Leaving it to the Pros: Replacing Factory Van Windows

Hey everybody, Matt here for AVC and welcome back to AVC Chronicles!

On our latest crew van build, we're doing something that might sound counterintuitive: we're cutting out perfectly good factory windows!

The answer is simple: more venting is always better. Controlled airflow from one end of the van to the other is crucial for comfort in a camper build. While many DIY builders are comfortable cutting metal for a new window location, removing factory bonded glass is a different beast entirely.

Why You Should Call a Professional for Glass Removal

When we install a window in a location that didn't have one, we can do the metal cutting and the prep here. But when it comes to removing glass that was installed at the factory—like on this crew van—we always call a professional.

Trying to DIY glass removal can lead to serious headaches:

• Danger: Shattering glass is messy and dangerous.

• Damage: Risk of scratching the paint, leading to rust issues later.

• Specialty Tools: The job requires specific tools and expertise to properly cut the strong urethane adhesive and remove the glass cleanly.

To ensure no scratches, no mess, and a perfect job every time, we rely on our friends at OE Auto Glass.

Talking Windows with the Experts

We sat down with Marlon Seals, owner of OE Auto Glass in Loveland, Colorado, to discuss why professional help is necessary for this particular task.

🛠️ The Advantage of Professionals

"In any project, the key is to have the right tools and the right know-how," says Marlon. "We do this every day. We have the correct tools, the equipment, and we’ve done it thousands of times. What seems difficult for you is pretty easy for us."

Professional glass shops have the state-of-the-art cut-out knives that allow them to:

1. Remove the old glass cleanly.

2. Trim the old urethane adhesive.

3. Prime the opening.

4. Lay a new bead of urethane.

5. Install the new window.

This process ensures your new window is sealed just as perfectly as it was from the factory.

📞 How to Talk to a Glass Shop

If you're a DIY builder looking to hire a shop, you need to be precise in your request. A general question like, "Do you do auto glass?" isn't enough, as working on specialty vans like the Ford Transit requires specific expertise.

Marlon recommends:

• Ask for Specialization: Call around and ask: "Do you do work on Transit Vans? Do you specialize in removing the quarter glass and back glass on these vans?"

• Highlight the Risk: Mention that the glass has to be removed from the outside, and emphasize that you want a shop that can cut the glass out without scratching the paint.

• Ask for References: Ask if they've done work for other fleet accounts or custom builders (like AVC!).

📦 Who Supplies the Glass?

The answer to this depends entirely on what you want to replace:

Your Goal	Who Should Supply the Glass?	Why?
Direct Factory Replacement	The Auto Glass Shop	If you break a standard window and want the exact factory part, the shop can source it and handle the whole job, including insurance billing.
Custom Camper Window	You (The Customer)	If you want to replace a fixed window with a custom camper window (slider, vent, screen), it's best for you to supply the window. You have researched the specific options for your van build, and the shop provides the specialized labor to install it perfectly.

In our case, since we are upgrading to vented windows with sliders, we supply the new glass, and OE Auto Glass performs the clean, damage-free removal and installation.

A huge thanks to Marlon and the whole team at OE Auto Glass for helping us get this job done quickly and professionally. Now that our new windows are in place, we can move on with the rest of the build!