How Hard to Replace a Vent Window?
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 317
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How Hard to Replace a Vent Window?
Truck got towed a few days ago for expired registration. When I went to pick it up I noticed the driver's door was unlocked. Thought that was odd but all my stuff was in place so I didn't think much of it. Wasn't until I got home that I noticed that chrome latch that holds the vent window closed was lying on the floor, apparently snapped off at the mounting post. Obviously someone forced the vent window and then unlocked the door. I can't prove it was the impound people but it seems likely.
Anyway, can the latch mount be removed and replaced? Or do I replace the window as a unit? At a glance it seems like the window itself is held by a rivet hinge up top, but I can't tell if there's also an anchor holding the base.
Anyway, can the latch mount be removed and replaced? Or do I replace the window as a unit? At a glance it seems like the window itself is held by a rivet hinge up top, but I can't tell if there's also an anchor holding the base.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 324
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From: Spencer Mountain, NC
The latch is attached to its shaft with a small roll pin. I'm pretty sure replacement latches are available but can't remember where I saw them. Maybe try Dennis Carpenter or grab one at the junkyard. Hope this helps.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I believe you have to replace the complete metal frame with glass, even it you grind the rivet. I am pretty sure the bottom is not a slip in pin? Its worth a try, but be prepared to go further.
I just replaced one of my vent wing lock handles and that pivot stud is part of the frame and not a replaceable part.
The vent wing overall frame consists of the wing glass, the metal frame around it and the main window glass fwd track. 3 screws on the front angled edge of the door and one bolt on the bottom of the track accessible with the door panel off.
And it should lift out with a little tilt. Sorry I do not know of a way to quick fix it. Unless you get a set of the vent wing add on locks from LMC.
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I just replaced one of my vent wing lock handles and that pivot stud is part of the frame and not a replaceable part.
The vent wing overall frame consists of the wing glass, the metal frame around it and the main window glass fwd track. 3 screws on the front angled edge of the door and one bolt on the bottom of the track accessible with the door panel off.
And it should lift out with a little tilt. Sorry I do not know of a way to quick fix it. Unless you get a set of the vent wing add on locks from LMC.
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Not that bad, just have to have JY parts, I do not know of any one the repos that complete part.
At least those LMC locks are cheap and will somewhat work for the time being.
FYI there is a difference in the locking versus non locking vent wing shaft length/design.
Meaning, make sure the replacement part has what you have now.
I would guess you had locking vent wing handles and that is why the shaft broke when the impound folks went to prying there way in.
At least those LMC locks are cheap and will somewhat work for the time being.
FYI there is a difference in the locking versus non locking vent wing shaft length/design.
Meaning, make sure the replacement part has what you have now.
I would guess you had locking vent wing handles and that is why the shaft broke when the impound folks went to prying there way in.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,253
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Like I said, grind the rivet and see if just the vent wing will lift out? But I seem to remember it is hard connected on the bottom.
And yes could be worse your could have a broken window.
And yes could be worse your could have a broken window.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
The vent window is attached to the frame in two spots. The frame also serves as the window track. It's much easier just to remove the entire frame from a donor truck. That's what I did. You have to fish it out of the door and back into your door.
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 317
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Lol that's what I'm afraid of. With my luck I'll open the door panel and find it full of vintage 70s weed.
Wish I still had a garage.
Wish I still had a garage.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
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The glass with embedded frame and riveted pivot are replaceable. I completely disassembled mine to repaint both the vent frame and the frame on the glass. You would also have to do this if replacing the vent window seal. Maybe check out Precision Restoration videos on utube to see if they have a How-To on replacing the gasket. They at least show removal of the window from the door.
The top hinge is screwed to the frame and the bottom pivot has a spring and nut arrangement.
Of course as already hinted, depending on the condition of the rest of the truck, it may just be easier to swap out the whole vent window assembly. Either way, the whole frame has to come out of the truck.
You can see here the frame with the window removed. The two holes at the top is were the top pivot screws go.
The top hinge is screwed to the frame and the bottom pivot has a spring and nut arrangement.
Of course as already hinted, depending on the condition of the rest of the truck, it may just be easier to swap out the whole vent window assembly. Either way, the whole frame has to come out of the truck.
You can see here the frame with the window removed. The two holes at the top is were the top pivot screws go.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Winter, WI
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
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I found out the hard way that not all vent windows (at least the latch part) are the same. The latch year needs to match the vent window. Those with locking latches have a longer post on the vent window. locking latches won't work with the non-locking latch post.
lol. How many times can the word latch be used in three sentences.
lol. How many times can the word latch be used in three sentences.