Grand Banks window tracks

[hhntr111]

We just bought a 1999 GB 42, gorgeous boat, except the window tracks seem to be full of what looks like mouldy old felt linings. None of the windows move. I'd like to clean this stuff out.

What is it, and what should I replace it with?

Thaanks!

 

[JackConnick]

You have to take the windows apart to replace the tracks. I’d clean it out with a screwdriver and cleanser, spray well with silicone. There are small drains at the end of the bottom of the windows that you should open up and make sure they are draining. A stiff pipe cleaner works pretty well. Not unusual to find them painted over, but that why you’re getting growth in the tracks.

 

[Diep]

The first thing to do is scrape it out and shop vac it. Eventually you should be able to free the windows and get them sliding.

To replace it you will need to pull off the exterior trim and remove all the glass. Then you can replace the fuzzy strips with like. Given this fact you are better off seeing how clean you can get them and get the windows sliding again since it is a pretty big job to rebuild the windows.

There is a poster on the board named Choices with a blog that covered rebuilding the windows.

 

[loganmj]

I agree with what others have said- clean as best you can, use silicone spray lube to keep them sliding. I started with diluted white vinegar sprayed along the sliding part of the window and that was really helpful getting the windows sliding again on our 1991 GB 49CL. Then follow up with the silicone spray to keep them sliding. Also once you get them sliding, make sure to keep them moving every month or so.

 

[bglad]

Don't waterproof the dirt and algae with petroleum products until you have cleaned the tracks out.

 

[jwag956]

In general you DO NOT NEED TO REMOVE THE TRIM - there are many write-ups on how to do this - here is a recent one from FB Grand Banks owners.

 

[Mike Ondra]

We just bought a 1999 GB 42, gorgeous boat, except the window tracks seem to be full of what looks like mouldy old felt linings. None of the windows move. I'd like to clean this stuff out.

What is it, and what should I replace it with?

Thaanks!

You have to take the windows apart to replace the tracks. I’d clean it out with a screwdriver and cleanser, spray well with silicone. There are small drains at the end of the bottom of the windows that you should open up and make sure they are draining. A stiff pipe cleaner works pretty well. Not unusual to find them painted over, but that why you’re getting growth in the tracks.

In Whiskey River’s sliding window tracks the felt is rotted and the plastic slides at the bottom of the channel are broken. Not sure if it’s the same track you may have. Ours is called STANPRO Sliding Window Edge Channel, a double track a little less than an inch wide. I tried to find rebuild kits that would include the plastic slide surface and felt-like gasketing material. Defender still has some tracks, no access to repair parts, and it appears the product is no longer being manufactured.
If anyone has further information on these tracks and or the inserts for rebuild, please reply.

 

[Scrib]

It’s been a few years but I was able to source appropriate tracks from Hamilton Marine in ME.

In the meantime, put some soapy water in to soak & loosen up the crud and then clean it all out as nd you might find the felt to be just fine not needing some elbow grease to clean it up.

Edit:
I think this is the track -

Departments - WINDOW CHANNEL 8' DBL S/S RIGID 31/32"W x 29/64"H

Rigid double channel for double sliding windows. 8' (96) length

shop.hamiltonmarine.com

 

[Mike Ondra]

In Whiskey River’s sliding window tracks the felt is rotted and the plastic slides at the bottom of the channel are broken. Not sure if it’s the same track you may have. Ours is called STANPRO Sliding Window Edge Channel, a double track a little less than an inch wide. I tried to find rebuild kits that would include the plastic slide surface and felt-like gasketing material. Defender still has some tracks, no access to repair parts, and it appears the product is no longer being manufactured.
If anyone has further information on these tracks and or the inserts for rebuild, please reply.
View attachment 167905

So I think this will do the job for me, from Restoration Specialties.

 

[Tim]

We just bought a 1999 GB 42, gorgeous boat, except the window tracks seem to be full of what looks like mouldy old felt linings. None of the windows move. I'd like to clean this stuff out.

What is it, and what should I replace it with?

Thaanks!

 

[Tim]

It’s sometimes difficult to get the sliding glass windows moving. This year I took the suctioned grab bar off my home shower wall and stuck it on the boat windows. Presto, they slid easily and I could lube them up and work back and forth before removing the hand grip. The windows are no longer a problem.

 

[cabinetman1955]

We just bought a 1999 GB 42, gorgeous boat, except the window tracks seem to be full of what looks like mouldy old felt linings. None of the windows move. I'd like to clean this stuff out.

What is it, and what should I replace it with?

Thaanks!

www.steelerubber.com had a great selection of rubber seals and rubrail material. they had the replacement rub rail for my 98 Bayliner.

 

[JackConnick]

Fisheries Supply:
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/browse?terms=window track
StanPro Marine Supply has several different models. They are what we used and fit fine.

 

[Mike Ondra]

The Fisheries Supply track is the better solution. The Restoration Specialties insert that I tried did not fit well and had too much friction.