Wing Window Removal

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Threads
13
Messages
109
Location
El Dorado Hills, Ca.
I didn't find a WO regarding eliminating the 1/4, or wing windows. Iv'e never cared for them even "back in the day" when they were so popular.

I'm thinking it just may not be worth the trouble, but if any of you could be kind enough to steer me in the right direction whether youv'e done this yourself, or can send me a link with whats involved, it would be appreciated.

Cheers
 
Short answer: you have to get new doors.

I did this conversion, I also never cared for the wing windows, and mine were all rusty on the bottoms of the frames when I pulled them out of my old doors. I also don't like how far back the mirrors are.

There is a stiffening rib inside the door that obstructs a full non-vent window, it would be very difficult to remove without major surgery. Besides the glass, you would also need new regulators, and the inner door panels are different too.

Fortunately I had a spare pair of non-vent doors in my parts pile. I'm also installing power windows, and I have panels from an '89 4Runner. My passenger door is gonna look kinda goofy with a spare door opener, but it's OK with me.
 
Thats what i needed to know. I read your post a while back regarding the switch. Maybe ill just pick up a set of doors and turn them into half doors. That way ill have the best of both worlds.

Which brings me to this question: Have you seen anybody doing a write up on what it takes to fab up a set of canvas covers for half doors? Like with vinyl windows and removable?
 
both doors are acceptable to the wing windows or not .. you can simply remove the windows and replace with the correct size parts .. the "rib" is part of the wing window and is bolted in , you dont need new doors
 
both doors are acceptable to the wing windows or not .. you can simply remove the windows and replace with the correct size parts .. the "rib" is part of the wing window and is bolted in , you dont need new doors

No, the rib is spot welded into the door. I just went and looked at it again. It supports the back of the wing window frame, right in front of the forward window glass track. I think it's primary purpose is to keep the top of the window opening in the door from spreading open, it would block the full non-vent door glass from being installed. Maybe your doors are different, mine are the original ones from my '87, I replaced them with doors from an '84.

I suppose you could hack the piece out that gets in the way of the glass, probably with a hack saw or Sawzall. But the stiffener extends down along the outside door skin, it also holds the nutserts for the door mirrors. It would make it very difficult to close off the old mirror holes, as there is no way to get that out of the door. IMO the mirrors would look goofy in the old position without the vent windows. I didn't like them that far back anyway.
 
I have an 85 4runner with original white paint, brown interior with power windows without the wing window , I wouldnt mind having the wing window doors , do you have original white paint on your truck, with brown interior if so , we can trade if you want, oh also if you have manual roll up windows , I prefer those to, but if not , ok
 
Last edited:
ahh , ok ..
I'm talkin 79-83's , and your talkin 84-88's

I do know for a fact , that the 79-83's are "bolted" on and universal/interhangable


HPIM1752.jpg
 
don't forget the greatest advantage to wing windows is clearance for aftermarket speakers in the doors. yes i know you can fit some speakers in a non vent door but it's not the same.
 
I'm not sure how far away from Salt Lake City you are but I've always loved the wind wings. If you want to swap doors, let's talk.

EDIT: Orange County, CA. I've got a brother in Brea so CA isn't that far away for me.
 
I'm not sure how far away from Salt Lake City you are but I've always loved the wind wings. If you want to swap doors, let's talk.

EDIT: Orange County, CA. I've got a brother in Brea so CA isn't that far away for me.
yeah, im looking to trade my single window original white front and passenger doors for some wind wing, original white painted doors for my 85 4runner. oh the doors have electric windows, but it would be nice if the doors I would trade for were manual windows , but it doesnt matter
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom