Replacing w/efficient glass

I seem to remember watching one of the home improvement show awhile back. They were restoring a victorian home and instead of replacing the entire window unit they just replaced the glass. They removed the sashes, then glass out and took them to a trailer and routed out a larger area for the glass and installed new energy efficient glass in the opening. Although I don't remember how they sealed the glass in the wood frame, however it was done quickly.
My main draw back to vinyl windows is the frame will not match the interior wood work. Yes I know you can buy them with wood or something similar and stain them but this increases the cost. I would rather spend that on the best glass combination I could afford.
Does anyone have a link to the above procedure.
Comments appreciated.
Indiana Dave

 

The closest thing I know of to what you are describing would be sash replacement pacs. Most of the bigger wood window manufacturers make wooden sash kits with different insulated glass options in alot of common sizes. Easy to install, maintenance free exterior, wood interior.

 

I recall one episode of This Old House years back where a company routed out the sash, replaced the glass with dual glazing and installed tracks for the old sash, eliminating the rope and pulley system. I found this cite on their web site for The Belmont House. Can't remember if that was the project or not.

Window Refitting Service
Manufacturer:
Bi-Glass Systems
905 Turnpike St
Canton, MA 02021
tel. "800-729-0742 or 617-575-8909"

 

Here is the web site for bi-glass systems:

http://www.bi-glass.com/

Doesn't appear that they have many installers. Probably not much of a demand other than in historical homes.