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I went thru same thing while collecting parts for my pop out window install.
I found one latch with broken tabs but a good spring on ebay awhile ago.
I drilled out the pins which are rivet ended. Then I used a slightly larger drift pin to replace it with the good spring.
IF....you ever find a source for new good springs, let me know. I have 4 latches that could be like new if I had the springs.
The springs function is to hold the latch out of the way as you push the window back in place. Springs have nothing to do with the function of holding the window in place. If you have no springs you just need to push the latch top out of the way as you push it in place to install the window.
So don't let the issue of no springs hold up the project of installing the window. You can work on that later but have the removable window today.
Also I wouldn't put too much emphasis on how the latches look, brand new and shiny or older and pitted. Just clean them up the best you can. The only time you see them is if you specifically look up at them, behind your head and above.
The springs function is to hold the latch out of the way as you push the window back in place. Springs have nothing to do with the function of holding the window in place. If you have no springs you just need to push the latch top out of the way as you push it in place to install the window.
So don't let the issue of no springs hold up the project of installing the window. You can work on that later but have the removable window today.
Also I wouldn't put too much emphasis on how the latches look, brand new and shiny or older and pitted. Just clean them up the best you can. The only time you see them is if you specifically look up at them, behind your head and above.
Minitech,
Thanks for the advice and info on the springs. I ended up making my own set from an old spring in my junk box. Also as you suggested since the latches are in the ceiling I can live with the pits in the chrome.
One more question: have you seen any of the thin rubber bumper pads that attach to the latches for sale anywhere?
Hi LBB,
Nice job on making the spring!
I've not ever seen the little rubber pads offered separately. They're the sort of thing that Dr. Rebuild often has but I don't see them in his catalogue.
From your first pictures it looks like there was some 'pad' left…. can you use those? What's still on your latches appears to be about what's left on mine too.
Regards,
Alan
Bman,
Send me a pm with your address and I will be glad to mail it to you. Won't be able to till Friday because I am out of town now.
Should have enough left for 2 or 3 spring repairs. I tried 7 and 6 loops (take a close look at the pics) and both are probably more resistance than you need. I would try 5 loops in your first repair and see how that feels. I straightened the ends with vice grips and needle nose.
I cut the spring with a dremel.
Bman,
Send me a pm with your address and I will be glad to mail it to you. Won't be able to till Friday because I am out of town now.
Should have enough left for 2 or 3 spring repairs. I tried 7 and 6 loops (take a close look at the pics) and both are probably more resistance than you need. I would try 5 loops in your first repair and see how that feels. I straightened the ends with vice grips and needle nose.
I cut the spring with a dremel.
Good luck,
Don
Hi Don,
That is really nice of you.
PM sent.
Txs again
For the pads you might go to an office supply place and look for some firm rubber tabs that are sometimes used for feet for a desk item. Maybe a hardware or craft store. Just need a rubber patch with some adhesive.
Bman,
Send me a pm with your address and I will be glad to mail it to you. Won't be able to till Friday because I am out of town now.
Should have enough left for 2 or 3 spring repairs. I tried 7 and 6 loops (take a close look at the pics) and both are probably more resistance than you need. I would try 5 loops in your first repair and see how that feels. I straightened the ends with vice grips and needle nose.
I cut the spring with a dremel.
Good luck,
Don
Hi Don,
Got the spring today.
Perfect match up. I have been trying to find something similar for awhile.
That is why we have junk boxes full of stuff, right? For the day we need it.
Thanks so much for your generosity.
If I can ever repay your kindness, I will.
Thanks for the feedback. I hope it works out okay for you.
Finally got my weatherstrip in and window in place. I was able to wash the car again, although I have some adjustments to make to eliminate the leaks!
Take care,
Don
Hey Don,
Do you have the halos with the cutouts in them for the handles?
I have several in different colors.
You are welcome to them if you need one or 2.
Txs again
Dennis (Bman)
Hey Don,
Do you have the halos with the cutouts in them for the handles?
I have several in different colors.
You are welcome to them if you need one or 2.
Txs again
Dennis (Bman)
Any chance you can post up a pic of the one that you have?
I have several different styles.
I will be using the metal bezel ones for my setup.
And you can spray them with black upholstery dye/paint to match them up.
I'll pull out my box today and see what I have.
Dennis
Last edited by bmans vette; Sep 17, 2015 at 11:49 AM.
Reason: typo
Any chance you can post up a pic of the one that you have?
I have several different styles.
I will be using the metal bezel ones for my setup.
And you can spray them with black upholstery dye/paint to match them up.
I'll pull out my box today and see what I have.
Dennis
Dennis,
Your are the man! Thanks for the bezel and help on the measurements.
Here are the results. I hope this is the way it is supposed to look.
Thanks again,
Don
Glad to see it worked out.
You could drill out the other hole and put a 2nd screw in there.
Not real sure which years had one hole and which had 2 but the bezel I sent you was the 2 hole version.
Keep in touch friend.
Pop out window latch rebuild help needed
