Front & Rear Windows
The front and rear windows in a Boler are made of 3/16″ (4.5mm) acrylic, often refer to as Plexiglas. With age the rubber molding around the front and rear windows will become hard and shrink, this will often be the source of leaks as water can easily migrate around the seal. Also with age the windows themselves will become fogged and brittle with micro cracks forming that will soon start to spread into larger cracks. Always replace the rubber molding when you replace the windows.
You can make your own windows from what was originally used Acrylic (commonly known as Lucite or Plexiglas) or Polycarbonate (commonly known as Lexan or Makrolon).
An excellent comparison of the two products can be found at Highline Polycarbonate.
Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate
Acrylic sheet and Polycarbonate sheet are two of the most widely used plastics for optical applications.
Acrylic sheet trade names include Plexiglas and Perspex. Polycarbonate sheet trade names include Lexan and Makrolon.
It should be remembered that both materials have their advantages and it is not a case of which one is better. As always, it is important to select the right material for the application.
Breakage
Polycarbonate is well known for its strength and resistance to impacts. When it is hit with an object it is almost impossible to break. This property makes it ideal for machine guards and protective screens. It is one reason why face shields and protective goggles are often made from Polycarbonate. Front headlights on cars are also often made from Polycarbonate as they can resist damage from stone chips.
Acrylic does not have the same strength and resistance to impacts as Polycarbonate. If it is hit with sufficient force it will shatter.
Weathering
Acrylic has excellent resistance to weathering. UV light does very little damage to Acrylic over time and so Acrylic is often a good choice for outdoor applications. The rear tail-lights of a car are often made from Acrylic because the colors are very stable and resistant to UV and the potential damage from stone chips is low at the rear of the car. Acrylic has an almost unlimited resistance to weathering.
Polycarbonate weathers when exposed to UV light. This weathering often takes the form of yellowing and micro-cracking of the material. It is possible to reduce the effects of weathering by either adding a cap layer of UV absorbers or a coating loaded with UV absorbers. These solutions do however add to the cost of the Polycarbonate sheet and will only protect the product for 10 to 15 years. There are some advanced solutions to protect Polycarbonate for 25+ years from HighLine Polycarbonate but these are very expensive and are often cost prohibitive for most applications.
Light Transmission
Acrylic has a light transmission of 92%. Polycarbonate has a light transmission of 88%. The reason for the difference is the refractive index of the two materials. Acrylic has a refractive index of 1.49 and Polycarbonate has a refractive index of 1.585.
If the higher light transmission of Acrylic is an important property for an application and some of the other properties of Polycarbonate are not required, Acrylic is a good choice of material.
However, as discussed in previous posts, it is possible to raise the light transmission of Polycarbonate to 90% with a simple abrasion resistant coating. It is also possible to use advanced anti-reflective coatings to raise the light transmission of Polycarbonate to 98.5%. The choice of which material to use for optical applications depends upon both cost and the other properties that are required.
Heat stability
Acrylic has a heat distortion temperature under a load of 260 psi of 200 degrees F, whereas Polycarbonate has a heat distortion temperature of 264 degrees F. A full explanation of heat stability can be found under the previous blog post discussing the subject.
Polycarbonate is much more resistant to temperature than Acrylic. This means that if the application involves a higher temperature environment where the structural integrity of the material is required, Polycarbonate may be a better choice. The Heat Stability is also important in vapor deposition of coatings such as Indium Tin Oxide. It is possible to apply more conductive surfaces onto Polycarbonate than Acrylic.
Scratch and Abrasion Resistance
Acrylic is more resistance to scratches and damage by abrasion than Polycarbonate. This is one of the well-known weaknesses of Polycarbonate. To overcome this problem there are a number of solutions including applying an abrasion or scratch resistant coating. The previous blog post on scratch and abrasion resistance discusses this subject in more detail. Adding a coating to Polycarbonate will also increase the cost of the material.
Cost
Polycarbonate is more expensive than acrylic. It tends to cost about 35% more
In conclusion, Polycarbonate sheet has significant advantages over Acrylic in terms of Strength and Heat Stability.
Acrylic has significant advantages over Polycarbonate in terms of weathering and scratch resistance. It is possible to improve both the weathering and scratch resistance of Polycarbonate by a number of methods, but these do add cost.
Acrylic does have a marginal advantage over Polycarbonate in terms of light transmission, but this can easily be overcome in high-tech applications with anti-reflective coatings.
The following video is a bit dramatic and only looks at the impact comparison of the two products which highly favours polycarbonate. Do also consider the other factors when making your decision.
My video on making your own front and rear windows using simple tools
Front and Rear Window Seal
Two piece locking gasket
The original seal Boler used is referred to as a 2 piece locking gasket, two piece because once the gasket is in place a separate spline is inserted into the groove in the gasket to lock it and create the seal. For a much cleaner look a one piece locking gasket can be used, this type of gasket uses an integrated locking flange that fits flush and is almost invisible. I used the one piece locking gasket from Trim-Lok. The best replacement gasket is Trim Lok LK987 or AS987 (these seals are exactly the same) see my “Where to Find Boler Parts” page for suppliers. You can use gasket LK1522 but because this seal is designed to fit a thinner body side of the seal it takes more effort to install. Make sure you install the seam over the ensolite so it seals well. The final option is to use a two piece gasket similar to the original, Trim-Lok K1179, with it you will also need the LK937 locking spline.
One piece locking gasket
When replacing the windows the rubber molding is first placed around the opening, I like to start on the top, holding the molding in the center (so you have 6′ on each side of your hand) and start working the molding over the fiberglass lip. As you progress use a rubber mallet to pound the seal onto the body making sure it is fully seated. Work the molding around the corners, again using the rubber mallet to make sure it is fully seated THIS IS CRITICAL!!. Continue working your way around, alternating side to side. When you reach the bottom trim one end so it will be in the middle of the opening and seat that side. Take the final side mark the end so you have the 3/4″ overlap, glue the two ends together then seat the final section. Finally go around the molding one more time with the mallet making sure it is fully seated, then you are ready to start the window install. The best tool to cut the molding is a pair of garden pruning shears.
Mix up a soapy water solution and generously apply around the molding and window edges, place the window in the lower groove then slowly work the molding lip over the edge of the window. Be careful not to scratch the acrylic, I made simple plastic tools for this out of some scrap acrylic. They look like a letter opener with a slightly rounded point and beveled edges to a rounded edge (don’t need anything sharp).
Continue pressing the window into the molding while at the same time gently prying the molding over the glass, also continued to apply more soapy water, I used a spray bottle, applying every minute or so. The job is not hard but it can be frustrating at times as the window may want to pop out at times, an extra set of hands is useful. the final little section the window will “pop” into place.
You’re not finished yet, now the lock strip or the locking tab depending if you used one or two piece molding. Continue to use lots of soapy water and work the seal into place, special tools are available to install the locks, but I find various sized blade screwdrivers (preferably ones that you have eased the sharp corners). Again work your way around the window, gently spreading the molding, pushing on the lock until it slowly snaps into position all the way around.
Jeannette Low
Hello, which Macrolon did you go with – I see they have a UV stable sheet designated as -LF and many other forms. There is also a GP general purpose and WG window grade. I see Home Depot doesn’t advertise the 4.5mm online. Did you have to go with an industrial supplier? Thanks!
Ian
Hi Jeannette
I used Makrolon GP, it is UV stabilized, the UV enhanced is overkill at more than double the price. I buy through an industrial wholesaler, they force me to buy minimum quality (3 sheets) which means some of the local Boler owners got windows supplied at a very good price. It is important to use the 4.5 mil, thicker and it will not bend into the compound curve, thinner and it is too flexible and will pop out with wind pressure while towing.
Devin
Ian, where did you purchase the Trim-Lok 1522.
Ian
Hi Devin
I bought mine from another Boler owner who has some left over from their installation.
I would start by calling some local glass companies.
Argus Industries is the Canadian distributor for Trim-Lok
http://shop.argusindustries.ca/collections/locking-gasket
I did a quick Google and Zoro Canada offers an excellent price for 25′ but reading the fine print they ship from the US by DHL which may have brokerage fee on top of the shipping costs
https://www.zorocanada.com/i/G3988713/
Carl
Are those 2 the same product? The first one from argus is listed as 1522 and the other from zoro as 1522-25. And the pictures do not look the same to me.
Ian
Yes these are exactly the same seal, the -25 in the Zoro number indicates the length is 25′
Carl
Why are the pictures different then? They look completely different.
Devin
Thanks Ian, it work out to $56 for the Trim-Lok + $33 for shipping and duty , so a total of just under a $100 for a 25 ft length. Enough to do both windows and seems like a reasonable price all considering. Second question, for the Entry Door Trim (white) and Butyl/putty tape for the side jalousie windows, do you anyone locally (Calgary) where i could source those materials? Apologies if it is already mentioned here. Thanks,
Ian
For the butyl tape (get the tape with the smooth release paper, far better than the crape release paper type). It is available at most RV parts departments. I usually use Hobo Camper Country off Edmonton Trail, great people.
Not exactly sure what entry door trim you are referring to, is this the trim covering the fibreglass edge around the door opening?
Devin Fink
thanks Ian I will check out Hobo Camper Country. . Yes, I am referring to the trim around the fibreglass edge of the door opening.
Ian
Hi Devin
Before you finish your order with Zoro they also sell the edge trim, you can probably get this included with the seal order with no additional shipping
https://www.zorocanada.com/g/00117005/
David Alger
Hi Ian;
I stumbled across this on eBay; 25 feet of the trim lok lk1522 for $53 CAD delivered. I bought one and there is only one left. I still may get hit for brokerage/tax if they use UPS. Shipping was specified as either USPS or UPS; I’m hoping USPS!
