So Kevin, about those windows... (3 Viewers)

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I know I would prefer a mechanical latch that could be opened from the inside or outside but in lieu of that would something like one of those remote door-poppers work? Hook that up to a compression latch on the inside and have a mechanical override on the inside in case of electronics failure?

I got your email too about the latches and as I said, ouch, but what can you do?
 
Those are the lines I am looking into, a bear claw style latch with a remote, you could release it from the inside, but wouldn't see anything from the outside.
Finding something that fits the application is proving difficult, the other problem is that the good quality latches are very expensive.
Now I am wondering if I can adapt something from an OE application instead since the typical bear claw orientation is not ideal for the window.


And I have good/bad news on the latches, when I got home yesterday, there was a box containing some of my latches waiting for me, not the complete order, but something at least, and pretty far ahead of schedule. The bad news is that it did not contain any of the locking version for your lid. :p
 
Is there a latch that has a compression inside and key activated release for the outside?
 
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That is such a great idea. Maybe the IRS will direct deposit to you for a set of those.
 
smkymntn said:
Is there a latch that has a compression inside and key activated release for the outside?
Click to expand...

There is, but what I am going for is a way to use the original glass, and that means no holes in it.
This could be easily solved but putting a hole for a lock cylinder in the body, but I don't like that option.
I think the best way for outside access will be a key-fob remote to release an inside compression latch, but that would mean running wires, and the good remotes are a bit expensive....

:cheers:
 
kevinmrowland said:
There is, but what I am going for is a way to use the original glass, and that means no holes in it.
This could be easily solved but putting a hole for a lock cylinder in the body, but I don't like that option.
I think the best way for outside access will be a key-fob remote to release an inside compression latch, but that would mean running wires, and the good remotes are a bit expensive....

:cheers:
Click to expand...

More expensive than the custom-cut glass?
 
Most alarm systems should be able to operate a relay for a remote lock (option to reduce cost for your customers), but the lock mechanism is probably still a few $$$.
 
flippy-uppy windows for an 80 series.

Kevin, I need a set of those. Let me rephrase that... I need those! In glass or steel - I do'nt care. They're brilliant!

p.s. The tailgate is in and works tip-top - thanks for the great product!
 
Hey Kevin, since everyone else is hitting you up I figured i'd chime in since I am still talking w/ Joey S about steel panels for the 2nd Gen 4Runners..I think the big issue would be just making the panel top out of the metal framing and then plate glass for the window portion. Then of course I'd want it to fit in the factory trim/vent outer, and of course then it would also have to be slider.

..and yeah, just buying a pickup and throwing a shell on would be quicker. ;)

3821488725_21de9f36e9_b.jpg
 
For s***s and giggles, how much would you want for your original set you built, Kevin? :D
 
NorCalBorn said:
Hey Kevin, since everyone else is hitting you up I figured i'd chime in since I am still talking w/ Joey S about steel panels for the 2nd Gen 4Runners..I think the big issue would be just making the panel top out of the metal framing and then plate glass for the window portion. Then of course I'd want it to fit in the factory trim/vent outer, and of course then it would also have to be slider.

..and yeah, just buying a pickup and throwing a shell on would be quicker. ;)
Click to expand...
Ummmm ,yeah. I think you might be better off buying a truck and topper :p 60s, then 80s, if things work out, then I might look at the runners, but your back window is bent. :rolleyes:


Spook50 said:
For s***s and giggles, how much would you want for your original set you built, Kevin? :D
Click to expand...
I think the real question would be whether I would want the current set floating around out there.
The way they are now, I would not be willing have them out in the world. But I'm planning to work them over a bit more, at least make the hinging like I would want for production ones, if all that works out they might be able to go to a new home to help fund the prototyping, but I would still need over $600.

KR
 
kevinmrowland said:
I think the real question would be whether I would want the current set floating around out there.
The way they are now, I would not be willing have them out in the world. But I'm planning to work them over a bit more, at least make the hinging like I would want for production ones, if all that works out they might be able to go to a new home to help fund the prototyping, but I would still need over $600.

KR
Click to expand...

If that happens towards the end of next summer, be sure to let me know because deployment funds will pay for 'em :D
 
Have you thought about putting the glass into a frame that surrounds the whole piece, hinged on top to the surround frame you already made, with a larger lip or frame piece on the bottom that could hold the latches. Kinda like the back window hatch on a truck camper / topper shell with either a single latch that lock long ways or one on each end so the frame would not bend if it is pryed open. No need for remotes or anything fancy-

I heard that the winning design idea gets windows, hatch, and panels for cost!
 
Thats actually how I started out, but it got really clunky and awkward. The open area of the glass started to get cut into quite a bit as well.

My goal was to have it as clean and simple with as few parts as possible, ideally I want the external look to hardly change at all.
If you take some making tape out to your window and lay out were these things would fall you can start to see haw fast you lose room and it gets cluttered up.

KR
 
I think these would freaking rock on a 100 series. We only have the motorized flip out windows. Now that I'm getting around to finishing my 4x4Labs swing-outs, these would make it easy to access stuff inside without dealing with the tire swing-outs.
 
Release mechanism for the windows

Just a thought - while you don't want to have a external lock (ugly, becomes a point for trail destruction) but you need to have some sort of lock protection for the windows. Have you considered that we already have a hinged gas tank access panel with a lock on the passenger side. Put a remote cable activated latch like is used for the hood on the inside. Use a very long secondary cable for the driver side and you wouldn't need a access panel on the driver side. There should be enough room above the gas cap area to have the cable pull ends, and it wouldn't have to be anything visible thats non-standard.

Glenn in Tucson
 
We need them for the 100 series as well. What about super strong glue, that way you can resuse the glass or a bracket around the edge of the glass?
 
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