Our first van build project is complete!
Our used 2020 Ford Transit came with windows on the rear doors, but we also wanted a window on the passenger sliding door.
The Window
We did our research and ordered a T-vent window from Campervan HQ. We went with the CRL Ford Transit 130/148″ WB Passenger Side Sliding Door Vented Window (FW293R).
While it was pricey, we felt that having the ventilation was worth the cost.
Since we aren’t pros, we struggled a little bit with the installation (we thought it would take an hour, but in reality, it probably took around 6 hours), but it is doable!
Tools/Materials Used
- Sharpie
- Painter’s Tape
- Milwaukee M12 Jigsaw
- Milwaukee Rotary Tool (Dremel)
- Milwaukee M12 Impact Driver
- Primer/Paint
- Sealant (Optional)
Steps to Install the CRL Ford Transit 130/148″WB Passenger Side Sliding Door Vented Window (FW293R).
Step 1: Using the included trim ring, line up the bottom and right edges with the factory window paneling on the sliding door from the interior, then trace the inside diameter using a sharpie. This will be your cut lines.
Step 2: Drill small holes just inside of your cut lines, especially around the corner curves. These holes reproduce the curvature on the exterior of the van, where you will do most of your cutting.
Step 3: Outline the outside edges of the drill holes using masking tape on the exterior of the van
Step 4: Drill a hole large enough to fit your jigsaw blade on the inside of your outline, close to the edges. We ended up doing this for the start and end of almost all of the corner curves.
Step 5. Use a jigsaw or a center-blade shear to cut the opening following your outlined edges.
Step 6: Clean up the edges with your jigsaw and a Dremel.
Step 7: Test fit your window. Note: If it doesn’t fit, use a Sharpie to mark any edges that need to be cut more and repeat steps 5 through 7. Note 2: Due to the foam seal around the perimeter, your window may not sit flush with the van’s contours.
Step 8: Paint the metal edges you cut to prevent rust.
Step 9: Clean all metal shavings on the interior/exterior of the van or on the window to prevent rust.
Step 10 (optional): Sealant supposedly isn’t needed, but we decided to add sealant around the edges as an extra protection from moisture/rust.
Step 10: Place your window in the opening. Have one person hold it while the other screws the window clamp in place. Note: we found it helpful to drill pilot holes to screw into the clamp.
Step 11: If you did step 10, clean up the sealant that may have oozed out when you placed your window into the opening.
And just like that, you’ve installed your van window!
To see a more detailed video of the window installation and van projects, check out our van build series on YouTube.
To see a quick recap of our van window installation, you can watch this reel.
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Time to Crunch 