Replacement windoors for A.R.E only from the dealer?.

Hello, Sorry if this has been posted or discussed before. I only found one reference in a search which stated that it's as cheap for a dealer to replace these parts.
I may not have my terminology correct, which is I why I didn't get any results.

My question is about changing from sliding windows on my cap to windoors. Either aluminum or glass is fine. I called the dealer (last year) and he wanted over $600 to do this. This seems excessive and I feel like I can do the job myself. However, I have searched extensively and can't find just the parts.

I also looked for a used cap to possibly part out, but had no luck so far.

I'd rather not spend $600, but if there are no better options then I guess I'll have to.

Thanks.

 

wont they just sell you the windows?

 

Here's an option. Caps with windoors do come up on here and on Craigslist fairly regularly at decent prices. Possibly buy a cap with the windoors, do the swap, and then resell the cap? It's a bit of work but you may break even or possibly make a few in the process.

 

When I called them that was their "best" price so that's why I wanted to look around at other options, which don't seem to exist.

Good idea, but the work involved and possibly long delay in getting the items I needed was what I was trying to avoid. I may have to do that, though, to get a decent price.

Thanks.

 

There are some outfits out there that sell lots of stuff from canopys/toppers. Places like https://www.custompickup.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=2944 may be able to find something cheaper that will work?

 

Very good. Thanks for the link. I can't believe that those windoors are so expensive for no more than a piece of glass, a hinge, and two locks!

 

Good luck, I tried a few years ago and gave up for the same reason. I always tell anyone buying a cap to go ahead and spec it the way you want it as it's cheaper and a lot more convenient.

 

That's what I may end up doing...giving up. Unfortunately, I ordered it how I thought it should be only to find out later crawling in the bed to get the things in the front was a hassle. Doors would have made more sense. I have never even opened the screened windows.

 

The more I think about it the most cost effective and easy fix might be one of those cargo slides/sliding drawer setup.

 

You asked about aluminum, you could probably make your own if you're handy with tools. Look at some of the side panels/window replacements people have made for Land Cruisers and Land Rovers (examples on ih8mud, expo., etc) for ideas (often called "gullwing window panels". I know I've seen some pretty good pictures in the past, no idea if they're still on-line though.

I love my screened sliders for sleeping in the back though. ARE offers them as windoors as well which is what I really wish I'd gotten.

 

I'm ok with tools and mechanical things, but fabrication isn't my strong suit. I thought about going that route, but making a frame, seals, and hinges sounds a bit daunting and over my comfort level.

 

Couple others to check with. http://www.state-wide.com/page/8/Truck-Cap and https://www.lci1.com/truck-cap-windows

I am sure the canopy companys just buy the windows from someone like this.

 

Thanks cascadetaco, I need to take internet searching lessons from you!

 

you bet...good luck.

 

Update: I emailed both companies mentioned above. State wide said LCI supplied the A.R.E parts. LCI said that have nothing to offer me, however, I could check with Starquest. Unless I'm missing something Starquest is part of LCI. Their website directory directed me to the Starquest line of windows. Maybe they don't want to be bothered with the end consumer, just OEM and dealers. Who knows.

 

Contractually, LCI may not be able to sell directly to the consumer. Starquest is most likely a subsidiary and thus can resell or manufacture their own design.

 

Perhaps that's the case. It makes sense, I guess, considering businesses these days.

Regardless, this seems to be harder than it should be.

 

I spent $700 to swap the sliding window for a solid window for my ARE shell. It even took them 2 months to get it to me. A steep price for changing my mind after taking delivery. But I'm happy with the setup now.

 

One of the problems I saw was that there are a lot of different sizes and shapes out there and once your opening is cut you are limited on what you can use. If these things were standardized it would make it a lot easier.

If anyone finds some sliding windoors in the $250 range I'd love to hear about them. Like the OP I just seemed to run into walls and excessive costs so I gave up. The screened sliders work well enough for me but I would really like to have at least one windoor.

 

The bed slide is definitely looking more attractive considering the costs of the windoor swap.