How to Install Sprinter Windows

Our second big project for our van conversion was installing windows, which was a daunting task, but turned out pretttyyyy well, minus one issue that we cover in the vlog below. When we decided to build a van to live in, it was important to us to have lots of windows to make it feel less like a cargo van and more like a home. And so far we are LOVING the transformation! If you’re curious how to install Sprinter windows, check out our vlog below, as well as read our step by step instructions. We tried to cover everything you need to know, but vlogging + building a van simultaneously is challenging at times, so if you have any questions let us know!

Note: We’ve linked a handful items so you can see exactly what products to use. Full disclosure–if you click on these links and make a purchase on Amazon, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use, and think you can benefit from too!

Our Windows

We purchased our windows from Van Windows Direct, which was a good experience. The windows arrived pretty fast, even when FedEx damaged one and they had to resend it. They were also very helpful on the phone the few times I called with questions.

We installed two different types of windows– two that use adhesive (the rear quarter windows) and one that uses screws (the door t-vent window). The exact windows we purchased are linked here:

• Rear Quarter Driver Side
• Rear Quarter Passenger Side
• Passenger Door T-Vent

We still have to install the two back door windows, but since Mercedes changed the design of those for the 2019 vans, we have to wait until March when windows are available.

Tools you need

We recommend buying as much as you can from Amazon to save time at Home Depot + money!

• Drill
• Phillips bit
• Step bit
• Painters tape
• Jigsaw
• Jigsaw blades
• Half round metal file
• Primer + foam brush: 1 primer should work for all windows
• Adhesive: we used ~2 of these per window
• Molding: This is optional–we are framing our windows with wood, so we did not use this
• Vacuum
• Rubbing alcohol

How to Install Adhesive Windows

Step 1: Don’t panic! Drilling holes in your van is scary, but it will be ok! Examine the inside of the van to identify the area you need to cut. This should be the area where the inner metal ends on the factory stamping. This photo from Van Windows Direct shows what this looks like.

Step 2: Use a drill to create holes along the metal outline where you’ll make your cut. By creating these holes, you’ll be able to more easily cut the hole with the jigsaw. We recommend going over the holes with a step bit afterwards to clean them up a bit.

Step 3: Protect the van by putting painters tape around the holes your going to cut to not only protect the van from metal shavings, but also to protect it from the jigsaw. It’s especially important to do this around the corners where the jigsaw will contact the metal. We also taped up some cardboard to cover more area.

Step 4: Use tape or a sharpie to connect the holes you made. This will make it easier to cut with the jigsaw.

Step 5: Start making cuts with the jigsaw. We taped the bottom of the jigsaw to prevent any scratches.

Step 6: Remove the metal

Step 7: File down the edges

Step 8: Vacuum up the metal shavings from the inside of the van, the inside of the window area, etc. to prevent rust

Step 9: Clean the area around the holes (on the outside) with rubbing alcohol

Step 10: Prime the edges to avoid rust

Step 11: Apply the adhesive to the van. Cut the tip of the adhesive to make a v-notch and make sure to not put the adhesive too close to the edges so it does not spread out and get on the window (or the van). Make sure to face the v-notch so that it is the trailing edge and leaves a pointed mound of adhesive.

Step 12: Attach the window. Make sure to push pretty hard on it.

Step 13: Tape the windows to keep them secure

And then you’re done! You may notice that the window isn’t fully flushed with the side of the van, this is normal. The reasoning is that if you did windows all across the van these areas with the small gaps would join up and it would have an “all glass” look.

It is advised that you do not drive the van with the newly installed windows for 3 hours, keep the tape on for 24 hours, and avoid washing the vehicle for 72 hours.

After 72 hours, perform a water test to see if the window leaks at all. If it does leak (like ours did…ugh), here are three options to fix:

1. Identify where the leak is. If it’s small enough, fill in that area with more adhesive
2. Seal the inside of the window
3. Remove the window, clean off the adhesive, and then try again

How to Install Screwed In Windows

The second type of window we installed was the t-vent window, which did not use adhesive, but instead used screws. There are two pieces to this window, the actual window, which has an aluminum frame and a rubber seal, and then a trim piece (this video shows the window in detail).

The difference between this window and the other is that the t-vent window is made up of three windows–a large window that takes up the top half and then the bottom half with two small windows, one of which has a screen and opens up to give you more air flow. The installation process is very similar to the adhesive windows, so to avoid being repetitive, we will just list the different steps below.

Steps 1-7 are the same for both windows

Step 8: Take the window and place it in the hole to make sure it fits. It’s really nice to have two people to help with this. One person can hold up the window on the outside, while the other is inside the van making sure things are aligning well. If it is not aligning well (which we experienced), file the area down more.

Step 9: Once the window fits, vacuum up the metal shavings from the inside of the van, the inside of the window area, etc. to prevent rust

Step 10: Prime the edges to avoid rust

Step 11: Install the window. Place the window up like you did in step 8 and then take the trim and place it around the window in the inside of the van. This step is also very helpful to have two people so one can hold up the window on the outside, while the other is screwing in the trim. You can use a screwdriver or a drill with a phillips bit.

And then you’re done! Similar to the adhesive window, don’t be alarmed if one side of the window (not touching metal) is not super flushed against the side. As long as you don’t have leaks you should be good!

Hopefully this helps you as you tackle one of the most nerve wracking tasks of van building–putting holes in it for windows! It’s totally worth the work and we’re so excited to get some natural light in our van. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot us a DM on Instagram or comment below!

Ready to install your own van windows?

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