Panel van rear window conversion - kit?

Discussion in 'Camper Conversions' started by wonky, Aug 17, 2021.

  1. Hi folks
    I'm looking at a panel van with the intention of putting windows in to make a camper/day van conversion.

    not sure if I'd do just the middle section/slider or also do the rear quarter which currently have vent slits cut in and a rain cowel of a diy nature.

    ive out windows in a t5 before but obviously on a type2 it's a little different.

    is there a conversion glass and seal kit or it's there some supplier that has better gear than others to do this?

    move read about flat and curved glass but not sure if either are readily available ?

    many comments welcomed
     
  2. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Don't?
    1) Unconverted panel vans are quite a rarity.
    2) Conversion windows leak.
    3) you won't find new glass.
    4) the inside is a nightmare to make look good with un-joined skins
    5) converted sliders are left exceedingly weak around the window.
    6) It's a hassle you just don't need!
     
    Kruger, mgbman, Dicky and 3 others like this.
  3. Agreed wholeheartedly
     
  4. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    I disagree with the above, they made MILLIONS of vans none of them are actually rare ,
    if you need windows panel van glass isn’t that hard to come by.
    They don’t leak fitted properly
    It’s not a hassle it’s no different to any job that needs doing
    Converted sliders with the over sized glass are weak at the top, easy enough to reinforce when fitting
    Ps I’m not a panel van conversion hater :D
     
    garygazza and art b like this.
  5. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Don't hate, but I wouldn't want one and neither would you would you? :)
     
  6. You forgot and they look naff !
     
    Zed likes this.
  7. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    It wouldn’t bother me either way, I’ve had plenty of vehicles and will have lots more , window designs fairly low down on my list of things that matter
     
  8. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    So you say, but you've never had one have you? You choose factory/Westfalia every time. I know you don't want to offend any possible customers so I'll leave it there
     
  9. all points taken on board.....

    i have considered no windows and just replacing the slider door with a window one... tough decision when a decent van is available, especially when price is good too.....

    a factory window bus in same condition is twice the price.....

    i dont want a "traditional " camper interior as i wouldnt use it and prefare the space, just a full width R&Rbed will do....nowt else..... but point taken on single skin tricky aspects....
     
  10. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    also had a couple of devons ;)
     
  11. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Panel van conversions?
     
  12. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    Yes
     
    Zed likes this.
  13. Depends what the op wants to achieve . I’ve seen some nicely done panel vans with fibreglass interior trims to tidy up the window surrounds. They do tend to be crusty around the windows due to water ingress so clearly a problem or just done badly in the first instance.

    seen a number of panels with just a window on the sliding door, or a kombi/bus door fitted. Might be a bit oppressive inside.
     
  14. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I'm definitely a snob on this aspect. :thumbsup:
    I appreciate a lot of people including owners don't even know what they have. Some probably like the curved glass too.
     
    davidoft likes this.
  15. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    I’m not sure where I stand on this these days… I certainly used to be in the snob camp, but nowadays, the gap in prices from a panel van, to a panel van conversion, does make it tempting!

    And as has been mentioned, half the folk that have bought a camper, have no idea what they have anyway, so does it really matter?

    (can you tell I’m thinking of converting my panel…again..) :D
     
    JamesLey and davidoft like this.
  16. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    lol - did you keep the windows?
     
    Dubs likes this.
  17. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    No, it had weird little boat like windows if you remember?
     
  18. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I don't think I ever saw it with windows.
     
  19. Dubs

    Dubs Sponsor supporter extraordinaire

    Hmm, maybe it was before your time then. :thinking:
     
  20. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    You were half done when we met, holes filled but not finished. :thumbsup:
     
    Dubs likes this.

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