It was a real pleasure watching a professional fit a window - he made it look effortless. I’d happily pay for him to fit windows knowing that you have peace of mind and saves you the hassle 👍🏻
I fitted my own and I'm a window fitting virgin. Luckily it went well but I was really unnerved at the first rainy day to see if they were actually watertight. Top tips as a diy-er are: 1. Buy a nibbler attachment for your drill, much neater and faster than a jigsaw/grinder and only £25 2. Get a decent sealant gun (another £20), my cheap gun handle snapped at the first try. Oh and afterwards your hand will ache for hours! ( I did 4 windows ) 3. Watch this video 1st!
Great tips, thanks for sharing. Got myself a nibbler attachment and borrowed an electric sealant gun. Worked perfectly. I got some additional tips for people wanting to do it theirselfs: 1. Prepare some plastic sheets to catch up nibbler debris. There will be thousands of small sharp and hard metal burrs, you will save so much time preparing something to catch it on both sides of the sheet! 2. Get some kind of extendable tool between the newly installed window and a wall that can give some adjustable pressure on the window (I don't know the name of this tool). In our case 3 of the 4 windows, weren't going flush in to the cavity because the window was not curved well. With help of this tool you can give pressure on for example 4 corner points to get it exactly flush with the metal. 3. Check gasket/rubber in combination with window before putting sealant on the metal. The gasket we got from our supplier was not closing at all, maybe related to quality of the curve of the window, but maybe this is more common and people don't look in to it, I also think it is related to the mecedes sprinter design. So I searched for a new one with some moss rubber attached to get a nice clean fit. And yes, definitely watch the video's of Greg, good stuff.
That cutting tool is fantastic and to be honest I found that the fact it's so quiet compared to using a jigsaw is what really attracts, I'm currently building a Vivaro Camper for the wife and fortunately we waited until we found a crew cab so windows were already in place, great that you are filming every aspect of the build, I will follow this to completion, I have followed you for years and I have an Iveco that I built which over 6 years has completely changed since I first built it! As they say "à self build is never built" 😂
I bought my first friend, the same time you built yours and you said when people made a comment of the money you spent you will do a budget run. Where are you not doing the Patrick run cause you’re applying for the windows that people can’t afford I got some from the scrapyard to have a Aiwit scrapyard car and any videos of it and I was able to make my cupboard save me money You are very clever with your electrical and plumbing and your work, but obviously you’ve got a workshop. Some people haven some people have only got a drive. We’re not as lucky as you. We’ve only see a budget where you do it in your drive not in the wall. That’s what you call a budget van. You are great at the planning and the chuckle and helping people get their vans going, but every time people haven’t got the money that you have.👍
Hello Terry, my budget to fit this van out will be £4K Now I think that’s a sensible amount to get a good quality van with all the essential needs to a reasonable finish. It’s not going to be extreme breadline done for nothing. It’s sensible value
Thanks Greg, interesting video. I remember your Merc window fitting. That cutting tool is amazing. I like the way you put up 'in real time' because it was so fast. Good move getting a pro to fit it. Super skilled. Now it's your turn to amaze us all with your great skills.
Well....that was a shock paying someone else to fit windows in a budget van build! Also if I had expected anyone to fit their own...it would have been you Greg 😮
I used these guys to finish off my van when the 1st of the 4 windows I was going to fit leaked, so I decided to go with a pro for the other 3! I echo your recommendation, brilliant service, I just dropped my van off in the morning, went to work and picked it up on my way home. Reasonably priced considering they had to pull the mess I'd made out 😂
@@GregVirgoeawesome video...I bought the same brand windows here in Oz...wondering what tool to cut...Makita yes but are they shears or a nibbler...model...?
Awesome, thank you! Welcome to our channel, there are lots of detailed videos here on all aspects of van building and living full time. Do you have your own campervan or are you planning to do a conversion?
@@GregVirgoe I’m planning to do a conversion to live in. The Ducato/Boxer/Relay H2L3 so slightly longer. I’m just hoping it’s high enough inside to move around without stooping once the insulation, floor and ceiling are in. I’m 5’11” 🤔 The level of detail and clear explanations are just invaluable. Thank you
Watching David fit those windows I am even more convinced that glass is not a DIY job. Worth every penny of getting a professional job and you get a warranty if it leaks. Nice job, the van looks good with the new opening windows.
Yes it’s exciting to get stuck into another build. I’m sure there might be a few challenges along the way but hopefully can pull on experiences from previous one 😊
i done it last week put an airfan in the roof had a look yesterday and couldnt believe the rust and filings still there even after i hosed the roof down, ended up having to scrub like mad and even follow it under the bonnet where itd washed too. lesson leant. ill be doing my windows next so thanks for this recap i think ill hire a sheet metal cutter now seeing how nice that edge is. 37 quid for 2 days hire worth doing it right. cheers greg
Interesting , we’ve been looking at window kits because they’re ‘cheap’ but I think we will looking to get it done by the professionals now . Really enjoying this build 👍
Excellent job. Wish I'd had that shear tool when I fitted our windows..And that electric mastic gun ! It went through the panel like a hot knife through butter..very nice .looking fwd to following this build Greg. Always very informative 👍😁
I’ve been waiting sooooo long for this. I’m so excited!!!! Now I can’t make up my mind weather to watch it weekly or wait and binge watch it all towards the end. 😩😩
Another great video, featuring the fabulous, professional work of Dave at Glass for Vans! Great step by step explanation of process, invaluable to anyone thinking of tackling the windows on their own. If we do another van, Dave's the man though!
Watching an expert fit the windows is good in two ways. Stopping people who are not sure about fitting them from having a go. Giving help to those who have confidence in fitting them. so many how-to videos that misstep and just talk about the way they fitted them. Your video is really helpful.
