'92 pickup front vent windows

[steffan]

has anyone tried rebuilding the latches for the vent wings? i tired to search but turned up nothing. it looks like the driver side is still available from toyota for about $70 but wanted to see if there were any other solutions. thanks

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I've not heard of anyone trying it. If you really can order the new one, then take the old one off and see if you can pull it apart. If it's not fixable, order the new one!!!!!

 

[PAToyota]

I’m not sure about the next generation, but my ’85 latches are pretty simple. What needs to be rebuilt?

 

[steffan]

i guess they are pretty rare as i couldn't find any used ones. the little latch is sold as an assembly from toyota and only the driver's side is available. the issue was that they were so loose they would leak and whistle down the road. i finely took the plunge and took them apart. they are pretty intricate for how simple they are. i drilled out the head of the rivet holding them together and pushed out the pin. there are only 2 pieces: the push button and a spring but again, they are pretty intricate (not easily fabricated). i figured worse case scenario, i'd drill it out and either weld a post on there or bolt it together. fortunately, the only issue on the passenger side was that the lock pin was worn. i found that a piece of 1/8" welding rod fit perfect and tightened the assembly perfect. the driver side was a little more problematic as the lock pin was very worn but also the holes on the lever were hogged out from wear. as luck would have it, the levers seem to be made of a pretty hight quality aluminum, not the pot metal i was expecting. i gently took a punch and pounded down the holes until they were tight agents the welding rod and once assembled, they were great. the drivers side probably won't last another 20 years but hopefully i'll find a decent replacement before they fail