TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:09 pm

Took beetle to get waxed. Picked it up and
the vent window latch is missing :lol: (it’s ok, it was hard to manipulate, but was also very wobbly)

So, how hard is it to install a replacement latch?
Do you have to remove the chrome frame from the glass?
Thanks

Fri Jul 19, 2019 10:41 pm

It’s a fun one for sure. Yes you have to pull the glass out of the chrome frame. The new latch is riveted in place and then you have to reinstall the glass, preferably with a new rubber seal. I had great fun getting mine to go back together properly. There’s a few threads here on the topic on getting the glass back in correctly. However the latch itself is pretty easy!

Sat Jul 20, 2019 2:52 am

Hoping to piggy back your thread...
The locking handle fell off my vent wing today. I'd like to put it back together but don't know what parts are still on the floor in my car or on my driveway. I have the handle and button and washer which sits behind the handle. Does anyone know what I'm missing? I can't find a parts diagram for it.
Thanks

Sat Jul 20, 2019 5:53 am

I don’t know the quality of them, but ISP West sells complete replacement vent windows. As much fun as I’ve heard these are to refurbish, i would consider just buying a new one.

Sat Jul 20, 2019 6:41 am

Yeah - I would go with a repro vent window. I have got replacement latches from some vendors and they are not correct (rivet holes don't line up, etc.) I did get a couple from Wolfsburg West for a 67 that did fit correctly. Until you are done paying $25 for a latch and then spending a lot of time removing and reinstalling the glass, a new one is an attractive option.

Just replacing the handle is usually a fail. The shaft is not always the same size.

Sat Jul 20, 2019 6:11 pm

RichardinNZ wrote: Hoping to piggy back your thread...
The locking handle fell off my vent wing today. I'd like to put it back together but don't know what parts are still on the floor in my car or on my driveway. I have the handle and button and washer which sits behind the handle. Does anyone know what I'm missing? I can't find a parts diagram for it.
Thanks

Mine was the same. There is a compressed pin that goes in an keeps it on. You should see the two holes it goes through. However, it could be that the circle of soft metal that the pin goes behind broke off. Check to see if the circle is still intact on the piece still in the window.

Tue Jul 23, 2019 8:37 am

Agree with the others- replace the wing assembly. You’ll have to tear the door down a bit, but you’ll save hours and a lot of frustration.

To replace the glass only you’ll need to create a press with a custom jig to get the glass seated properly without breaking the glass. You’ll have to remove and replace the chrome mounting rivets or figure out how to work around the wing with the bracket attached.

I’d just get a good original replacement or consider aftermarket and replace the whole shebang.