Evening all,

I should be cooking for hungry people, but here I am thinking about our cute Tardis instead.

Our Tardis had the sad misfortune of having its window rubbers washed with Dettol just before coming to us. An easy mistake no doubt if you don't read the bottle, but very sad. It is only the three opening windows (1991 Triton) that are affected. BUT they now will not open. The rubber has literally glued itself together, and I fear if I try to open them, they will no longer keep the water out of the Eriba framework. They really need replacing with new rubbers. I know for the DIY capable among you this is a possible job, but I fear I'm not up to it. We are in Herts/Essex, and I'm wondering if anyone could recommend someone who could do this for us and not charge extortionately? I have heard someone being quoted £1000 for all the windows, which we cannot afford. (And is crazy!) I'm hoping it's going to be about £300. We can travel. Any advice much appreciated.

Go and cook now!

Thanks.
Sarah

OK here's a little trick you might like to try what havd you got to lose!

Get some strong thread or fishing line, thread it through a needle and feed the needle between the window and the rubber seal, when you have the needle pushed right through, take the needle off, then with one person outside and one inside pull the thread along the rubber seal, that should seperate the window and the seal, afterwards you can assess the damage if there is any and make up your mind whether to replace the seals or not. You could lubricate the thread or fishing line with "something" which might alleviate any damage, just a thought

Thank you so much to both of you. I had not thought of that. When the seller tried to force them open, chunks of rubber were coming away stuck to the window, and that may happen with the floss too, but I would have thought there is a chance it could cut through it. As you said, worth a try. It is such a shame as although they are the black seals and look otherwise in good condition. I will let you know what happens. I don't think it will be beautiful, but it would be nice to be able to open the windows.

Many thanks!
Sarah

Hi Sarah, my old Puck had grey window seals which had welded themselves to the window, I managed to break the seal with an old credit card by sliding it from the inside of the van between the window and the rubber. Just be gentle and as soon as the seal has been broken the rest will start to come apart as you go around the frame.

The opening Window rubbers are very easy to replace.

Replacing window rubbers step by step guides

You could try a mobile engineer if you are not confident,

Caravan servicing and repairs, including mobile technicians.

Made a Dutch manual how to replace a fixed window of Eriba Puck caravan.

What about a light misting with a spray bottle with water to permeate and moisten the rubber seal. Just give it time to work in and be gentle prising fishing line along with a little lubrication of water.

That's very useful with the PDF from this site I think we will be able to tackle our one window that is un opening the gray bits a little brittle still water tight we have the seal part came with the van I'm better at following pictures then text so when the weather warms up a little .I tried a carvan repairer who was hopeless but he did suggest a auto glass repair might be able to fix it .
Caz and Paul

When the window is unstuck the rubber can be dusted with french chalk or talcum powder to stop it being sticky.

Quote: Pepé Le Pew wrote in post #11

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A quick wipe with Silicone lubricant (a bit sprayed onto a rag and run round the rubbers) will also stop them sticking once freed. It's the method of choice for car door seals to stop them chattering and sticking when it's really cold.
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Doesn't that make her wine