Installing new vent window locks

[kevanderkusd]

I own a 1969 Beetle that has both front seat vent window locks broken. I have replacement locks and rivets that are to be used. However, how do I remove the old locks? Is there a special rivet tool to install the new ones? I've looked at these vent locks for several minutes and can't seem to see how to do this. Do you drill out the old ones? Any help is appreciated!

[Bucko]

On the vent locks of my 73 Beetle, there was a "pin" that held the twist lock "lever". I went to Sears and bought the tool (punch) that is used along with a hammer to press out this pin. You'll need to get the correct size; I bought a set that had several punch sizes.

I'd think your 69 is the same.

You mentioned rivets though; are you talking about removing the entire vent window from it's frame to replace the weather seal?

[Marc]

I think he is....the latch tends to get bent so there's no tension on it, or just plain breaks off, so you have to take the glass in & out (no small trick in itself to accomplish without damaging the frame) to drill out the rivets and buck in the new ones. You don't really need the rivets, the glass'll hold the latch in place, but installing them is easy compared to the total job.

[PJMS]

VW did issue an updated repair sequence for the latch replacement, which enables the whole job to be done without removing the vent wing from the door or even the glass from the frame. It goes like this:

Drill out the two rivets, from below, with a 3mm bit. Using a screw driver, carefully loosen the lower part of the vent frame and pull out the old latch. Slide in the new latch (might new some lubricant) and reposition the frame. Secure the latch with two pop rivets of either 2.8 or 3.2mm diameter and a shaft length of 5.08mm (VW liked to be accurate!!). Use sealant as necessary.

[Marc]

Sounds good on paper....ever seen it actually done on a car that's not fresh off the assembly line?

[PJMS]

Never seen it done, at all, but it is described in the A147 bulletin. I never liked the pop rivets bit. I have only done it using the original rivets and installing a new seal, with a press jig to push the glass back in. However, if the car was only a few years old I would have probably used the pop rivets, at least to see for myself.

[Marc]

Lazy-man solution (or just to keep your car secure until you get around to fixing it right):
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp ... C10%2D3435

[kevanderkusd]

Thanks for the good discussion. I think I'll try to updated procedure from VW and see if it works next weekend.

Kevin

[Gerrelt]

VW did issue an updated repair sequence for the latch replacement, which enables the whole job to be done without removing the vent wing from the door or even the glass from the frame. It goes like this:

Drill out the two rivets, from below, with a 3mm bit. Using a screw driver, carefully loosen the lower part of the vent frame and pull out the old latch. Slide in the new latch (might new some lubricant) and reposition the frame. Secure the latch with two pop rivets of either 2.8 or 3.2mm diameter and a shaft length of 5.08mm (VW liked to be accurate!!). Use sealant as necessary.

Thanks PJMS,

I followed this procedure and it worked perfectly!
Extra tip: file down the rivets a bit flatter afterwards, or they might interfere with the rubber.

[PJMS]

You are welcome. Glad it worked!