@@GregVirgoe Excellent ‼️👍 I've already just had two rear windows fitted, and I am sure they did not do all the steps shown here ... but they look good, only time will tell ... 🤔 Following all this very closely as I am doing mine at the same stage as you. Thanks Greg 💯
Very nice job done Greg, you do not want any leaks so using good products and expert fitters gives you confidence and peace of mind, looking forward to watching this van build Greg and thank you for the detail and time you take in each of your video's
Totally agree. The windows were one ot the two things I had professionally fitted, the other being the deisal hetewr that is underslung and tapped into the main tank (Renualt Master isn't an easy build!)
Great video. Pretty much a master class in fitting windows and how and when to cut holes in your van. Our first diy camper had rubber sealed windows fitted, our second was already a minibus and our latest got bonded glass. With hindsight I can say that applying the bonding glue with a manual hand pull silicone gun frame is very hard on your fingers - oh for David's powered applicator gun! That was the worst part for me. You got a lot of great information in a short video.
I did, but, as an arthritic 70 year old, my fingers still hurt. Moral - listen to your body. I won't be using a manual gun frame again. If you are going to do your own windows I strongly advise watching this video and listen to ALL of the comments. One of my windows leaked ever so slightly due to a kinked bead and I knew I needed good even beads.@@GregVirgoe
Great video! .. if I was considering a van build then this guy would be a major consideration in those initial stages. Cutting costs to save money is not always the best option when it comes to structural and cosmetics, and this service proves that paying the extra really is worthwhile 👍
Hi Greg. I've watched quite a few of your videos as I'm starting on my sprinter van. Thank you for your detailed explanations and the way in which you put it across. I recently contacted Van-glass to place an order and mentioned you and Dave in my email to them, so that they are aware of where I found their company.
Hi Greg: I've been following your New Van build since you started, So far I like it. Listen my Friend: Mel from Mel's Big Van Small World has had a question asked ; The question asked was about putting Cork Insulation into Van builds with the said fact it is supposedly waterproof as the Cork is used in Wine Bottles and on flooring tiles Etc. I thought it was a really good valid question that I thought I bring it across to your You-Tube channel see what you think and perhaps share it with the Viewers as we many of us see you as the top Professional for insulation in vans. Don't be surprised if Mel comes across to you with this same question because I have mentioned it also in his comments. Cheers Greg, Keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍 Steve from Manchester.
It’s a good question. Thanks to the suberin contained in cork it is practically impermeable to liquids. Its resistance to moisture enables it to be used as an insulation without the addition of a vapour barrier. It would need to be adhere to the surface and edges and joins sealed with vapour tape.
@@GregVirgoe Another point in question, How thick does it need to be for consideration as insulation and what about the wieght of the Cork in the Van, Could it be to heavy for use in a Van 🤔. It has been said it possibly could be used as sound deadening, Well can it Greg 🤔. There seems to be many unanswered questions around Cork Greg. Is perhaps then worth the Master of Insulation Mr Virgoe to do a Video on Cork. You may like to check out the Comments left within Mel's most recent Waffle on a Wednesday Video. Cheers Greg Steve in Manchester 🇬🇧. I will look forward to more upcoming videos my friend 😊 Oh the other thing what about Costs between Cork and insulation used today in Vans and would there be a restriction to certain Glues that could be used in Vans with Cork so not to attract damp or mold between Glue, Cork & Van Panels 🙄.
Good to see you again Greg, I really did liked you last van building videos and I'm looking forward to see your new van build. Good luck to both of you.
Such a joy to see an expert at work. Marvellous job, all done perfectly, with all the right materials and equipment: love that nibbler tool, and the motorized sealant gun. Everything extremely impressive, and a really nice bloke too. A job like this is not worth attempting yourself, it has to be got right, and here, with this man, his knowledge and expertise, facilities and equipment, this important job is done just perfect. Well done that man!
Have to disagree. I've fitted two windows in our Relay and it went well and they are great. Ok it took longer, and I mean a LOT longer than he took and my hands ached for hours afterwards because of my cheap mastic gun but it is a job a DIYer can do.
@@hillstreesandstreams I’m pleased it worked out for you and we’re not saying it can’t be done by yourself. Hope this video shows the steps required to do it properly
@@hillstreesandstreams Hi, yes this can be a DIY at home job, but every stage is very tricky, and that's why I said ''not worth attempting yourself'', meaning that you can attempt it, but it's simply not worth it. A good example of a DIY window job is seen over at ''Mels big van small world'' channel. Mels channel for van building is really great, covering everything, check him out, and he's just done a window fit only a couple of weeks ago. He does make an excellent job of it, very similar to this job here. But so much can go wrong, and it's big trouble, so I personally still say ''it's not worth doing it yourself''. OK you have to pay, but it's justified, in my opinion.
My friends and I have been using those 1mm cutoff wheels down here in New Zealand now for about 7 - 8 years now and wont use anything else. So clean and a line that is so thin. Mind you we dont do enough thin metal work to expense a metal shear. That man has sure done a lot of windows, he made it look SO EASY, and a hand steady enough to be a signwriter. Looking forward to this series
My own van isn't strictly speaking a camper, and already has factory side windows (it's an old T4 Kombi) but I always enjoy your build type videos - there's always some interesting things to pick up 👍👍
@@GregVirgoe well- I'm interested in all of it 😁. It can be surprising - as they say : you don't know what you don't know. I'd lived my adult life without knowing trim tools were a thing (insert flat bladed screwdriver etc), until I saw them on Coombevalleycampers channel a few years ago - they are a revelation!
