Help with old aluminum sliding windows


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Old 01-06-21, 11:13 PM
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Help with old aluminum sliding windows

I have these old aluminum windows on my house (probably from about 1960). I know I need to replace them eventually but in the meantime one of the windows is missing an aluminum cover (see photos) that covers the seam where the two window frames meet. Without this part these already leaky windows leak about 10 times worse. I don't imagine I can find this part anywhere today, but I'm trying to come up with a solution and hope someone here can provide some ideas. I can provide more photos and measurements if necessary.


Red arrow points to part missing on other window

This window is missing the part/cover
 
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Old 01-07-21, 02:23 AM
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Difficult to see the part fully but it looks to be a piece of aluminum bar stock which would be easy to get, cut, drill and install!
 
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Old 01-07-21, 03:53 AM
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Your local Ace h a reward will have flat aluminum stock, just take your measurements in.
 
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Old 01-07-21, 04:58 AM
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Most big box home centers have metals for sale, usually nearish to nuts & bolts. You can buy a strip of aluminum. Drill a hole in each end and mount like the strip on your other window. A bit of caulk or double sided tape (when it's warm outside) over the seam will really seal it well and help hold the aluminum strip in place.
 
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Old 01-07-21, 10:53 AM
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I would imagine that piece isn't just flat but that its shaped like a T. You could remove one from another window to confirm.
 
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Old 01-07-21, 11:33 AM
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As someone noted, it is not a flat piece. It is contoured. I'm having trouble removing one from another window, but I've attached a couple more photos to give an idea. 1st image is window with cover piece intact. 2nd image is windows missing the piece. Thanks.



 
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Old 01-07-21, 11:35 AM
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If thats the case, you won't be finding that part anywhere, so you are SOL.
 
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Old 01-07-21, 12:25 PM
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As I said in my original post, I'm not trying to find the part. I'm trying to come up with a solution to cover the gap and seal the window better.
 
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Old 01-07-21, 12:58 PM
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Same locations have simple extruded aluminum pieces, just going to have to go investigate!

https://www.mcmaster.com/extrusions/metal/
 
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Old 01-07-21, 01:52 PM
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As I said in my original post, I'm not trying to find the part. I'm trying to come up with a solution to cover the gap and seal the window better.
Use some tape................
 
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Old 01-07-21, 02:09 PM
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Marq1:

Thanks for the link. I think this might do the trick, and it's affordable. The 90 degree or the Z bar piece screwed into place and then caulked would probably take care of it until I replace the windows.
 
 

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