window mounting troubles

[ha]

hey everyone, we need some help mounting our windows. We picked up some used windows, im pretty sure they are out of a truck cap. we have a large one for one side of the tear, and a smaller one to put in the door. We are building a 4x8 Benroy, the walls are 7/16" ply, no insulation or anything else.

Here are some pics of our windows, this is the large one, the small one has the same mounting issues as luckily both windows are by the same manufacturer.



Here is what the outside edge looks like:



Here is what the inside looks like:



And here is what it looks like in cross section:




The problem im having is that there isnt enough room between the outside edge and inside "ring" for the width of my walls. I have it labeled in the diagram as 7/16", but the width between the two channels in the window is slightly smaller. As of right now the only thing i can think to do is cut the opening the same size as the inner "ring" so that the window is snug, and screw it into the wall from the outside through the outer edge. Of course using generous amounts of silicone and liquid nails to seal and hold, i hope.


anyone have any other ideas/suggestions?

[lopazopy]

Do you have a router? Maybe you can use a rabbet bit and cut a recessed lip on the inside. I'm not sure how that would work with the ply though being 7/16". How much space would you need for it to fit?

[Miriam C.]

The problem im having is that there isnt enough room between the outside edge and inside "ring" for the width of my walls. I have it labeled in the diagram as 7/16", but the width between the two channels in the window is slightly smaller. As of right now the only thing i can think to do is cut the opening the same size as the inner "ring" so that the window is snug, and screw it into the wall from the outside through the outer edge. Of course using generous amounts of silicone and liquid nails to seal and hold, i hope.


anyone have any other ideas/suggestions?

You got it! Now if you can get yourself a trim ring it will be better. MHO cause Madjack does just what you are suggesting.

[madjack]

...does, the inner ring have holes in it to attach it to the outer ring...if so, it is what is called a "clamp" ring and the two pieces are used to clamp the window into place...AuntieM is correct, we use a similar window, drill screw holes in the outer ring and screw it in place...we use auto windshield adhesive for sealing but Butyl Tape will work at least as well...predrill your screwholes in the door(thru the outer window ring) and squirt some sealant into the hole before applying screw...oh yeah, use SS screws and if you want, you can paint the screw heads black to match(we do)
madjack

[ha]

madjack, there are no screws holding the inner ring, it looks like everything is all one piece. I will go with your suggestions though and use the SS screws with some sealant. How many screws per window do you normally use? Im nervous about the window falling out because there is nothing holding it from the inside and i only have 7/16 walls to screw in to.

As for a trim ring, i think im going to have to make something out of wood, the windows are a pretty odd shape (which i happen to like).

[Nitetimes]

I think I would take a real close look at those. It seems like they have to come apart somehow. It's possible they snap together tight and you just aren't seeing the split. It's also possible they were originally installed with some sort of rubber H channel. Those are the same thing that are in my fiberglass cap I believe. I'd have to look and see how they are mounted, I do know there are no screws in it.

Oh FWIW, you might want to make sure you mount those with the opening window towards the back. One of mine is backwards and it will unlatch and open while traveling down the road.
If they are installed correctly the forward, non-moving window will be towards the outside and the slider will be towards the back on the inside. That also keeps water from being forced in them in transit.