After the window was broken on the sliding door, we had it replaced with on that could be opened. It has worked out fine but when you close the sliding door the part of the window that opens would hit the body very slightly.

I put a piece of weather stripping in that stops the window from hitting.

I also moved the fire extinguisher. It was originally placed behind the drivers seat and since we carry folding tables and steps in that area the extinguisher was impossible to get to in a timely manner. Now it is very handy and can be reached easily in an emergency.

This week we will most likely get the 20k service done and put on a new set of tires.

The original Continental tires have about 20k miles on them and are unfortunately ready to be replaced.

The new window is nice and being able to open it will help with ventilation. After years of “airiness” in the Eurovan we are still getting used to not having a tent for a roof. The screen on the new window rattles when driving but I expect that to be an easy adjustment.

The window mounted pretty flush all around except towards the rear. I think that maybe the weather striping that was left may have interfered.

I had a left over piece of rubber from the original window that was used in the same place. It took care of the gap problem.

I cannot find a part number for that piece of rubber and it does not show in the parts book but I think you could come up with one should you need to.

Hopefully you will never shatter your door window but if you do, it is good to know there are alternatives.

BTW, our insurance company, Progressive, handled the replacement window with no problem even though it was more costly than using stock glass. It was a easy as two telephone calls, one out-going and one in-coming. SMB is now set up as a repair facility for Progressive and Sportsmobiles.

Black Sprinter

Presley and I headed for SMB about 5am on the 18th. We run the same route every time to measure mileage. This trip (there and back) we got 19mpg. Speed on the highway was 65mph (by gps) with maybe 4 or 5 times having to bump up to 70-75 to pass.

At SMB the new window was put in and the Aluminess tire carrier was taken off. The most difficult part of putting in the new window was removing the weather stripping that was there for the original. I had tried to do as much as possible at home with 3m adhesive remover, wd40, and lots of elbow grease but didn’t get too far. SMB worked on it for several hours just to remove the bottom portion as the window covers the top and sides.

Removing weather stripping.

The new window is just what the doctor ordered!  It matches the other windows in design and tint and fits pretty well in the original location.

We had the tire carrier removed as I did not like the looks and it was unnecessary as we were unable to use the space where the tire was originally. So now, 1 aluminess tire carrier in stock and for sale!

Presley and I walked around quite a lot while waiting. There are a lot of “junk yard dogs” in the area. Couple of them hit the end of their chains running at us – chain don’t fail me now! We decided to avoid some of the areas next time we walk. Did have fun walking through the Jack in The Box drive thru to get lunch – the only way since dogs aren’t allowed inside.

Extra compartment for storage

We saw a  very pretty black Sprinter. I wouldn’t get black myself but this one with the dark windows looked pretty sharp. Checked out a red Sprinter with a front shelf – might add one of those to ours. Inventory was down – I suppose that is good and conversions were progressing on several vehicles.

It was a long day. Presley slept most of the way home while I listened to music from the Zune and drove. I like driving the Sprinter. It is easy, comfortable, and you sit almost as high as a truck driver so you can easily see a long way down the road. And with heated seats, rock and roll, and a Starbucks you can cover the miles.