Vent Window latch question
 

I bought a new vent latch because the one I had kept coming off. I installed the new one and it came off too. When it did I lost the Roll Pin. When I close the vent there is a fair amount of pressure on it, maybe too much due to old seals, etc.

I saw there was a thread about them in FAQ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=603510

But there wasn't an answer to my question, is there anything you guys have done, or modified, to keep the Roll Pin in place?

Re: Vent Window latch question
 

a few tips :

correct size roll pin...

Put the roll pin in the hole, with the vent window latch on, then you do a funky balancing act with the latch, the pin and some tools... take a small punch, a scratch awl / itty bitty screwdriver, something to stick inside the roll pin and spread it out(without breaking the glass! :lol: ) / mushroom the metal to expand it. A piece of tape on one side of the latch itself to keep it from falling out while you are expanding it may help.

It is a thin length of rolled metal, so you expand it from the inside so that it will 'grab' inside and not fall out. It's easier said than done, I had a piece of wire in mine for the longest time because of the same issue. There is probably a tool for doing this somewhere... and on the assembly line I'm sure there was some super quick way to do it.

That's how I finagled it in my driveway tho'.

I hope that makes sense?

Maybe someone will chime in with a better explanation... or the name of a better tool.

-W

Re: Vent Window latch question
 

Thanks W....I'll give it a go. I'll be replacing the seals on the windows first, then on to the roll pin.

Re: Vent Window latch question
 

details... on those pesky vent window seals...

Vent window weather seals

also has a link to Alan's Classic great write up/photo pictorial for doing the seals... (which is listed and linked in the 60-66 FAQ under Glass).

-W

Re: Vent Window latch question
 

Ditto Woogeroo's advice on spreading the roll pin out. I just replaced my vent latches and couldn't do the balancing act, so I used my vise to just get the roll pin started, then moved it to the truck in place (still had to do a balancing act there, but it was an easier balancing act, haha). I used a clamp with rubber on the jaws to hold it in place and squeeze the spring washer thing that and then it was simple to use a punch and hammer to drive the roll pin home.

Re: Vent Window latch question
 

For something so simple... it takes a lot of figuring out.

There has to be a tool or something that makes it easier, we should ask Wrenchbender Ret., he'd know.

:D

-W

p.s. ok, asked Wrenchbender Ret., he has experience. :D

Re: Vent Window latch question
 

Thanks Earl, I'll give it a shot