Removing vent window latches
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Round Rock, TX
Removing vent window latches
One of my vent window latches is a bit stretched out because of somebody trying to pry the vent window open. I'm guessing that if I replace the latch it will be back to normal. First of all, am I correct? Secondly, if so, how does one remove the latch? It looks like you can drive the roll pin out and the latch will come right off; is this correct?
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
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From: california
I'm actually surprised the culprit didn't get in your truck! It's not that hard to break in through the vent window. Maybe somebody spooked that low life.
You're right. You'll need a super skinny pin punch to knock out the roll pin. Then it comes right off. I actually broke my pin punch, but Craftsman has an excellent no questions asked lifetime guarantee on their hand tools. The tough part is getting another lock/handle. If you hunt the bone yards, all the nylon tips are cracked or broken off. The dealer I went to quoted about $25-$30. So, as broke as I always am, I hunted the boneyards hoping to find a good one. I actually came across a pair that was solid metal (without the nylon/plastic tips). That was a strange find, but they work great and I don't have to worry about the tips anymore.
You're right. You'll need a super skinny pin punch to knock out the roll pin. Then it comes right off. I actually broke my pin punch, but Craftsman has an excellent no questions asked lifetime guarantee on their hand tools. The tough part is getting another lock/handle. If you hunt the bone yards, all the nylon tips are cracked or broken off. The dealer I went to quoted about $25-$30. So, as broke as I always am, I hunted the boneyards hoping to find a good one. I actually came across a pair that was solid metal (without the nylon/plastic tips). That was a strange find, but they work great and I don't have to worry about the tips anymore.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Round Rock, TX
Originally Posted by Faithful Old Road Dog
I'm actually surprised the culprit didn't get in your truck! It's not that hard to break in through the vent window. Maybe somebody spooked that low life.
For the nylon tips, are you talking about a tip on the latch where it contacts the striker, or are you talking about in the ball-and-socket? I guess it's time to grab a punch and hit the yards. Thanks for the help!
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Round Rock, TX
OK, I didn't think that there was any plastic in the socket. I don't see any nylon on my latches, just rounded metal where it hits the pillar. Maybe that's part of the problem as well...
Thanks.
Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 984
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Those vent window latches remained the same for many years. You can exchange them right up to 79, and maybe even later model year trucks. Look for a pair that comes with the little lock button on them. This makes it much more difficult for someone to force them opened. The old style without the push lock buttons on them could be slid up and out of the way with a household butter knife, and then the window can be easily opened. If someone has thin enough arms, it's not hard to reach through and either open the door via the inner handle, or slide the lock button up.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: california
BB- Thanks, but I'm good. I found a solid metal pair that didn't use the nylon tips. Bigric was the one looking for them. I passed up the later year model latches with locks because I didn't think they would fit.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Round Rock, TX
Originally Posted by Mr.Majestyk
I Hope That Lowlife Never Returns Buddy . Good Luck.
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