T4 Topaz replacement windows

Last week the nearside rear window plastic cover parted company with my van on a very busy A19... 

Not a pretty result and I'm aware these are not available anymore or only on production of a King's Ransom. 

I'm happy to replace both rear windows with heavily tinted ones and these seem to be available from Just Kampers at a good price. The issue I have is they say the original T4 rear window should have been bonded on where as these seem to have a rubber trim around them. I have sent them images of the window and surrounds and await their comments.

Before I try and approach AS (I gather they are not always responsive) does anyone here know if the rear windows where factory fitted by VW or retro fitted by AS. If the latter I'm surprised the method they used, why not just cut out a small window..? 

I have started to remove the wood but it is tough going. I'm aware elsewhere some have managed this so I'd be open to suggestions and images of what has been done before. Checking the offside I doubt that will be affixed for much longer either. TIA

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I removed the window cover and the wood from the near side of my Topaz as the other side was already vinyl covered and I think it is so much better, so had black vinyl put on to match the other window.

daisy mae wrote:I removed the window cover and the wood from the near side of my Topaz as the other side was already vinyl covered and I think it is so much better, so had black vinyl put on to match the other window.

Thank you for that idea. 

I hadn't thought of vinyl, was thinking tint film but wouldn't be able to apply that too well on the outside. I've managed to get off all but one of the wooden supports off. The last is over the surround rubber so will be hard.

I used gentle heat,  hair dryer, to help remove the glue and that worked well. 
I am also in the process of removing the stripes as they are a bit dog eared, again by hair dryer, I am not replacing those, just keeping the green bands which is paint anyway, also  the the thin white stripes which are in good condition.

Good luck,
Margaret

daisy mae wrote:I used gentle heat,  hair dryer, to help remove the glue and that worked well. 
I am also in the process of removing the stripes as they are a bit dog eared, again by hair dryer, I am not replacing those, just keeping the green bands which is paint anyway, also  the the thin white stripes which are in good condition.

Good luck,
Margaret

Stripes, again a job on the list! So far I have used a blade and a multi tool scrapper which does well. I'd be interested in seeing your results if you can post images. 

Sheena, sorry to see your issue. It interested me because I noted that my T4 Topaz side panels seemed a little loose during cleaning in the Spring. I replaced the securing screws with slightly larger guage ones coated with epoxy adhesive and added extra ones at mid-points. I am fortunate to have a range of coloured screw caps bought from AS some years back. Perhaps a wise precaution for those of us with ‘vintage’ models?

Manomountain wrote:Sheena, sorry to see your issue. It interested me because I noted that my T4 Topaz side panels seemed a little loose during cleaning in the Spring. I replaced the securing screws with slightly larger guage ones coated with epoxy adhesive and added extra ones at mid-points. I am fortunate to have a range of coloured screw caps bought from AS some years back. Perhaps a wise precaution for those of us with ‘vintage’ models?

It would be wise of any Topaz owner to keep an eye on these. I'm not fussed about keeping the original look so will proceed with factory tinted windows. I'll have a spare off-side cover going spare, including black screw caps, in due course.

Finally got the side windows changed. The fitters even covered some of the bathroom fittings with black material to hide it showing through the privacy glass under certain light. A grand job I think, not for the purist but I like the cleaner lines. 

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Really like the window job Sheena. Without wishing to be rude- was it expensive? Do you have contact details for the fitters? Whilst on the topic of ‘Topaz Windows’ I should mention that we have had many issues with our hi-top windows:
Leaking - around the frame/roof - took them out and refitted with water ingress from the opening window seals.. Gave up on them and sealed them shut with silicone.
Cracked vertically half way along their length - outer skin only.
Tried to find replacement units  - no luck!
Not a happy tale!
Regards,
Ian

Manomountain wrote:Really like the window job Sheena. Without wishing to be rude- was it expensive? Do you have contact details for the fitters? Whilst on the topic of ‘Topaz Windows’ I should mention that we have had many issues with our hi-top windows:
Leaking - around the frame/roof - took them out and refitted with water ingress from the opening window seals.. Gave up on them and sealed them shut with silicone.
Cracked vertically half way along their length - outer skin only.
Tried to find replacement units  - no luck!
Not a happy tale!
Regards,
Ian

I sourced the glass myself which did have its problems. First I tried Just Kampers who sent out both but one smashed on route. It was the last one they had with a wait time of next April for new stock! I got the next replacement from Vee Dub Transporters who ended up cheaper but I did travel down to them to make sure I got it safely. It is best to check both websites for their current pricing. Don't forget the rubbers. These are cosmetic but do prevent moss in the edges. 

My fitters were a local company (or their Newcastle branch) so I'm not sure they have anyone over in Liverpool. They are called Interscreens AB. Again prices will vary so you need to get local quotes. I had been told by someone who had lost a plastic trim on their Topaz they had been quoted £250 for a secondhand replacement plus fitting which to remove and replace the wood, the cause of the issues, would cost the same again in labour. I have 2 new windows fitted for under £300 all in.

Thanks Skeena.Although I don’t need to replace my lower windows at present, every post on the Forum helps inform others. I’m hoping someone will know a solution to my hi-top windows….
PS My apologies, I note that ‘auto-correct’ keeps trying to change your username to Sheena!

Regarding the hi-top windows - this is a very common problem. I had it with the ParaPress windows on my Flair (which was a couple of years older than your Topaz). In my experience It is not common for the rubber seals to leak - the problem is that the roof flexes while you drive along, and so only the correct butyl rubber mastic sealant will work. I tried other sealants, and most would work for a while, but then the flexing would cause the leaks to start again. Eventually I did the job with the correct non-setting sealant and had no problems after that.

I'm pretty sure you cannot buy ParaPress windows any more, but whether a company such as EECO would be able to help I don't know. If so I would think it would be quite expensive...

Cheers Roopert. I shall cast around. Meanwhile they stay sealed shut! 
Regards.
Ian

Just a side view taken at Clumber Park on Friday.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]