Professional at work 👍 Always remember chatting with you when we had ours professionally fitted in July 2019. So many people come unstuck with incorrect installation and leaks appear. The whole van body flexes whilst driving, therefore as Dave shows, prep is the key. Another job well done👍
What a change to the Vans look Greg and I 100% agree with you, not a job I would want to do myself and far better to pay an experienced installer to do for you. Really interesting to watch, many thanks for the Vlog looking forward to the future progress. Have a great week.
Very nice video. And exactly on the right moment because i am going to fit a window in my slidingdoor too. Good tips and a reassurement that you do things right if you do it this way. Now hope I can. 😉😄👍
Hi Greg, Started re watching this budget build must be my 3 rd time watching ,so Informative...As for me still saving up for a van ,only got 2 k to date so a long long way for me to go ;hopefully within 2-3 yrs I’ll get a van I can afford ,sounds daunting 2-3 yrs . I ll keep the faith /watching. Seen your video with Mel ‘s big van small world grt . Keep safe🏴
If you look at the sliding door.. the glass would be off the front of the door if it stayed in with the profile of the van, as the profile Is on both profiles.. Looks great Greg !
The nibbler is well worth owning if you do plenty of windows. It’s the one part of a van build i enjoy doing is fitting bonded windows. Rubber sealed…another matter haha
Great video and the windows look brilliant! Dave clearly knows his stuff and I’ll definitely be keeping them in mind when I finally find a bigger van then my current NV200.
@12:00 i belive a compressed air would be better as a first step to remove the span 😁 in this way is very easy to scratch the paint. i added my humile idea, mostly to count to more comments, audience 😄
All we did when we was fitting windows to all kinds of vehicles was put magnets on both side of the panel close to the cuts they collected all the sparse from the metal, I would of thought you would of done it yourself Greg
What most people don´t think of is when you drill in the carbody, metal-debree fall to the bottom of the panel, where the tiny drainholes for condenswater are, and clog them.
Surely better to mask all apertures where the fillings are likely to enter, before doing any cutting,because any that are missed on the clean up will rust in the voids between panels.
Nice one Greg smashing job, I was a sun roof fitter for many years I had exactly the Same cutter no mess so easy , I would not want to use a jig saw makes such a mess , cheers
For anyone thinking of doing this job themselves, the metal shear tool can be hired by the day from most good tool hire companies very cheaply and as seen in video give exellent results.
This guy is the Bruce Lee of van windows! I fear not the man who has fitted 10,000 windows once, but I fear the man who has fitted one window 10,000 times 🥋
Definitely a job to do once and do it right! We had a bit of a disaster fitting two of these ourselves to our own Citroen Relay L2H2. Wish this video was out at the time! Didn't know you could follow the factory panel cut like that, we spent a lot of time measuring instead, had we done it this way, the rubber trim would have gone on much nicer! However, in reality, the cutting bit is the easy bit. The hardest bit is the adhesive, this isn't any ordinary adhesive. It's tough and very stressful trying to push out using a £4.99 sealant gun from Screwfix. The sealant bead we added on the first window using the cheap gun wasn't a consistent profile as it was so tough to push out. This resulted in lots of leaks when we tested it. We had to pay someone to remove and refit it properly, using an electric gun!
I find with any sealant that it helps to keep the tubes warm. Even drop them in a bucket of warm water then it is easier to squeeze out of a regular mastic gun. 👍🏼😊
❤ Greg hope you're happy safe and well on the other side of the world❤ I actually have a carpenter home builder helping me with the van and we cannot for the life of me find a video that shows where you put the friendo framing up against is it going up against the skin of the van❤ does it hang out in the air away from the window seal and the skin of the van❤ I can't imagine that the windowsill or window frame should be pressed up against the skin of the van❤
Thank you 🙏🏼 I subscribe to Epidemic Sounds so I can use Royalty free music on TH-cam. The track on this video is called “Stuck in the Moment” by Alexa Cappelli 👍🏼😃
Great video, Greg. Unfortunately, I have the exact same bonded windows, and during heavy rain, the water gets in and ends up at the bottom. The water escapes holes on the window rails pretty much useless.
I think for my next van I'm going for the campervan style ones with the fly screen and blind cassette bonded look nicer but I don't like trying to source window coverings that I'm never entirely happy with.
Hi Greg. You said in the first video that the van was designed for a single traveller, and as a single traveller myself I might have considered putting a single bed at the back (which would save a lot of internal space) and have a spare bed made up across the dinette. I appreciate this would cut down on space under the bed, but I think it would suit my lifestyle better.
Looking forward to the the new series Greg, however, I think the Dometic Seitz windows are far superior (although more expensive) from a thermal and security perspective. You get an inbuilt blind and fly screen, plus they are double glazed. These type of windows turn the van into a greenhouse when the sun hits and they also produce lot's of condensation.
Yes I agree with the points raised but as you said they are very expensive and this is a budget build project. I personally don’t like the look of caravan windows but that’s only my opinion 🤔
Wow, really nice professional job. Sometimes its better to let the pro do it, to avoid leaks in the future. Also, what is that makita tool, that was some smooth cutting.
Really nice to see bonded windows fitted properly and im sure will help a great many as a 'how to' video so great job all round. Only possible comment would be having a pro fit them, is that conducive with the 'budget' ethos of this van build? Looking forward, like everyone, to the rest of the build.
There are a couple of items that I consider still warrant doing professionally and not cutting corners. I can save more money elsewhere on the project. Still cheaper than caravan style windows.
Great content Greg, also loving the electric/battery sealant gun the fitter was using - What did it cost to supply & fit both windows?, also, do you a price in mind for selling the completed campervan?.......Im very interested in buying it.
