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sonoma_vw Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2013 Posts: 475 Location: Sonoma County
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Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:09 pm Post subject: Vent window latch, easy to replace? |
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Took beetle to get waxed. Picked it up and
the vent window latch is missing (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
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Bug-nut Samba Member

Joined: December 20, 2015 Posts: 494 Location: Knoxville, TN
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Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2019 10:41 pm Post subject: Re: Vent window latch, easy to replace? |
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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! _________________ 1959 Fjord Blue Volkswagen Beetle
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=
1962 Austin-Healey Sprite
Snort wrote: |
A 59 Beetle is just an Oval-Window car with aspirations of modernity. |
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RichardinNZ Samba Member

Joined: September 16, 2011 Posts: 280 Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2019 2:52 am Post subject: Re: Vent window latch, easy to replace? |
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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 _________________ Richard
'58 Beetle; NZ Assembled
Dual Carb 36hp
My Car https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=1750253 |
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Sharp64 Samba Member

Joined: August 27, 2015 Posts: 5304 Location: Central Florida
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2019 5:53 am Post subject: Re: Vent window latch, easy to replace? |
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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. _________________ 1960 Indigo Blue Ragtop (Blue Barry)
1967 Ghia
1985 Westy Money Pit
“...some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” - Michael Caine |
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andk5591 Samba Member

Joined: August 29, 2005 Posts: 16803 Location: State College, PA
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2019 6:41 am Post subject: Re: Vent window latch, easy to replace? |
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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. _________________ D-Dubya Manx clone 1914. Ex wifes car.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Ex-wifes car.
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them... |
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65 Sunroof Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2018 Posts: 62 Location: SC
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Posted: Sat Jul 20, 2019 6:11 pm Post subject: Re: Vent window latch, easy to replace? |
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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. |
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panicman Samba Member

Joined: December 18, 2011 Posts: 2639 Location: Canby, OR
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Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2019 8:37 am Post subject: Re: Vent window latch, easy to replace? |
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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. |
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