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kenbw2

Administrator

From: Preston

Registered: 2017-11-26

Posts: 1,271

My options for adding windows to my panel van

Having bought a panel van for conversion to a camper, I want to add windows to the sliding side doors.

On my white van this was easy - I just bought some doors with windows and fitted those. White ones are plentiful. Blue ones not so much.

There's the custom route, but this is hampered by the curve of the doors.

So I've put a lot of research into my options., but am struggling to find a good answer. Any ideas in addition to the following are appreciated:

Buy tinted windows and have them fitted

A couple of suppliers for these, and can be fitted professionally

Pros:
+ Easy no-hassle option
+ Looks nice from the outside

Cons:
- 80% Tint = lets less light in
- The actual see through part is tiny
- Glass will protrude from the side

£350ish

Respray the factory fitted windowed doors

Take the white windowed doors and have them spray painted to match the van

Pros:
+ Means I can use standard doors and windows
+ Windows will be flush with the panel

Cons:
- Doors will be noticeably a different paint than the rest of the van
- I have that line down the middle of the windows

~£400 if I have it done professionally

Fit the windows from my Synergie

Already found a place willing to do this. Take the Synergie windows, have them bonded to the side of the van.

Pros:
+ Big see through area
+ Already have the glass

Cons:
- The glass is an odd shape
- Glass will protrude from the side
- He needs me to spray paint the inside of the windows myself

£120

Last edited by kenbw2 (2019-05-07 23:18:24)

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2000 Citroen Dispatch 1.9TD XUD9 Camper Conversion
1999 Citroen Dispatch 1.9D DW8 Disassembled Camper Conversion
1996 Peugeot 806 1.9TD XUD9 Spare vehicle
1998 Citroen Synergie 1.9TD XUD9 Snapped timing belt

kenbw2

Administrator

From: Preston

Registered: 2017-11-26

Posts: 1,271

Re: My options for adding windows to my panel van

One thing I was considering, is acrylic sheets instead of glass. Probably easier to cut to shape, and easy to fit. Might get scratched but maybe could be replaced easily enough once a year or so?

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2000 Citroen Dispatch 1.9TD XUD9 Camper Conversion
1999 Citroen Dispatch 1.9D DW8 Disassembled Camper Conversion
1996 Peugeot 806 1.9TD XUD9 Spare vehicle
1998 Citroen Synergie 1.9TD XUD9 Snapped timing belt

OAT

Member

From: Borders/Dales

Registered: 2017-01-03

Posts: 903

Re: My options for adding windows to my panel van

None of your options seem ideal and the best one is expensive.

If the van's paint was poor and it was me I would fit the white ones and roller paint the whole thing.  No one can see orange peel once you are moving and when parked up, you will be enjoying the views, not looking at what is after all, an ugly tin box.

But yours is quite good so that would be bold.  Mind you, your never going to enter a Concours d'Elegance. 

cliffo

Member

Registered: 2017-08-04

Posts: 128

Re: My options for adding windows to my panel van

How about some vinyl wrapping , either for the whole van or for the doors and around them (perhaps a 'gradient' starting just before and after the doors, or some pattern which runs from the doors to the rear panel)?

vaz2121

Member

From: Glasgow Living:~ SW. Scotland

Registered: 2015-08-31

Posts: 1,311

Re: My options for adding windows to my panel van

Not an ideal sugestion and everyone to there own ............
Ive seen many home converted vans use caravan windows either opening or fixed......
I dear say the skill/bravery then is cutting the hole ........ {Especially if you don't have a template}
Sticking up some limo tint afterwards shouldn't be that bad..............

kenbw2

Administrator

From: Preston

Registered: 2017-11-26

Posts: 1,271

Re: My options for adding windows to my panel van

I'd be well up for a caravan window if it weren't for the curved door surface. Unless there's a solution to that that isn't terrible?

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2000 Citroen Dispatch 1.9TD XUD9 Camper Conversion
1999 Citroen Dispatch 1.9D DW8 Disassembled Camper Conversion
1996 Peugeot 806 1.9TD XUD9 Spare vehicle
1998 Citroen Synergie 1.9TD XUD9 Snapped timing belt