Passenger van window blanks?

[Dgorila1]

I'm considering extended passenger vans (E350,Chevy Express 3500) because they are readily available and tend to be in better condition than a cargo van that was used for commercial work. I see that most people using these vans just cover the side and rear windows with reflectix and/or curtains for privacy. Has anyone removed the windows and installed sheet metal window blanks in their place? I see window blanks available for the back door windows of cargo vans but nothing available for the side windows of passenger vans.  If they aren't available I could have a sheet metal shop cut them out and I could install them using sikaflex, spot welds, fasteners, etc.
   Has anyone else done this?

 

[speedhighway46]

That would certainly work and wouldn't be too difficult.

On one of my recent overnights at WM just last week a guy pulled in with a Dodge minivan with no windows. Went over to compliment him on how nice (and sleek) it looked. He said it was just a standard van that he had the windows painted at a body shop using paint designed for glass. The paint was on the outside. He said it has held up great; his paint job was abt three years ago.

Maybe another option for you . . .

 

[Dgorila1]

That would certainly work and wouldn't be too difficult.

On one of my recent overnights at WM just last week a guy pulled in with a Dodge minivan with no windows. Went over to compliment him on how nice (and sleek) it looked. He said it was just a standard van that he had the windows painted at a body shop using paint designed for glass. The paint was on the outside. He said it has held up great; his paint job was abt three years ago.

Maybe another option for you . . .

Thanks, I'll have to look into paint made for glass. I've considered having the windows tinted with limo tint and then doing the insulation and covering the walls with paneling like I want. Would still look like a standard passenger van which is good from a stealth camping aspect. I just worry about if the glass ever gets broken in the future, as well as when I do the build it might be easier if the windows are removed and the wall all metal like a cargo van. I've even thought of putting in the sheet metal blanks to replace the windows, and then painting them so it looks like there is still glass there and it's just darkly tinted.

 

[SternWake]

Lots of Van( vanner, not vandweller) enthusiasts Despise Window Vans, and go to great lengths to acquire a windowless van, but some others weld in steel panels where windows once resided.


Apparently to do this cleanly, where a huge amount of Bondo is not required to make it look as if the window never existed, takes some good fabricating skills and a good amount of labor.

Me, I like having the option of letting in light, and have thick cardboard panels in 3 pieces for each trapezoidal rear conversion van window, painted black with high temp barbeque grill flat black paint, that fit inside the rear window frames and let in no light. The one rectangular window requires 4 pieces.

  These windows are still big heat sources even insulated, and have black bungee cord  on the frames to hold my bed pillows and/or reflectix to the window to significantly reduce the radiated heat from the windows baking in direct sunlight.

 

[GotSmart]

Thanks, I'll have to look into paint made for glass. I've considered having the windows tinted with limo tint and then doing the insulation and covering the walls with paneling like I want. Would still look like a standard passenger van which is good from a stealth camping aspect. I just worry about if the glass ever gets broken in the future, as well as when I do the build it might be easier if the windows are removed and the wall all metal like a cargo van. I've even thought of putting in the sheet metal blanks to replace the windows, and then painting them so it looks like there is still glass there and it's just darkly tinted.

This is how I did it.  

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-Rebuild-91-Dodge-short-van

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah, filling in the windows with sheet metal is not all that easy, IF YOU WANT IT TO LOOK GOOD. if you just want to slop it on it's easy. highdesertranger

 

[Dgorila1]

Lots of Van( vanner, not vandweller) enthusiasts Despise Window Vans, and go to great lengths to acquire a windowless van, but some others weld in steel panels where windows once resided.


Apparently to do this cleanly, where a huge amount of Bondo is not required to make it look as if the window never existed, takes some good fabricating skills and a good amount of labor.

Me, I like having the option of letting in light, and have thick cardboard panels in 3 pieces for each trapezoidal rear conversion van window, painted black with high temp barbeque grill flat black paint, that fit inside the rear window frames and let in no light. The one rectangular window requires 4 pieces.

  These windows are still big heat sources even insulated, and have black bungee cord  on the frames to hold my bed pillows and/or reflectix to the window to significantly reduce the radiated heat from the windows baking in direct sunlight.

I'm not worried about trying to make it look like the windows never existed, just figured removing the ones I don't want would make the build better and insulation better as you mention. I'm thinking I can get an extended E350 or Chevy 3500 passenger van much easier and in better shape than a panel van, then eventually install a raised roof if needed. I want something with the ability to tow an rv if needed in the future, and other than a Sprinter  and the former mentioned models, none of the other vans are rated for heavy towing.

 

[WrenchLife]

It would be very easy to remove the windows and replace them with solid inserts on a e-series. The windows are held in with nuts around the perimeter on the inside. You could remove the window and use it as a template for your filler. There is a type of board sign shops use that is basically a piece of plastic with an aluminum skin glued on both sides. It comes in many colors powdercoated and holds up great outside. It is sturdy and light weight. It has some flex to it so it would follow the curve of the body, it also has enough rigidity to not have to worry about it oil canning over time. You could use it on the pop out vent windows too and still have them open for ventilation when needed.

 

[speedhighway46]

Now there's a good idea; and wouldn't require any welding!

 

[Dgorila1]

It would be very easy to remove the windows and replace them with solid inserts on a e-series. The windows are held in with nuts around the perimeter on the inside. You could remove the window and use it as a template for your filler. There is a type of board sign shops use that is basically a piece of plastic with an aluminum skin glued on both sides. It comes in many colors powdercoated and holds up great outside. It is sturdy and light weight. It has some flex to it so it would follow the curve of the body, it also has enough rigidity to not have to worry about it oil canning over time. You could use it on the pop out vent windows too and still have them open for ventilation when needed.

Interesting, I'll have to look up this material. My brother-in-law works for a sign shop, I'll have to ask him if they use it. Thanks for the info! :idea:

 

[WrenchLife]

You're welcome, I have always thought it would be cool to make the long side windows of an econoline into swing outs. We sleep side to side in ours and it would give a lot more leg room, plus if they had fabric/screen attached to them, sort of like a pop up camper, it would be like sleeping on a screen porch in nice weather.

 

[Artsyguy]

I've wondered if the newer Plastikote spray paint applied to the exterior of the glass, insulated, and then paneled over would be a good idea?  Surprised at how few non glass Chevy and GMC cargo Van's are available.

 

[ldmccain]

Not sure about the outside. This is gray sprayed on the inside.

Wandering Larry

 

[Artsyguy]

I was thinking a white van and spraying white on Windows. The instructions say it can be used on glass. If it's tough enough for wheels, seems like it should hold up...