Trim and seal question

[swirlygirls]

Hello all. The big front window needed replacing. When I removed the aluminum trim I found LOTS of silicone (may I just say how much I silicone has become the bane of my existence). I have two questions. A piece of the aluminum trim is missing. It's about 1" and has a little channel that grabs the window frame. VTS has a steel trim for 68 Airstreams but I'm sure this is what I need. Any ideas?

Also, after the new glass is seated on the sticky tape should I put a thin strip of silicone on the edge of the glass before replacing the trim? I can't believe I'm even asking that but the person at the glass store suggested it might help with future leak potential.

Thanks for your input.

[vikx]

Call VTS and find out if the steel trim they have will work. I'm guessing not, since what you have is aluminum.

The sticky tape should be enough to seal the glass. I wouldn't seal the trim because if the glass ever breaks, the trim would be ruined getting it loose...

However, it might be prudent to seal the actual window FRAME with gutter seal before installing the glass and seal. Be sure the gutter seal is thin and won't interfere when you lay the glass.

[swirlygirls]

What about seating the window on the tacky tape and then putting the gutter seal around the edge of the glass and onto the frame? The trim goes in at an angle and so it wouldn't actually touch the gutter seal that way. I haven't worked with the gutter seal yet so I don't know it's characteristics but what do you think?

[vikx]

The windows were made to be repaired. The more goop on or near the glass, the harder repairs will be.

The actual aluminum frame has proved to be a leak source, at the welded corners. Gutter seal there will hopefully insure that the frame itself is leak proof.

Your way will work fine. I'm just always thinking "repair". Can't get it out of my mind...