Because these were both opening windows they are slightly more than our previous ones but both windows supplied and fitted for £640 which is still cheaper than supplying and fitting two caravan style windows. Please DM me re van sale. 😊
Hey Greg, you've gone for the exact van I would be looking for in the future. Just wondering if you would be willing to give rough idea on how much this cost?
Dave's obviously done that a few times! Curious as to why it cut standing from the outside rather than the inside where he can see the line? Just used to it I guess.
@@Michael_Nendels we have lived in our van for nearly 5 yrs now and if I thought there was an issue I wouldn’t be fitting them again. We have had no issues to worry about
Him putting on the primer in an absolute perfect straight line is so satisfying 😅
Yes it’s great to see a job done well. 👍🏼😃
Great to see a guy that knows what he’s doing and making it look so easy cracking job mate a pleasure to watch 👏👏
It was a real pleasure watching a professional fit a window - he made it look effortless. I’d happily pay for him to fit windows knowing that you have peace of mind and saves you the hassle 👍🏻
Exactly that :D thank you for great feedback
I fitted my own and I'm a window fitting virgin. Luckily it went well but I was really unnerved at the first rainy day to see if they were actually watertight. Top tips as a diy-er are:
1. Buy a nibbler attachment for your drill, much neater and faster than a jigsaw/grinder and only £25
2. Get a decent sealant gun (another £20), my cheap gun handle snapped at the first try. Oh and afterwards your hand will ache for hours! ( I did 4 windows )
3. Watch this video 1st!
Great tips 👍🏼 it does help to have the right tools.
Another tip is to warm the sealant tubes as that makes the mastic flow easier when using the gun 😃
There seems to be different Nibblers can you post a link for the one you used or a similar one please ?
@@boatingmanchester amzn.to/3Uwk5id
Great tips, thanks for sharing. Got myself a nibbler attachment and borrowed an electric sealant gun. Worked perfectly.
I got some additional tips for people wanting to do it theirselfs:
1. Prepare some plastic sheets to catch up nibbler debris. There will be thousands of small sharp and hard metal burrs, you will save so much time preparing something to catch it on both sides of the sheet!
2. Get some kind of extendable tool between the newly installed window and a wall that can give some adjustable pressure on the window (I don't know the name of this tool). In our case 3 of the 4 windows, weren't going flush in to the cavity because the window was not curved well. With help of this tool you can give pressure on for example 4 corner points to get it exactly flush with the metal.
3. Check gasket/rubber in combination with window before putting sealant on the metal. The gasket we got from our supplier was not closing at all, maybe related to quality of the curve of the window, but maybe this is more common and people don't look in to it, I also think it is related to the mecedes sprinter design. So I searched for a new one with some moss rubber attached to get a nice clean fit.
And yes, definitely watch the video's of Greg, good stuff.
Privilege to watch a professional in action. Great job.
Glad you liked it. Thanks 🙏🏼
That cutting tool is fantastic and to be honest I found that the fact it's so quiet compared to using a jigsaw is what really attracts, I'm currently building a Vivaro Camper for the wife and fortunately we waited until we found a crew cab so windows were already in place, great that you are filming every aspect of the build, I will follow this to completion, I have followed you for years and I have an Iveco that I built which over 6 years has completely changed since I first built it! As they say "à self build is never built" 😂
That’s great that they have helped you in the past and thanks for following along this time. I will be giving out extra useful info too 😃
I bought my first friend, the same time you built yours and you said when people made a comment of the money you spent you will do a budget run. Where are you not doing the Patrick run cause you’re applying for the windows that people can’t afford I got some from the scrapyard to have a Aiwit scrapyard car and any videos of it and I was able to make my cupboard save me money You are very clever with your electrical and plumbing and your work, but obviously you’ve got a workshop. Some people haven some people have only got a drive. We’re not as lucky as you. We’ve only see a budget where you do it in your drive not in the wall. That’s what you call a budget van. You are great at the planning and the chuckle and helping people get their vans going, but every time people haven’t got the money that you have.👍
Sorry for spelling is not right after this beats out but I can’t be bothered to change it but we are done I like watching your programs
12:19 12:21
Hello Terry, my budget to fit this van out will be £4K
Now I think that’s a sensible amount to get a good quality van with all the essential needs to a reasonable finish. It’s not going to be extreme breadline done for nothing. It’s sensible value
Awesome 👍🏼 and very kind of David for showing everyone of his potential customers how to do it themselves 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I’m sure David will also gain a lot of new customers from demonstrating his professional skills and quality installation
@@GregVirgoe he sure will ! Looks fantastic 👏🏼
Thanks Greg, interesting video. I remember your Merc window fitting. That cutting tool is amazing. I like the way you put up 'in real time' because it was so fast. Good move getting a pro to fit it. Super skilled. Now it's your turn to amaze us all with your great skills.
I hope you will enjoy the series. Got lots of useful videos in the pipeline 😊
As if the first one was enough, it's happening all over again! Can't wait!
Hoping to pack loads more useful info into this series so I hope you enjoy it. Cheers 🍻😃
@@GregVirgoe I built my van from a lot of your info!
Do I have to build another one too????
Building a van was the best think I ever did. I love it, so cosy, so homey....I hope to drive it out of the driveway one day soon!
Accurate and talented, I could watch David work all day, superb job.
It’s a pleasure to watch him work 👍🏼😃
Well....that was a shock paying someone else to fit windows in a budget van build!
Also if I had expected anyone to fit their own...it would have been you Greg 😮
That won’t be the only shock on this build. You better prepare yourself 🤣😎
Excellent David's just down the road to me. Closer than I thought.
