Replacing ally windows with acrylic

[Saddletramp]

My ally window frames are leaking and looking at the Sadler forum it appears to be a common problem that is not easily cured. I was wondering about doing away with the frames and either using the rubber channel system or fixing acrylic without any frames.

My old Macwester does not leak with rubber channel 40 years old. The plain acrylic windows seem very simple. All drilled by the suplier and using interscrews.

Anyone ever done anything similar?

 

[Georgio]

Actually, they are dead easy to replace with new, I have been doing this with my Co32 Aly framed windows. Removed them and send off to South east marine windows who made up new frames reusing the old glass (Cost about £70-90 per window depending on size) and then refitted using sikaflex.

No more leaks and the new frames look great. Should last another 30 years.

The old windows were leaking due to the sealant breaking down but modern sealants are much much better.

 

[ark]

Could you post details of South East Windows.Did the price include the st st screws? Thank you.
Sorry for butting in.

 

[Saddletramp]

Cheers Georgio that does seem a good price. The glass is fine, as long as I don't break it getting it out.

 

[Georgio]

Original windows used interscrew fixings and the inner part of the window had a Aly ring that the interscrews fitted into. Having taken advice I cleaned out and filled all the old fixing holes with epoxy filler and then refitted the window using sikaflex and s/steel screws.

Sikaflex is such a good adhesive that the screws are really just used to hold the window in place while it all sets.

I have had really good results of using this method as have a number of other Co32 owners.

The only thing I needed was a plastic finishing strip on the inside to cover up where the old inner ring was. You could easily get a new inner ring made up with the new frames and hold in place with screws again if required but would suggest you get the fixing holes drilled in different places to the origionals.

Hope the above makes sense...