VAN BUILD SERIES | VWD Window Installation

We hope you find this video helpful in guiding you through the window installation process!
We chose to use the Fixed Passenger Slider Door Window and Fixed Rear Cargo Door Windows from Van Windows Direct. Other materials included:
- Window Trim Lok
- Automotive paint primer
- Rustoleum white paint
- Sika P2G Uerthane
- VWD Urethane Primer
- Window Securing Tape
Below are the steps we followed throughout the process:
1. Use AWL to transfer the outline of the cutout from the inside to the outside of the van
2. TRACE the shape of the cutout onto the outside of the van using sharpie (connect the awl dots)
3. TAPE along the perimeter of the cutout to protect the van’s paint when you jigsaw
4. CUT out the window using a jig saw (be careful not to cut off the lock tab!!)
5. FILE down the raw edges
6. PRIME + PAINT (2 coats)
7. Tap in TRIM-LOK along the inner lip of the cutout
8. CLEAN van surface
9. Paint on WINDOW PRIMER 1/2” from the cutout along the entire perimeter
10. Apply URETHANE ADHESIVE on the primer
11. PRESS window on and TAPE using window securing tape
12. CELEBRATE!!!
As always, please LIKE 👍🏻 this video, SUBSCRIBE to our channel, and COMMENT below!
Follow us on Instagram for behind the scenes content: @thetriointransit
Thank you for your support! 🙏🏻

[@MAXIMUSMINIMALIST]

When you were talking about cutting the trim all I kept thinking to myself was "oh my god oh my god oh my god cut it a 16th of an inch too long so that ends up being a compression fit!!!!" And I was relieved to see you had the mechanical aptitude to do it 👍🏻

[@hanspickelbauer9974]

You guys are awesome at what you do. Really enjoyed the video! Thanks for all the effort

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! As always, we appreciate your support 😊🙏🏻

[@katetruesdell2030]

Thank you for making this - it is SO daunting! Most things, you can scrap and start again - windows, not so much!

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for watching! We’re happy to hear you found it helpful 😊

[@mapupuce1]

Super job and you two work great together! You could open your own window installing shop! Thanks for the video.

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! 🙏🏻😊

[@scdobserver835]

Wonderful teamwork. The end result looks so professional! 👏🏻👏🏿👏🏼

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@jannahvidal9206]

new here! super love your videos

[@TimKatie]

Thanks so much! We appreciate your support 😊

[@JaYoeNation]

Just did mine! Thanks for the advice!

[@TimKatie]

Congrats! We hope it was helpful!

[@davep6977]

Nice job! I've saw another video and to hold the glass in place while curing. They used a glass installers suction handle and a little ratchet strap tied to the opposite interior wall of the van to put pressure on the adhesive

[@TimKatie]

Thanks! Hey that’s an interesting idea - I had never come across that technique :)

[@lyndsaybeck2249]

Great effort with the installation and the video exdplaining it all

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

great video.... but a little shocked that the adhesive is the only thing that holds that glass in place !! i never realized that !!!! cheers !

[@TimKatie]

Pretty amazing eh! Thanks for watching :)

[@monihamam8779]

Good job thank you

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@CG-xw8tb]

Excellent video. I want to ask about the Rubber Edge, what size did you choose?😊

[@RustyCas999]

Great video. You guys are very thoughtful and thorough and you work really well together. Are you going to keep this one or do you think you’ll sell it?

[@TimKatie]

Thanks so much, Rusty! We recently completed this build and had a great time travelling in it for a couple weeks. We hope to share the full van tour video soon! It is currently pending sale and we’ll be starting on our new 2022 Transit.

[@MakaylaMariah]

Great videos, learning a lot! Did you buy your van new or used?