Perfect, he does a great job, so please do give him a shout :D
I used these guys to finish off my van when the 1st of the 4 windows I was going to fit leaked, so I decided to go with a pro for the other 3!
I echo your recommendation, brilliant service, I just dropped my van off in the morning, went to work and picked it up on my way home. Reasonably priced considering they had to pull the mess I'd made out 😂
That’s a great recommendation and thank you for sharing your experience 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoeawesome video...I bought the same brand windows here in Oz...wondering what tool to cut...Makita yes but are they shears or a nibbler...model...?
Thanks Greg-
A friend recommended your channel.
I’m hooked.
This video is absolutely brilliant. So helpful.
Awesome, thank you! Welcome to our channel, there are lots of detailed videos here on all aspects of van building and living full time. Do you have your own campervan or are you planning to do a conversion?
@@GregVirgoe I’m planning to do a conversion to live in. The Ducato/Boxer/Relay H2L3 so slightly longer. I’m just hoping it’s high enough inside to move around without stooping once the insulation, floor and ceiling are in. I’m 5’11” 🤔
The level of detail and clear explanations are just invaluable. Thank you
@@rickwaites5057 you’ll be fine as I’m 5’11” and there’s plenty of height
@@GregVirgoe perfect. Thanks!
Watching David fit those windows I am even more convinced that glass is not a DIY job. Worth every penny of getting a professional job and you get a warranty if it leaks. Nice job, the van looks good with the new opening windows.
That’s a very important point the guarantee that it will be resolved if there was any issues. 👍🏼😃
So glad you are doing a ducato, as thats what i shall be doing in the summer
That’s brilliant. Hope you find this series to be useful. 👍🏼😃
Love your enthusiasm for these early steps. Gotta love that new project feeling!
Yes it’s exciting to get stuck into another build.
I’m sure there might be a few challenges along the way but hopefully can pull on experiences from previous one 😊
i done it last week put an airfan in the roof had a look yesterday and couldnt believe the rust and filings still there even after i hosed the roof down, ended up having to scrub like mad and even follow it under the bonnet where itd washed too. lesson leant. ill be doing my windows next so thanks for this recap i think ill hire a sheet metal cutter now seeing how nice that edge is. 37 quid for 2 days hire worth doing it right. cheers greg
Wonderful to watch a Professional at work.
Thank you for watching 👍🏼😃
Dave did our windows. I left him to it but watching this I’m very pleased I didn’t do it myself!
What a joy to see a true pro fit a window really enjoyed this Greg😂😂
Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼😃
Looking great, looking forward to the next instalment.
Thank you 🙏🏼 next episode Coming soon!
Hello Greg! Nice video, its all in the details……cheers from sweden
The videos may be a bit longer in this series but there will be lots of extra information 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe we looking forward to it and Thanks for sharing all the knowledge 😁👍
Interesting , we’ve been looking at window kits because they’re ‘cheap’ but I think we will looking to get it done by the professionals now . Really enjoying this build 👍
It’s a small percentage of the total build cost but one of the most critical ones to get right 👍🏼🤩
Thank you Tina 🙏🏼
Excellent job. Wish I'd had that shear tool when I fitted our windows..And that electric mastic gun !
It went through the panel like a hot knife through butter..very nice .looking fwd to following this build Greg. Always very informative 👍😁
Thank you Dave, hope you enjoy the rest of the build. 🚐😃
Good and wise approach Greg. Getting a professional to install the windows seems like a very wise move. Fight the battles you can win approach.
I do feel it’s money well invested. There are plenty of other areas I can make savings to cover this. 😊
I’ve been waiting sooooo long for this. I’m so excited!!!!
Now I can’t make up my mind weather to watch it weekly or wait and binge watch it all towards the end. 😩😩
I’m going to be putting it out bi weekly as there’s so much content already. The next episode is out on Sunday. 👍🏼😃
Another great video, featuring the fabulous, professional work of Dave at Glass for Vans! Great step by step explanation of process, invaluable to anyone thinking of tackling the windows on their own.
If we do another van, Dave's the man though!
Thanks, Fiona, It's such a vital part of the van we wanted it done right so Dave was the obvious choice.
Watching an expert fit the windows is good in two ways. Stopping people who are not sure about fitting them from having a go. Giving help to those who have confidence in fitting them. so many how-to videos that misstep and just talk about the way they fitted them. Your video is really helpful.
I was hoping it would do that and give lots of information on how to do it properly 👍🏼🤩
@@GregVirgoe Excellent ‼️👍 I've already just had two rear windows fitted, and I am sure they did not do all the steps shown here ... but they look good, only time will tell ... 🤔 Following all this very closely as I am doing mine at the same stage as you. Thanks Greg 💯
Excellent explanation by David! Lovely video, thanks. Always nice to see a trade professional at work.
Very telling, Greg, that someone as skilled as you prefers to have this job done by a professional! 😊
Having the right materials, tools and years of experience does make a world of difference.
Very nice job done Greg, you do not want any leaks so using good products and expert fitters gives you confidence and peace of mind, looking forward to watching this van build Greg and thank you for the detail and time you take in each of your video's
I really appreciate your comment. I have been putting more detail into each of these videos to help everyone so I’m glad you liked it 😃
Totally agree. The windows were one ot the two things I had professionally fitted, the other being the deisal hetewr that is underslung and tapped into the main tank (Renualt Master isn't an easy build!)
Great video. Pretty much a master class in fitting windows and how and when to cut holes in your van. Our first diy camper had rubber sealed windows fitted, our second was already a minibus and our latest got bonded glass. With hindsight I can say that applying the bonding glue with a manual hand pull silicone gun frame is very hard on your fingers - oh for David's powered applicator gun! That was the worst part for me. You got a lot of great information in a short video.
