can windows be removed?

[Sand Girl]

hello, simple question maybe?

a lot of vans have had windows added to them, how difficult a process for a bodyshop to take a van back to a windowless state? can that be done?

I am looking at a sandman for sale that has had windows added,

would you need another shell from a windowless van to do this?


thank you
and merry christmas

[Valencia]

It can be done with infill panels but you will need the inner braces

[Sand Girl]

infill panels?
is that something you buy or is made?
i guess it depends on the windows that have been added

thanks for the reply

[Valencia]

Good panel beater should be able to make them with the correct thickness steel
You cant buy them but you need the inner braces try finding them first that will be a challenge

[Sand Girl]

thanks for the reply, that makes sense

[Kiwivan]

Expensive to do,and quite hard to get it done correctly.
Have you thought about getting the windows colour printed or have a mural(decals)done ?

Cheers Kiwivan

[wbute]

Plenty have done it. There is a van for sale on here at the moment that had the windows removed. Big Robs Madeira HZ had them removed as well. You need a good panel beater and money. As stated, the inside braces would make it easier but I imagine they are not impossible to fold up.

[Sand Girl]

Expensive to do,and quite hard to get it done correctly.
Have you thought about getting the windows colour printed or have a mural(decals)done ?

Cheers Kiwivan

we are split on a restoration to completely factory original and having a mural, like in my picture done, a surfer beach type of mural, but something that could be removed, not airbrushed on, that would have to be painted over again

[Kiwivan]

Now days there are outfits that do printed murals on 3m vinyl.
Looks good and easily removed.

Cheers Kiwivan

[Wombat7051]

hello, simple question maybe?

a lot of vans have had windows added to them, how difficult a process for a bodyshop to take a van back to a windowless state? can that be done?

I am looking at a sandman for sale that has had windows added,

would you need another shell from a windowless van to do this?


thank you
and merry christmas

To fill the windows is a big job. the sides are curved not straight so the replacement panel has to be rolled to match the contour. The gaps between the new piece and the existing panel must be smaller than a normal gap as you need the tightest gap because you cant put too much heat into the panel or it will warp. You then need to tig rather then mig and you have to go opposite corners. The best way, if there are multiple holes, is tig one then the next working your way around the car allowing it to cool naturally. If you quench it, it may warp the panel. If you put too much heat in it, it may warp the panel. It is a slow long process.
Once done then you can clean up and lead wipe or bog.
I remember a guy was making the uprights but i cant find the info. once again easy fold up but needs to be shrunk on the edges to get the contour of the van.
Hope that help