Albin 36 wooden windows

[seblyte]

Hi Everybody, I wonder if anybody has had experience of restoring their old wooden window frames. My Albin 36 classic is in need of restoration and the main problem is the leaking windows. Can anybody talk me through how you disassemble the frames to remove the glass in order to clean them out and reseat them. I am hoping to preserve the original frames. Many thanks Sebastian

[jleonard]

I resealed my fronts a couple of years ago, and the side sliders last summer.
The fronts were a real PIA. Basically all the frames come out the same way.
You need to drill out the bungs from the outside and remove all the screws. Then the real fun part, separating the wood from the extremely good caulk/adhesive used at the factory. A thin strong, sharpened putty knife is the basic tool...slice thru 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. Sometimes a piano wire can saw thru the caulk.
Be extremely careful or the window will crack...I feel good that I only broke one out of the three..LOL.
The side sliders were a bit easier...same basic priciple except I was able to slide out the leaking track after only removing the bottom and side frame. I could just get the old track out and the new ones in...purchased at Defender and cut to length. REMEMBER to drill drain holes thru the track...more than one place to I might add. That's why mine were leaking...the originals had no drainage.
Hope this helps...if you have specifc questions e mail me at
jleonard@usa.norgren.com

[seblyte]

That's most helpful. I think it was the reassurance that the bungs need to be drilled out that I was seeking. It's not a job I am looking forward to but one that must be done. Thanks again.