Put the tubes in a warm place before using them to make them easier to use.
I did, but, as an arthritic 70 year old, my fingers still hurt. Moral - listen to your body. I won't be using a manual gun frame again. If you are going to do your own windows I strongly advise watching this video and listen to ALL of the comments. One of my windows leaked ever so slightly due to a kinked bead and I knew I needed good even beads.@@GregVirgoe
Great video! .. if I was considering a van build then this guy would be a major consideration in those initial stages. Cutting costs to save money is not always the best option when it comes to structural and cosmetics, and this service proves that paying the extra really is worthwhile 👍
Great point! Spending your money wisely is the key 👍🏼🤩
enjoyed your video i was really impressed with the gadjet to cut out for the windows
Glad you liked it! 👍🏼😃
Off the starting blocks mate nice one looks good ey . Top job
Thank you! Cheers! 🍻🤩
Greg is on the move again, me liking 🎉😊
Got loads of video in the pipeline so look forward to plenty of content. 🤩
Greg Virgoe, you are the best :) Thanks so much for all of your videos. They have been so helpful whilst building my van!
Thank you Oli, have you completed it now? 😊
Hi Greg. I've watched quite a few of your videos as I'm starting on my sprinter van. Thank you for your detailed explanations and the way in which you put it across. I recently contacted Van-glass to place an order and mentioned you and Dave in my email to them, so that they are aware of where I found their company.
Great to hear! I know you will get a first class job from Dave, great choice.
Hi Greg: I've been following your New Van build since you started, So far I like it. Listen my Friend: Mel from Mel's Big Van Small World has had a question asked ; The question asked was about putting Cork Insulation into Van builds with the said fact it is supposedly waterproof as the Cork is used in Wine Bottles and on flooring tiles Etc. I thought it was a really good valid question that I thought I bring it across to your You-Tube channel see what you think and perhaps share it with the Viewers as we many of us see you as the top Professional for insulation in vans. Don't be surprised if Mel comes across to you with this same question because I have mentioned it also in his comments. Cheers Greg, Keep up the good work 👍👍👍👍 Steve from Manchester.
It’s a good question. Thanks to the suberin contained in cork it is practically impermeable to liquids. Its resistance to moisture enables it to be used as an insulation without the addition of a vapour barrier. It would need to be adhere to the surface and edges and joins sealed with vapour tape.
@@GregVirgoe Another point in question, How thick does it need to be for consideration as insulation and what about the wieght of the Cork in the Van, Could it be to heavy for use in a Van 🤔. It has been said it possibly could be used as sound deadening, Well can it Greg 🤔. There seems to be many unanswered questions around Cork Greg. Is perhaps then worth the Master of Insulation Mr Virgoe to do a Video on Cork. You may like to check out the Comments left within Mel's most recent Waffle on a Wednesday Video. Cheers Greg Steve in Manchester 🇬🇧. I will look forward to more upcoming videos my friend 😊
Oh the other thing what about Costs between Cork and insulation used today in Vans and would there be a restriction to certain Glues that could be used in Vans with Cork so not to attract damp or mold between Glue, Cork & Van Panels 🙄.
Good to see you again Greg, I really did liked you last van building videos and I'm looking forward to see your new van build. Good luck to both of you.
Thank you for being here and supporting us 👍🏼😃
Proper craftsman right there
Thank you 🙏🏼
Such a joy to see an expert at work. Marvellous job, all done perfectly, with all the right materials and equipment: love that nibbler tool, and the motorized sealant gun. Everything extremely impressive, and a really nice bloke too. A job like this is not worth attempting yourself, it has to be got right, and here, with this man, his knowledge and expertise, facilities and equipment, this important job is done just perfect. Well done that man!
Yes I could not agree more. Thank you 🙏🏼
Have to disagree. I've fitted two windows in our Relay and it went well and they are great. Ok it took longer, and I mean a LOT longer than he took and my hands ached for hours afterwards because of my cheap mastic gun but it is a job a DIYer can do.
@@hillstreesandstreams I’m pleased it worked out for you and we’re not saying it can’t be done by yourself. Hope this video shows the steps required to do it properly
@@hillstreesandstreams Hi, yes this can be a DIY at home job, but every stage is very tricky, and that's why I said ''not worth attempting yourself'', meaning that you can attempt it, but it's simply not worth it. A good example of a DIY window job is seen over at ''Mels big van small world'' channel. Mels channel for van building is really great, covering everything, check him out, and he's just done a window fit only a couple of weeks ago. He does make an excellent job of it, very similar to this job here. But so much can go wrong, and it's big trouble, so I personally still say ''it's not worth doing it yourself''. OK you have to pay, but it's justified, in my opinion.
Nice clean work.
Thank you! Cheers!
Fabulous windows. Very informative. Many thanks 😎🚍⚓️🇬🇧👍
Thanks very much for watching Roger
My friends and I have been using those 1mm cutoff wheels down here in New Zealand now for about 7 - 8 years now and wont use anything else. So clean and a line that is so thin. Mind you we dont do enough thin metal work to expense a metal shear. That man has sure done a lot of windows, he made it look SO EASY, and a hand steady enough to be a signwriter. Looking forward to this series
Hope you will find the rest of the series as interesting 👍🏼🤩
My own van isn't strictly speaking a camper, and already has factory side windows (it's an old T4 Kombi) but I always enjoy your build type videos - there's always some interesting things to pick up 👍👍
We’ve only just started there will be far more interesting things to come 👍🏼😃
@@GregVirgoe well- I'm interested in all of it 😁. It can be surprising - as they say : you don't know what you don't know. I'd lived my adult life without knowing trim tools were a thing (insert flat bladed screwdriver etc), until I saw them on Coombevalleycampers channel a few years ago - they are a revelation!
