Changing van sides for window sides

Hi guys, how do I go about changing the sides in my 96 n reg 90 to ones with windows in? Can't find any info on here, is it s easy job or hard one

Two options: unbolt and remove the roof, bolt on replacement sides from a station wagon, or cut holes in existing sides and fit window kits. depends on your budget/skill level, and availability of spare sides. I'd go for bolting on the sides if you can get them.

Simple job. Obtain sides with windows. Unbolt the ones you have and replace with the new ones. Couple of hours on a sunday afternoon including tea breaks.

Thanks, is it 100% roof off?

no, you can do it with the roof in place, hard work on your own, easier with a friend

U could try and watch this hope it helps.

About 1/2 way through doing it with the roof on, you'll wish you'd taken it off. It does save time though. Do one side at a time, leaving the other side to hold the roof up - but take all rear side roof bolts out first, so you can lift it a bit. A cordless drill with a 1/2 drive and a socket that fits the roof bolts will save a lot of time too - there are plenty of them.

Mr China makes it look easy in the video, but if you slip with the jigsaw, you'll have a bit of a mess to sort out.

I did mine in a couple of hours, I bought mine from Masai and they've been great

Nice job, Marmaduke.

Always thought yours was standard with windows so says it all really rob nice job.

Glad you started this thread Ive recently bought a defender with van sides and there was 2 window kits included, been wondering how to go about fitting them, as an aside and not wanting to hijack this thread the tub cappings on my defender are rusted on the back corners can they be changed without taking the roof off ?

Not really. You'd have to take the van sides off and support the roof at the back. For what it takes to remove the bolts along the top of the windscreen you might as well take it off. It would be much easier in my opinion.

Marmaduke said:

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I bought two second hand. Paper template cost me 18 quid. used a disc saw, easy peasy

Thanks for the replies, I am going to get the grinder out, need to find the templates of the windows, should find these on flebay

Bud I wouldn't use a grinder I used a jigsaw to do mine as it's much more controllable. As for templates I get the correct one for your windows and not just a generic one off ebay or if it comes to it make your own. Where abouts do you live as you're welcome to come around mine and use my air saw on my compressor

AL110 said:

I bought two second hand. Paper template cost me 18 quid. used a disc saw, easy peasy

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18 quid!!!

Im just off to the plotter.....

I could charge £3 and still make a profit ffs

Ive just found me templates I drew up for panoramic glass to be cut, just need to add in the window cut outs ....

I live in Preston, where are you?