I have a panel van that has been converted into a camper. I have solid windows all round and looking to replace the middle one on the offside behind drivers seat - opposite sliding door. How easy is it to fit a louvre window in its place and is there one specific for panel vans?
it's as easy as fitting a standard window...you'll need the proper seal for van conversions (not factory fitted)...same goes for the window. I'm not 100 % but I've a feeling a louvre window from a bus that left the factory with side windows could be made to fit...never done it myself so wouldn't want to say categorically. another option would be to have an opening (or louvre) made up by Leisure windows...you can spec whatever you wish, within reason Draw round your existing window and send it to them as a template
I've switched a solid to a louvred in the same place. I ordered a new seal and used it so as not to worry about leaks. It's self explanatory once you get to look at it. I my case I just pushed out the old one(seal and all). The louvred one you'll need to hold in place while resetting the holding screws . You'll be done in 20 minutes. I ran a fine bead of sealer in under the seals outer edge, just to double check that water stays on the out side. GO FOR IT!!!
I had a garage do mine cos it proved a bit too difficult for me. I bought the correct window and seal but the garage said the vertical curve of the window wasn't quite the same as the vertical curve of the panel. I think the curve of the window is slightly more than the panel. Looking at it I couldn't see until they showed me. Still looks great but they said it was a mare to get it to sit in the seal.
I wanted to do this, but was told I'd need the correct curved window (for a panel van conversion) and I've had real trouble finding one. keep us posted with pics when you get one fitted.
I have a louvered window which came with the van,but i havnt attemted to fit it yet...i must try, as i have polised it with autosolve,but just havnt got 'round to it yet...not nicking your thread by the way,but it fired up my inner intrest in 'window changing'.
Not been able to source a louvre window, but SJH joinery Scott has a sliding window for me to try out. Need to double check measurements etc, but if all is good i may go down this route instead. Or if able to source a louvre window, could have one on each side!
My old bus was a panel that was converted to camper and had a Devon louvre in the middle panel - I'm guessing if the window apertures were made to the correct measurements there should be no reason why a standard Devon or Westfalia louvre couldn't be fitted with an appropriate seal.
I'll be getting a sliding window put in mine during the restoration...thought about louvred but thought the sliding would be better in terms of keeping out ingress of moisture...think they are about £120 ish from JK