[@TimKatie]

Thank you! The van in this video was almost new (800 km on it when we purchased)

[@tonywheelybarrow]

Next video sooooon!………. Please 😁

[@LetsJustGoTravel]

Hey thanks for this video! We just did this install and followed along! It was super helpful! Curious though, how come you decided to only install the edge trim on the inside sheet metal? On van windows direct it says to install on both inner and outer. We did only the inner metal on our slider window but did both inner/outer on the rear which worked better for hiding imperfections on the outer cut

[@TimKatie]

Right on! We’re glad you found it helpful and congrats on the successful install! It’s been a while but I think we wondered if the trim lok might prevent the window from fully contacting the urethane adhesive and didn’t find it necessary

[@LetsJustGoTravel]

@@TimKatie Thanks for the reply! We're newbies so our cuts weren't as clean ahaha! I wondered if I could take the off trim lok and re-install it on both edges but I'm afraid of it messing up the window install at this point so I'll probably just leave it. Your videos are awesome! We are designing a similar type layout and your build videos are a huge inspiration. We also live in BC! cheers and good luck with finishing up your latest build

[@TimKatie]

@@LetsJustGoTravel No problem! I’m sure it turned out great and will function just fine 👍🏻 Thank you! We’re glad to hear you’ve found them helpful. We’re hoping to get some more up soon. All the best with the rest of your build!

[@JackofAllMasterofNone]

So on the back windows did the rubber edge trim not cover the outside metal too? It looked like you just put it on the inside metal ridge. I thought it was supposed to sandwich both sides together like the side window? Thanks

[@llgoddj]

I see that you've installed fixed windows as opposed to either bunk sliders or bunk awning windows in the rear portion of your van. I'm thinking along the lines of Faroutrides that you need ventialtion and as long as a bunk window is going in, shouldn't it be either a slider or awning to increase ventilation and hopefully forego the use of the a/c if not needed? And if so, would you install only one or one on each side of the van?? Looking for your insight as a builder with experience already in builds!! Thanks for your input

[@TimKatie]

Thanks for the comment, Larry. We also installed CRL half slider bunk windows on both sides of the bed like we did in our last van (we just haven’t had time to edit and share that video yet). If you prefer not to put windows by the bed then you could certainly install awning/slider styles of the bigger sliding door or rear cargo door windows 👍🏻

[@BenjaminHansen]

Could you tell me (and others) why you went with fixed windows instead of ones that opened, and would you go this rout again?

[@seanxxwang]

Have you ever considered no windows in back for better insulation, more stealth, less dust, no hassles for window shutter/curtain and more cabinet/wall space, use a skylight window on top for natural light?

[@TimKatie]

We haven’t considered that ourselves but definitely a sweet option!

[@Evicitta]

Hi guys, Do you mind me asking how many ft of trim did you order and how many bottles of urethane for the 3 windows? Placing an order this week for the exact 3 windows!

[@TimKatie]

We ordered 28 ft of the trim lock and 4 tubes of urethane adhesive (and just 1 primer). Good luck with your install!

[@Evicitta]

@@TimKatie thank you! I accidentally ordered only 2 tubes 🥲 I didn’t see your response until today haha. I guess I’ll order 2 more

[@marandanicholas2903]

Help! Currently doing our windows right now, what did you use the cut the trim?? We’re not finding any tool that will cut through the medal without squeezing the strip

[@TimKatie]

Hey guys, We used tin snips 👍🏻 Good luck with the rest of your install!

[@danielschumacher9488]

How much did you use for each of the big windows? One container?

[@TimKatie]

Do you mean the urethane adhesive? We used just over one tube on the slider door window and less than one on each of the rear windows

[@BTflicks]

you used an awl, punched through or just bumps???

[@TimKatie]

Just bumps

[@BTflicks]

@@TimKatie Thanks

[@bigboy4659]

Hello Where yee got the windows from ?

[@tenemms2442]

Do you have links for the materials?

[@TimKatie]

All of the materials are available on www.vanwindowsdirect.com website 👍🏻

[@tenemms2442]

@@TimKatie thanks for responding. I should have specified, I meant links for the “additional materials”

[@TimKatie]

@@tenemms2442 Sorry about that! No we don't have specific links for them unfortunately

[@tenemms2442]

@@TimKatie what size Trim-lok there is so many to choose from. What size and how much length was needed? Can I buy from Amazon?

[@TimKatie]

@@tenemms2442 on VWD website when you find the window you want to order if you scroll down and read the instructions they have links to the correct Trim-lok and recommendations of how much to purchase. Or you can contact them directly :)

[@MAXIMUSMINIMALIST]

It's not going to make much of a difference but you should have been using isopropyl alcohol instead of glass cleaner because glass cleaner leaves a residue.