Newbie with window issues

[standy]

I read the advice and forums on this site with interest when I was researching buying a campervan and I’ve finally done it! I’ve bought myself a 1991 Nissan Vanette Devon Venturer. She seems pretty sound. Had some welding done and a full service (that wasn’t cheap!) and over the next week or so I’m going to be taking care of some cosmetic things, but I’ve so far been unable to find a solution to the problem I’m having with the sliding windows. I have had 3 different people look at them and they have all been stumped. I’ve called around probably a dozen places and nobody seems to be able to help, so I thought I’d try this helpful online community.

My problem is as follows:
The rubber around the factory fitted frames has perished and let in the rain which has rusted the factory-fitted frames. It looks like I’ll need to replace the rubber and the frame at least. As it stands there are rust stains running down the body of the van and it looks a bit of a sorry state. Does anyone know of a reasonable solution to this? The way I see it, there are a few options:

1. Replace the frames and rubber (and possibly glass if it all comes as one unit) – but I have yet to find a company that can do this for an old Nissan Vanette!
2. Take out the factory fitted windows and treat it like a panel van conversion – though I’m not sure this is possible. I’ve read a few posts which suggest it isn’t possible to do it the other way – ie put factory fitted style windows into a panel conversion, so I assume it isn’t possible this way either…
3. Seal what is there already with silicone- cheap, but this seem a bit like a cop out and wouldn’t look too good, I think.

…but I’d really value any input as I’m not really having much joy sorting it out.

I’ve put a of photo up which will hopefully clarify what I’m wittering on about.

Thanks for your time!

Standy

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[standy]

Further image
This is the inside of the rubber, looking down – if you see what I mean.

[mgroadster]

I went to Motorspares and
I went to Motorspares and bought a tube of proper black windscreen sealer for my MGB.
Not only does it work, but if you take your time and do it properly, you can’t tell that it has been done.(I haven’t got it here as it’s in my workshop so haven’t got the name) but motorspares should keep it, if you have one near you.

[Author]

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