How will I install this window?
You will need to create a template to cut your window hole. The easiest way is to use the cardboard box the window came in. A quick way is to make a rectangle pattern first about the cut hole measurement. Approx.: 36-3/8" x 15-1/8". Once you have your rectangle cut out. Lay on the inside of the bunk window, ensuring the frame and Triangular drainages on the bottom are within the template, as that will need to go through the hole in the wall.
If you are comfortable with the template size, you can hand draw or use a protractor for rounded corners.
Always double-check to ensure you have everything correct.
When drawing the template for the van, great if there are two people. One can hold it while the other draws it out. If you are installing solo, once you know the spot you will be placing the window, you can screw the cardboard into the sidewall to hold it in place, then draw your pattern.
Use a black marker for most vans. White-Out or White marker on Black vans.
Once your template is drawn onto the van, dry-fit your window in place before cutting anything just to double-check that you are happy with the placement. Once confirmed, time to cut.
Cut out your hole with your choice of tool, reciprocating saw, sheers, disc, etc...
Once the Hole has been cut out, Dry fit your window in place. This is also a good time to practice placement as the bunk window will end up having the urethane on the window, and you will set it into the hole for the final attachment. It is now time to begin the installation and clean the Bunk window with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol, emphasizing the areas where the urethane will be placed (the blacked-out area on the backside of the window). Clean the wall of the Van around the opening same method.
Now using cotton daubers, you will apply primer to the van wall. You do not need to put primer on the window. Since these bunk windows have such a small outside overlap, we like to tape off the van's wall, leaving only a 5/8" gap from the cut edge to tape. Then apply the primer to the wall between the cut edge and the tape. This is because we do not want to go too far and have anything visible after installation. Wait about 10-15 mins for the primer to set. You can now remove the tape you were masking the wall off with.
We will move on to the urethane application if you are ready to install the window. If you are still a little uncomfortable with it, ensure you set it in the exact location. You can once again dry fit the window, get it in its perfect spot, then apply to secure tape or painters' tape as if you were taping the window in place for the final time hover to make sure they are straight one in each corner top and bottom then one on each side, leaving the tape on wall and window use a razor to slice tape. This will now give you six markers for lining up the window.
Let us move on to the urethane application. You will cut your urethane tip straight across with no V-notch. You want it to be a tootsie roll size of urethane. Make sure you evenly distribute straight to the frit (Blacked out Glass around the edge) - (backside of the window) itself, not onto the wall and right next to the window's frame.
The most important part of a urethane window installation is consistency in the bead of urethane. If you are happy with the bead, your primer is set, and you have removed the tape that was masking the primer. Now you will place the window into the hole. If you have two people, it's a great one on the inside that can pull on the frame and line up the other outside, ensuring the window does not fall. Once you have the window in the hole and in the place, you will want to open your hand to smack the window down. The goal with the window on a (Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster) is to have the glass about even with the outer body. You do not want to place a small amount of urethane and have the glass flush on the wall. While you may feel the aesthetic look is nicer when fluctuating temperatures shatter, the glass will not be so appealing. You want to have about a ¼" gap between the glass and the wall, which again will put you about flush with the outer body. On Vans without inset window sections window will hover on the outside. (This is not different between a clamp ring window or urethane, a clamp ring will have foam that fills the gap giving a flusher look however urethane is a far superior attachment method).
Now that your window is set in place use Window securing tape to hold the window in place. You will be able to drive your Van after three hrs. and remove the tape after 24hrs; best to wait for 72hrs before washing the vehicle. (Colder temperatures 50degrees and below double time)
There may be urethane then oozes into the interior of the van; using a glass cleaner, spray the urethane with a liberal amount than using a plastic putty knife, smooth the urethane out like you spackling a wall to ensure complete coverage of the hole and a nicer appearance.
Van Windows Direct - Van Awning Bunk Window

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