Classic Broncos Home
  Classy Gauges     Toms Offroad

   Ford Bronco Parts - Classic Vintage Early Bronco Parts   Toms Bronco Parts   BC Broncos
Community
 Message Forum
 Photo Gallery
 Bronco Garage
 Event Calendar
 Bronco Wallpaper
 Bronco FAQ
 Link Back to CB.com
Buy / Sell
 Classifieds / Want Ads
 Vendor Forum
James Duff
Rust Bullet
Sexton Offroad
Bronco Tech
Recent Tech Articles
  3 Arm Wiper Setup
  Fix Motor Mount
  Roll Cage Braces
  Throttle Body 65mm
  Wheel Alignment
  Heat Riser Replacement
  Vent Window Repair
  Center Console Mount
  Straighten Bumper
  Ford 6R80 6 spd
     More Tech...
Ford Bronco Parts - Classic Vintage Early Bronco Parts

Installing Locking Wing Window Latches
Replace your Bronco Vent Window Latches with F-150 Latches
Tech article by Karl Wise (kwspony)


     Here is a simple way to install locking wing window latches on your early Bronco. I got tired of hearing the wind whistle through the gap in the seals because the latches weren't tight enough.

Wing Window Lock

     Wandering around the local wrecking yard I came across a mid 80's F-150 with locking wing latches and took some measurements. Here is what I came up with. The latches on the F-150 are spot welded into the window frame so I had to pry them out. Be careful not to bend the latch bracket. It wasn't easy but I was finally able to get a pair out.
Wing Window Lock

     Once at home, remove the wing window from the Bronco. Then remove the wing window from the frame. This isn't easy either. I used a razor blade to remove as much of the original gasket material as I could. Then I carefully and slowly pried the glass from the frame.
Wing Window Lock

      On the bottom of the frame grind or drill out the 2 brass rivets holding the latch bracket in.
Wing Window Lock

      Because the newer latch bracket is shorter I drilled a hole in the frame between the 2 original rivet holes.
Wing Window Lock

      Grind of the welds on the new latches and install them into the frame. Make sure they are flush with the end of the frame. I then spot welded them in to the frame.
Wing Window Lock

      I guess you could rivet them but you would have to drill a new hole in the new latch bracket. The new bracket on the frame.
Wing Window Lock

      Then, replace the glass in the frame. I used black silicone for mine. I suppose you can use what you like. I used zip ties to hold the glass in until the silicone set up.
Wing Window Lock

      Once it was set up enough I sanded and painted the frame and cleaned the glass. Then installed the frame back on the truck. The new latch fits well and makes a very snug seal against the window rubber.
Wing Window Lock   Wing Window Lock

      No more wind whistling when I am on the freeway. Good luck with yours and happy wheeling.

Tech article by Karl Wise (kwspony)


 

This Early Bronco site created and maintained by Jon Hanna - Copyright © 1996- All rights reserved. Privacy Statement
ClassicBroncos.com is not affiliated or associated with Ford Motor Company. Ford Bronco and Ford Bronco logos are property, copyright, trademarks and/or service marks of Ford Motor Company.