Have you ever thought of doing campervan conversions as a business? I watched all your other conversion video and you do a professional job 👍🏻
Thank you 🙏🏼 It’s a means for me not to have to work full time 😃
Neat as a pin! Quality job!
Thank you! Cheers!
Thank you for producing these videos. So interesting. Just starting my first van. Excellent!
Professional at work 👍 Always remember chatting with you when we had ours professionally fitted in July 2019. So many people come unstuck with incorrect installation and leaks appear. The whole van body flexes whilst driving, therefore as Dave shows, prep is the key. Another job well done👍
I’m very happy that we went down this route. It was money well spent for the peace of mind 😃
You are just one of those super handy guys that knows how to do everything 🫡
Thank you very much 👍🏼
What a change to the Vans look Greg and I 100% agree with you, not a job I would want to do myself and far better to pay an experienced installer to do for you. Really interesting to watch, many thanks for the Vlog looking forward to the future progress. Have a great week.
Thank Gary, I really do appreciate your support and pleased you like the video. Cheers 🍻😃
Greg you’re an absolute legend! Love your videos and when I do my own videos you’ll be getting a nice mention. 👍🏻
Lovely job
Thank you Denise :D
Nice neat job, I wish I had that motorized sealing gun when I did mine that was an ace tool, looking forward to the next video 👍
Yes that is a great bit of kit for doing a consistent line of sealant. 😃
Very nice video. And exactly on the right moment because i am going to fit a window in my slidingdoor too. Good tips and a reassurement that you do things right if you do it this way. Now hope I can. 😉😄👍
Glad it was helpful!😊
Nice interesting video now I am looking forward to the internal build.I think it will be as good as the other one which i enjoyed following
There will be lots of helpful tips 😊
Looking forward to this build. Hope it goes well
Thank you very much. Hope you enjoy it 😃
Hi Greg, Started re watching this budget build must be my 3 rd time watching ,so Informative...As for me still saving up for a van ,only got 2 k to date so a long long way for me to go ;hopefully within 2-3 yrs I’ll get a van I can afford ,sounds daunting 2-3 yrs . I ll keep the faith /watching. Seen your video with Mel ‘s big van small world grt . Keep safe🏴
Why is there a weird 2cm gap at the front of each window. They don’t seem to fit the profile of the van?
Looks like he's lining it up with that seam coming down from the top of the van. 23:11
If you look at the sliding door.. the glass would be off the front of the door if it stayed in with the profile of the van, as the profile Is on both profiles..
Looks great Greg !
All these windows are fitted to the edge of the door which is a straight line otherwise the glass would overhang the door when you opened it.
The nibbler is well worth owning if you do plenty of windows. It’s the one part of a van build i enjoy doing is fitting bonded windows. Rubber sealed…another matter haha
They are a little bit expensive tool to buy but the ease of cut and clean finish is second to none.
Great video and the windows look brilliant! Dave clearly knows his stuff and I’ll definitely be keeping them in mind when I finally find a bigger van then my current NV200.
what window seal was used, rubber trim? thanks
Great video, I have never seen this done before. Once i start my van, I will look to using this company.
@12:00 i belive a compressed air would be better as a first step to remove the span 😁
in this way is very easy to scratch the paint.
i added my humile idea, mostly to count to more comments, audience 😄
It wouldn’t hurt to blow some air over the van first. It’s a valid suggestion.
Great video with a craftsman prepared yo show his skills - that said if ever I did one then someone else would be doing this work 😂
Thats exactly why I got David to do these windows, true professional
Many details to note. congratulations for the video
I am impressed. wow, hats off🎩
I’m glad you liked the video 😃
@@GregVirgoe Very much 👍
Very useful episode
Thanks a lot
All we did when we was fitting windows to all kinds of vehicles was put magnets on both side of the panel close to the cuts they collected all the sparse from the metal, I would of thought you would of done it yourself Greg
We gave the van a full deep clean when we got it back. You’ll see in the next video 😊
We gave the van a full deep clean when we got it back. You’ll see in the next video 😊
What most people don´t think of is when you drill in the carbody, metal-debree fall to the bottom of the panel, where the tiny drainholes for condenswater are, and clog them.
Not sufficient to clog them but they do need to be cleaned out 👍🏼
Surely better to mask all apertures where the fillings are likely to enter, before doing any cutting,because any that are missed on the clean up will rust in the voids between panels.
Nice one Greg smashing job, I was a sun roof fitter for many years I had exactly the Same cutter no mess so easy , I would not want to use a jig saw makes such a mess , cheers
Having the right tools for the job makes a huge difference 👍🏼😃 thanks for watching
For anyone thinking of doing this job themselves, the metal shear tool can be hired by the day from most good tool hire companies very cheaply and as seen in video give exellent results.
That’s a good shout Danny as it is an expensive tool to buy 👍🏼😃
Nice one Greg have you got a link to that cutting tool its the mutts nuts i just have to have one to add to my DIY tool kit 😃
This guy is the Bruce Lee of van windows! I fear not the man who has fitted 10,000 windows once, but I fear the man who has fitted one window 10,000 times 🥋
Skill comes with practice 🙏🏼🤩
windows look good greg
Thank you 😊
Great video..again! Thank you :)
You are welcome 🙏🏼
Preston Greg? You’re from Essex yea ? Are you living up our way 🤣👍
Originally from Essex but have been living in the van full time for 5yrs now. So we travel around a lot
Of course yea 👍👍👍👍👍👍nice one 👍👍👍
Of course yea 👍👍👍👍👍👍nice one 👍👍👍
Of course yea 👍👍👍👍👍👍nice one 👍👍👍
Of course yea 👍👍👍👍👍👍nice one 👍👍👍
Definitely a job to do once and do it right! We had a bit of a disaster fitting two of these ourselves to our own Citroen Relay L2H2. Wish this video was out at the time!
