Community Forums

MKelley · 03-29-2020, 06:25 AM

Anyone in the group have any information on issues with one pice windshields in the later Alpines?

Cinequip · 03-29-2020, 11:02 PM

I've owned my 2009 for almost 11 years, and changed the 1-piece windshield once due to a rock chip that started traveling. No problems being one piece, other than when you have a rock chip on one side, you get to spend larger dollars to replace it. No problem finding replacement glass, either.

What is your concern?

MKelley · 03-30-2020, 06:39 AM

Thanks Scott appreciate the feed back.

paul65k · 03-30-2020, 08:32 AM

So this poses the question.....is there a retrofit to replace the 2 piece windshield with a single windshield?

I have always wondered what if any the windshields played in the structural integrity of our coaches??

Hayduke · 03-30-2020, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul65k

So this poses the question.....is there a retrofit to replace the 2 piece windshield with a single windshield?

I have always wondered what if any the windshields played in the structural integrity of our coaches??

I've always assumed that center support was structural. If it were removed, what happens if I stand on the very front of the roof?
Probably nothing, but then why is it there?
It would seem strange that it's only there to join the 2 piece wind shields.

Old Scout · 03-30-2020, 12:10 PM

….a fair amount of wiring is routed down the middle column on the older Alpines--guess it could be rerouted....no challenge for a man with 8 new Li batteries [smile]

Rusty Bear · 03-30-2020, 04:24 PM

We bought our 07 after the factory went out of business. At the time the coach had a 2 piece window. We negeoated a single window be installed from the dealer, before we took delivery. That was 11 years ago and have had no issues with changing to a single window. As stated in this post, a few wires had to be rerouted away from the center post, and the wipers had to be repositioned to lay down at the bottom of the window.
We have been very happy with the one large window.

IMDiesel · 03-30-2020, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rusty Bear

We bought our 07 after the factory went out of business. At the time the coach had a 2 piece window. We negeoated a single window be installed from the dealer, before we took delivery. That was 11 years ago and have had no issues with changing to a single window. As stated in this post, a few wires had to be rerouted away from the center post, and the wipers had to be repositioned to lay down at the bottom of the window.
We have been very happy with the one large window.

That would be interesting to see. Do you have any pictures you could share.

paul65k · 03-30-2020, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scout

….a fair amount of wiring is routed down the middle column on the older Alpines--guess it could be rerouted....no challenge for a man with 8 new Li batteries [smile]

MKelley · 03-31-2020, 07:19 AM

Jim,
Thanks for the info..

Rusty Bear · 03-31-2020, 12:22 PM

The window looks exactly like the OEM window used in Alpines after mid 2007.

Hayduke · 03-31-2020, 01:46 PM

So am I understanding correctly that I could remove that center 'support' if I relocate some wiring?

I'll buy a couple more batteries if that helps.

I don't mind it too much, but I'd be lieing if I said I never wished it was a 1 piece windshield.

DrDaveMA · 04-05-2020, 11:13 PM

“Some wiring” is actually in the order of 20 - 30 wires. No I didn’t count them, but I have been in to that column several times and I think that is a fair estimate. You could always route some of them down the side column.

Jackrussell · 02-02-2021, 11:01 AM

Thought it better to ask first before I break the cover (or the glass!). How do you get that center column cover off?..My cb antenna wire did not get pulled down far enough to use (plenty up above the column)..I am guessing there are cable ties (zip ties), holding the wire from being pulled down from below.