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Trim-Lok-LK1522-25-EPDM-Dense-Rubber-Window-Locking-Gasket-Single-Piece-Fits-/172345829954?hash=item28209caa42:g:UvcAAOSwNRdX3boP
We briefly met at the Island Bolerama in May. I will be passing through Calgary in mid-October towing our Boler 1300 and would love your opinion on our Boler as to the poor door fit; frame problems or otherwise? Any chance I may borrow your expertise in return for some BC grape juice?
Regards;
David
Ian
Hello David
Great to hear from you. That is a very good price for the window seal (although I am also looking into suppliers where I may be able to sell at a decent price in the future)
Would love for you to stop by on your way through Calgary, I can check out your Boler and you know I have a passion for BC grapes 🙂
Drop me a message with more detail to 1974Boler [at] gmail.com
David Alger
Hey Ian;
I ordered the LK 1522 from Zoro, when the first eBay supplier fell through. Will the LK 1522 still work?
Thanks!
David
Ian
Hi David
UPDATED COMMENT: Although both seals will work well, I used the 1522 and it works well but takes more work to install due to the body and glass thickness (although there is less chance to leak),the 1663 will be a little easier to install but it is 1/4″ narrower profile and if the window is cut a little too small there is a higher chance that it can leak. If you can find it LK987 is the ideal one piece seal but I have not found a supplier in Canada.
Albert
I’ve installed the Trim lok, but it is not as wide as the original. It is not as wide as you image either. I’ve searched arround some moreand haven’t found a good solution. Can you give me some help here.
Albert
Ian
By “not as wide” are you referring to the how far it pushes onto the body? If that is your concern it will work equally as well as the original, just visually it will have a slimmer profile
Bev Guy
Hi Ian,
With the one piece gasket does the locking part go on the inside or outside? I have heard different opinions.
Thanks,
Bev
Ian
Always install the locking strip to the OUTSIDE!!!! Yes there is a video showing the opposite but in most cases installing the window gasket wrong will result in the window leaking, The gasket is designed to be installed with the lock strip out, please install correctly.
fred plews,
were can i buy these two seals from ,
Carla
Hi Ian! We just purchased a Boler and the PO’s had replaced the rear window and sealed with the one piece gasket, but it looks like they may have cut the strip too short as there is a small gap between the ends. This has resulted in rain leaking in. As we are just preparing for winter and will save major repairs for spring, do you recommend some sort of liquid rubber sealant to close up that gap with for now? Do you recommend completely replacing that rubber seal in the future or is the little gap manageable with an additional sealer? It isn’t a huge gap, but definitely a space is seen and of course the leaking. Thank you!
Ian
Use butyl tape and pack the gap with it. This will provide a good seal and is easy to remove when the time comes
Luke
Hi Ian,
Can you explain this statement a little more?
Take the final side mark the end so you have the 3/4″ overlap
understanding is you are cutting it 3/4 longer to hopefully have a tight join
Thanks
Ian
Before cutting the seal but after fully seating the seal around the window opening you want the ends to overlap by about 3/4″. You want the seal longer than the opening. After cutting, lift the seal up slightly, position the cut ends together and place them into the opening. The work on forcing the seal on each side of the join back into the window opening. It will go in and this compresses the rubber seal making sure the join stay tight
Nadja Hall
Hi Ian,
Thank you for all you are offering to so many of us!! Very grateful!
I have two questions (actually thousands, but I have to focus on one or two at a time or else I will get overwhelmed rebuilding this Boler).
I bought a ’71 Boler and it was gutted down to the fibreglass. They had removed the window supports and door support so driving home the windows blew out. I am now ready to adhere marine hull liner. My first question is, how close to the edge of the window opening do I adhere the insulation and marine hull liner before the windows get installed? And my second question is, can I go to any auto window installation shop and have them install the windows for me? Hoping to avoid that job. Will they know what to do, or should I bring the information you provide here with thickness and seals etc?
Thank you so much. I am absolutely loving my passion project! I have taken it on and my husband isn’t allowed to advise or help 🙂
Take care and looking forward to hearing from you,
Nadja
Ian
The inner liner / insulation should go right to the window opening. The rubber window seal should go over the inner lining which will help hold it in place. Most auto glass shops should be able to install the windows, make sure they use 3/16″ thick, 4.5mm, acrylic, DO NOT USE 1/4″ as it is too thick and will not bend into the compound curve and pop out. Also use a one piece locking seal, Trim Lok part number LK987 or AS987 from other suppliers, it is the correct size. You also mention that the interior was gutted, the horizontal ledges fibreglass below the front and back windows, used to mount the table at the back and the upper bunk bed at the front are structural. These members prevent the front & back walls from flexing, if these wall flex too much the windows can and will pop out,