Didn't know you could follow the factory panel cut like that, we spent a lot of time measuring instead, had we done it this way, the rubber trim would have gone on much nicer! However, in reality, the cutting bit is the easy bit. The hardest bit is the adhesive, this isn't any ordinary adhesive. It's tough and very stressful trying to push out using a £4.99 sealant gun from Screwfix.
The sealant bead we added on the first window using the cheap gun wasn't a consistent profile as it was so tough to push out. This resulted in lots of leaks when we tested it. We had to pay someone to remove and refit it properly, using an electric gun!
I find with any sealant that it helps to keep the tubes warm. Even drop them in a bucket of warm water then it is easier to squeeze out of a regular mastic gun. 👍🏼😊
Master at work 🙌 👏
Thank you! Cheers!
Looking good. Do you have a set budget for this build Greg? I'm considering doing the same and a ball park figure would be helpful thank you.
I’m confident that we can do the entire build out for under £4K which is a 1/4 of what we spent on our sprinter build. 😊
Hi Greg was just wondering how much it cost for the windows plus fitting exactly I’m doing a build identical van cheers
❤ Greg hope you're happy safe and well on the other side of the world❤ I actually have a carpenter home builder helping me with the van and we cannot for the life of me find a video that shows where you put the friendo framing up against is it going up against the skin of the van❤ does it hang out in the air away from the window seal and the skin of the van❤ I can't imagine that the windowsill or window frame should be pressed up against the skin of the van❤
Good morning Greg .. Great video buddy
P.s who is the music by ??
Thank you 🙏🏼 I subscribe to Epidemic Sounds so I can use Royalty free music on TH-cam.
The track on this video is called “Stuck in the Moment” by Alexa Cappelli 👍🏼😃
Great video, Greg. Unfortunately, I have the exact same bonded windows, and during heavy rain, the water gets in and ends up at the bottom. The water escapes holes on the window rails pretty much useless.
Sorry to hear that, does your have the holes drilled in the glass or these new concealed drain channels on the back of the window?
@Greg Virgoe 3 drain holes factory build with plastic sleeves. Same as your windows, Greg. Jetwash to see the problem. 👍
I think for my next van I'm going for the campervan style ones with the fly screen and blind cassette bonded look nicer but I don't like trying to source window coverings that I'm never entirely happy with.
The campervan ones do have advantages over bonded ones. I just prefer the aesthetic of bonded windows. 👍🏼😃
Quality display of workmanship by Dave, and I loved that beefed up pair of scissors ✂️
They make short work of cutting the panels 😊
Hi Greg. You said in the first video that the van was designed for a single traveller, and as a single traveller myself I might have considered putting a single bed at the back (which would save a lot of internal space) and have a spare bed made up across the dinette. I appreciate this would cut down on space under the bed, but I think it would suit my lifestyle better.
The difference between a standard single bed and small double is only 6” 😮 some may say that’s a lot 😂 I think this will work ok 👍🏼
Great windows great job but at what price??? Never mentioned the cost involved in doing it properly.
There will be a detailed cost breakdown video towards the end of the build as we did before. 😊
Looking forward to the the new series Greg, however, I think the Dometic Seitz windows are far superior (although more expensive) from a thermal and security perspective. You get an inbuilt blind and fly screen, plus they are double glazed.
These type of windows turn the van into a greenhouse when the sun hits and they also produce lot's of condensation.
Yes I agree with the points raised but as you said they are very expensive and this is a budget build project. I personally don’t like the look of caravan windows but that’s only my opinion 🤔
Wow, really nice professional job. Sometimes its better to let the pro do it, to avoid leaks in the future. Also, what is that makita tool, that was some smooth cutting.
Great video.
Can I ask your thought process as to why you choose factory style glass over a cassette window (with blinds and fly screen etc) please?
Really nice to see bonded windows fitted properly and im sure will help a great many as a 'how to' video so great job all round. Only possible comment would be having a pro fit them, is that conducive with the 'budget' ethos of this van build? Looking forward, like everyone, to the rest of the build.
There are a couple of items that I consider still warrant doing professionally and not cutting corners. I can save more money elsewhere on the project. Still cheaper than caravan style windows.
Great content Greg, also loving the electric/battery sealant gun the fitter was using - What did it cost to supply & fit both windows?, also, do you a price in mind for selling the completed campervan?.......Im very interested in buying it.
Because these were both opening windows they are slightly more than our previous ones but both windows supplied and fitted for £640 which is still cheaper than supplying and fitting two caravan style windows.
Please DM me re van sale. 😊
Hey Greg, you've gone for the exact van I would be looking for in the future. Just wondering if you would be willing to give rough idea on how much this cost?
Both these type of windows and fitting was a tad over £600 which is still cheaper than having caravan windows fitted :D
Dave's obviously done that a few times! Curious as to why it cut standing from the outside rather than the inside where he can see the line? Just used to it I guess.
Nice windows Greg, but why not use insulated ones like Dometic S7 or Artic Tern?
Because of the cost and they don’t look as good.
Looks count, but what about comfort?
@@Michael_Nendels we have lived in our van for nearly 5 yrs now and if I thought there was an issue I wouldn’t be fitting them again. We have had no issues to worry about
They do look quality, and as you say great peace of mind having they fitted by a skilled person
I think if it was just going to be our van I would have done them. But we want to self this one after so want it to be top notch