Removing, Moving, and Re-Installing Windows

I bought my bus 10 days ago. The progress has been slow, due to the fact that it's just me and I know next to nothing about any of this stuff, but still I am impressed at how far I've come in those 10 days. I'll admit, deconstruction is a lot easier and straightforward than construction. It's easy to see how something comes apart. My first encounter with a more constructive task was today when I re-installed some of the emergency windows I had to take out to remove the side panels. I wanted to re-caulk the seals I had broken by taking the windows out. In my research I found that it's necessary to superduper clean the surfaces before applying caulking - I found an acid that cleans so well it could clean your flesh to the bone. Muriatic acid. So, I had to get protective gear: chemical gloves and a fume respirator. Then, I had to choose a caulking specific for painted steel and aluminum. After reading much small print, I decided on 3M Gutter & Fasting 100% silicone sealant (I don't plan on ever taking those windows out again). Anyway, it's going to be a process for me but I am fully ready to take it on!

As for the actual removing windows etc. it was pretty easy. They mostly just popped out, some needed some coaxing with a hammer and chisel. The old caulking will be holding it in place along the bottom, but some gentle pulling should dislodge it, just take your time. After I got the windows out, I scraped all of the old caulking out from the bus frame and the window frame. Then, I washed the surfaces with soap and water, and then with muriatic acid cleaner to get any dirt and grease off before applying the new caulking. This 3M caulking is waterproof, freezeproof, UVproof, paintable, and meant for metals and painted metals: PERFECT! I applied big globs to the bottom corners of the bus frame (where there should have been old globs) to give the corners extra sealing protection. I applied a little in the top corners because I found a few wasp combs in a few of the emergency windows that I removed, and I'm hoping this will seal any holes so more wasps can't get in. After that, I pushed the window back into the frame, used I rubber mallet to nudge it into place, and replaced the screw fasteners on the sides of the window frame to hold it snug.

I did switch an emergency window with a regular window, so now I know that's possible.

Later, I will caulk the exterior of all the windows at once, including the windows I will remove completely and replace with sheet metal.

That's all!

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