burner again as I need to get after the coil springs and control arm bushings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMd-NdcjXm0

[peteco]

Originally Posted by jjrbus

Have not thought about this in a while. I have also considered replacing the glass with plexiglass and mechanically fastening the plexi to the frame, then just need a sealer not adhesive. Possible even eliminating the closing mechanism with regular RV window closers.

This project is on the back burner again as I need to get after the coil springs and control arm bushings.

Why are you considering replacing the glass? I would think the glass would be better than the plexiglass in many regards. Less likely to scratch. Less likely to warp in the sun. Plexi positive is it won't shatter if impacted. Also, the mechanical fastener makes plexiglass detachment much less likely. So ok, maybe overall plexiglass is better.

[jjrbus]

I am not enthusiastic about plexiglass, something I am thinking about.

[Jim M]

A few weeks ago I checked my 2 rear side windows that fold out with a crank from the bottom.
Its on a 2011 Roadtrek P210.

One of them I could see the adhesive was starting to come apart!

I made an appointment and took it in to my local independent glass shop.

Its cold here so they took it inside, warmed her up for a couple hours and re-glued the flat plate to the window glass. Excellent service.

Oh and it cost me a whopping $60.00 and I didn't have to guess, worry, wonder or even work on it myself which is nice (especially in winter).

If you loose one of these windows (mine are curved) you won't likely find them anywhere. A custom made one would be very expensive.

I would recommend ALL owners check these types of windows if you have them and get a good professional to re-glue them if needed.

[Roadtreker357]

I twas posted here or elsewhere last year to install baby proof cabinet locking straps, sounded like a good idea and simple solution. So I did it, two per window. So far, so good. Photo attached.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BT9Q2LXD...title_0_0&th=1

[KurtFranz]

Originally Posted by peteco

Or I could simply add a strip of Gorilla Tape or equivalent, and replace every few years when the UV deteriorates to the tape.

Any experience or suggestions?

Have black outdoor gorilla tape on mine. Holding up well after 2 or so years.

I think you will be fine going this route and checking the tape once in a while

[Jfstang]

Originally Posted by KurtFranz

Have black outdoor gorilla tape on mine. Holding up well after 2 or so years.

I think you will be fine going this route and checking the tape once in a while

+1 on that. I do the black Gorilla tape thing as well on my 05C190P. You don't even really notice it to look at it unless you know it's there. I check the tape periodically but so far so good. It's held fine in driving rainstorms which by my luck I always seem to hit when I travel north towards Lake Superior.
Cheap insurance, and I follow the old idea that if it ain't broke don't fix it - just prevent it.