DIY rear pop out window locking mechanism.

This is my first write up, sorry I am no poet or engrish major :}



My rear window latch arms were broken like almost every one else that I know, so I bought the billet arms off Amazon

Dasher Deals Billet Aluminum Latch Pivot for First Gen Tacoma Tundra Rear Quarter Window (Pair)

here while they worked well and were a good replacement they did not close the window as tight as the oem arms did. I pushed and pulled the bracket in every direction to get it to close properly but had no luck
I was able to push the window open from the inside fairly easily with not much pressure at all, so I figured it could be pried open from the outside just as easily.
I came up with this idea to be able to lock the latch and also have it function properly. I took as many pictures as i could and also included pictures of all the parts I used, I got all the parts from OSH. I did however have the little black nipples lying around that i used to cover the threads. Enjoy.

The wing nuts, hardware and aluminum I used for the bracket.




I pretty much eyeballed where to drill the holes while everything was inside the cab. Made a few dots with sharpies, and then tore the interior apart to get the panels out. these are the best pictures i took to show you where i drilled holes

this is the passenger side...




from the back of the panel so you can line up your hole. I used a flat washer and a lock washer on the backside.


my fabrication skills are not that great, i need some more proper tools and practice. I used a hack saw, 4'' grinder with cut off wheel and flap disk, and assorted hand tools.



bend the ends up so the wing nut as somewhere to stop.


here is the mock up of the driver side.


little bit of paint, lock and flat washer.


final assembly. You can see in the top view that the bracket needs to be bent slighty, no rule of thumb for this just bend it as much as it needs.







CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO OF HOW IT WORKS.

Like I said I am NOT a fabricator, I'm sure there is a better more elegant solution to this, feel free to give your opinions of what I should have done different or what could be improved upon, try this for yourself in your own way!

 

Well done !

You're right, a little bit of finish work and the whole thing becomes the new stock. I would consider shortening the rear bolt and using an acorn nut for the fastener; all painted black to blend in.

I recently ordered a pair of the aluminum connector/latch arms. Sounds like you weren't all that pleased with the way they worked.

 

They work just fine for most people, the ones I got from Amazon said "90% of people have no issues with the fitment"

Guess I was the lucky 10%!

 

So thats why everyone likes the 1st generations.

 

The pop out windows? What do you mean

 

Looks gewd mang

 

Thanks Breh.

Thinking about making a kit and selling it for $250 +shipping, think that's fair?

 

Eh yeah but only if you want to be swamped. With that steal of a price you'd have to hire a few more guys to your shop to get the product out in the estimated time