wood window, alum track

[teabird]

Hello,

I have several wood windows that need replacement parts. The aluminum tracks on the sides and the aluminum strip along the base and side to stop air infiltration. They are about 40 years old.

I have asked around the home center and lumber supplier and everyone tells me I need to know the manufacturer. I've had the windows out of the openings and tracks removed, and can't see a manufacturer's mark. I've performed web searches and find wood windows with ropes and pullies, and newer 2x glaze, al clad or low maintenance plastic window parts. My windows seem to be in between these in technology.

Does anyone know where or how to find these parts?

TIA,

John

[DerbyDad03]

A picture would be worth a national debt worth of words.

That said, I used to have wood windows with aluminum tracks and spiral balances, similar to those shown here, but much, much older. They were in the house when I moved in close to 25 years ago, and they were old then.

(I replaced all of my windows with VRW a few years back, otherwise I'd post a picture of what I had)

Anyway, I remember replacing a couple of the tracks when the spiral balances broke.

One of the big box stores that was around at the time (not an HD or Lowes) carried universal spring-loaded tracks. The right side was just a set of tracks that screwed into the rough opening.

The left side was a "double layered track" with springs inside it. You pushed the left side of the sash against the spring-loaded track and compressed it until you could swing the right hand side into the other track. When you released the pressure, the springs held the sash firmly in the tracks and the resistance held it in whatever position you wanted it.

I Googled around trying to find them but I didn't have any luck.

If they're still available, they might work for you.

[clare]

Had the same problem with a Friend's house. The windows are 40+ years old - with no manufacturer's marks - and nobody in the window business in the area has ANY idea what brand they are, or where to get parts. They are being replaced.

[Colbyt]

There was and still may be retro-fit kits that will work with any window.

All the stores want to sell you is replacement windows. By the time you price it all out that may still be the cheapest. :)

Start with Blaine windows parts, and there is another company whose name I can not recall at the moment. Will find the catalog and provide the name if you reply to this post.

[teabird]

That sounds like them exactly. I can't seem to be able to find any. Thanks

[teabird]

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out. DerbyDAd03 above has the same windows.

I'll probably have to replace them, but I love the look of all wood, single pane windows. And, of course, they have all been stained to match the trim.

I guess ultimately, I could create some wooden tracks, don't know how to handle the balancing, but could keep the sashes.

Thnx to everyone.

John

[RogerT]

One place you could try looking is:

. Their website has lots of pictures to choose from to help decide what you need and what may work. They are located in Camden, NJ but do most of their window and door parts via the Internet, I think.

[teabird]

This site has a discussion forum and they promise a human will read it! My best lead so far,

Thanks,

John

[DerbyDad03]

.

re: "DerbyDad03 above has the same windows."

Ummmm...not quite sure how you came to that conclusion.

I never mentioned what kind of windows I have, other than VRW (Vinyl Replacement Windows). No brand or balance type was mentioned for my current windows.

The picture I posted showed some spiral balances that are *similar* to what I had *many years ago*, but nothing that I posted should have given you any indication as to what I have now, except that they are VRWs.

[teabird]

After a few days wait, Swisco responded with an email and a post on their site. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to understand the post. I asked about the tracks, and they referred me to their page with spiral tube balances. Either they don't know of the tracks I'm looking for, or won't talk about them if they don't sell the parts. I'd recommend the site for newer window replacement parts though.

As for me, I'll make up some wooden rails that fit my windows, and have to live without the balances. As I said, I really want to keep these sashes as they are stained to match the trim.

Thanks to everyone who posted.

John

[Colbyt]

After a few days wait, Swisco responded with an email and a post on their site. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to understand the post. I asked about the tracks, and they referred me to their page with spiral tube balances. Either they don't know of the tracks I'm looking for, or won't talk about them if they don't sell the parts. I'd recommend the site for newer window replacement parts though.

As for me, I'll make up some wooden rails that fit my windows, and have to live without the balances. As I said, I really want to keep these sashes as they are stained to match the trim.

Thanks to everyone who posted.

John

Before you do that get a strybuck catalog and review pages 5-28.

1-5-800-352-0800 or strybuck.com.

I personally have made a couple of new channels using the small oval shaped CTM drapery rod sold by both Graber and Kirsch. This was for windows that used the aluminum track with the oval shaped nub.

You chances of finding an exact part are rare but finding a part that will work is certainly possible.