Early Bronco Vent Window Assembly

Common Early Bronco Vent Window Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Few things ruin a good drive faster than cruising down the road in your Early Bronco while listening to a constant wind hiss coming from the vent windows. Unfortunately, this is a very common Early Bronco problem, largely due to the original wing window design and decades of wear. The good news is that vent window sealing issues don't have to be permanent. There are several proven ways to fix them—ranging from simple upgrades to full replacements.

Below, we’ll break down the most common Early Bronco vent window problems, what causes them, and the best solutions depending on your budget and goals.

Broken Vent Window Pivot Pins

One of the most common causes of a whistling or hissing vent window is a broken vent window pivot pin. This pin is riveted to the bottom of the inner vent window frame and acts as the main pivot point when the window opens and closes.

When that pin breaks, the inner vent frame loses stability. While the window may still close, it will no longer seat tightly against the seals. The result is a loose vent window that allows air to sneak through, creating wind noise at speed.

Why this matters: A broken pivot pin prevents the window from applying even pressure against the seal, making it nearly impossible to eliminate wind noise without repair or replacement.

Worn Vent Window Handles and Brackets

Sometimes, your vent window issue may not be the pivot pin at all—it could be worn vent window handles or handle brackets.

From the factory, the vent window handle uses small plastic nubs to press against the outer frame and hold the window tightly shut. Over time, those plastic contact points wear down. When that happens, the handle can no longer apply enough pressure to fully seal the window.

Many longtime Bronco owners have used the old “quarter trick,” slipping a coin between the handle and frame to take up the slack. While it works in a pinch, it’s not a permanent fix.

Worn handle brackets can make the problem even worse. While handles are easy to replace (they’re held in with a simple roll pin), replacing a damaged bracket requires drilling out the factory rivets and installing new ones.

Deteriorated Vent Window Seals

Another frequent source of vent window leaks is aged or deteriorated rubber seals. After decades of exposure to sun, heat, and weather, factory rubber hardens, shrinks, and cracks. Once that happens, the seals can no longer do their job—even if all the hardware is in good shape.

Replacing Early Bronco vent window seals requires full disassembly of the vent window assembly. Because of the labor involved, it’s smart to replace related wear items—such as pivot pins and handles—at the same time to avoid tearing everything apart again later.

Easy Ways to Fix Early Bronco Vent Window Problems

Rebuilding factory vent windows isn’t for everyone. It takes patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to wrestle with small parts and rivets. If that’s not your idea of a good weekend, there are simpler solutions that still get results.

1. Replace the Vent Windows
   
   The most straightforward solution is to replace the vent window assemblies entirely. High-quality replacement Early Bronco vent windows are now available and offer tight seals, smooth operation, and a factory-correct look. Removal and installation are simple, with just a handful of screws holding the assembly in place.
   
   This option is ideal if your original windows are heavily worn, damaged, or missing multiple components.

2. Install Vent Window Locks
   
   For budget-conscious Bronco owners, vent window locks are a solid alternative. These locks clamp the vent window shut and use an adjustable knob to manually apply pressure, helping eliminate wind noise caused by loose or worn components.
   
   While vent window locks typically solve the hissing issue, they do make opening and closing the vent windows less convenient. Still, they’re a popular solution for drivers who want function over originality.

3. Eliminate Vent Windows Altogether
   
   If you’re done fighting vent windows and rarely use them anyway, a vent window delete kit may be the right move. This setup replaces the factory door glass and vent window assembly with a single, one-piece window.
   
   The result is a cleaner look, fewer seals to worry about, and no more vent window noise—period. This option is especially popular on trail rigs and Broncos built for simplicity and reliability.

Early Bronco vent window issues are incredibly common, but they’re far from unsolvable. Whether you choose to rebuild, replace, lock, or delete your vent windows, there’s a solution that fits your build and your budget. Fixing those leaks not only makes your Bronco quieter—it makes every drive more enjoyable.

Rebuilding Early Bronco Vent Windows vs. Buying New: Which Makes More Sense?

Early Bronco vent windows—often referred to as wing windows—are one of those parts that seem simple until you start fixing them. Wind noise, loose frames, worn seals, and sloppy handles are all common complaints, and owners are often faced with the same question:

Do you rebuild your original vent windows, or replace them with new assemblies?

On the surface, rebuilding looks cheaper. In reality, the numbers—and the time—tell a more complicated story.

The True Cost of Rebuilding Early Bronco Wing Windows

Rebuilding factory vent windows, almost always requires more than just seals. By the time most owners tear into them, multiple wear items are already stacked against them.

Typical Rebuild Parts Cost (Pair of Vent Windows)

• Seals, pivot pins, handles, brackets, rivets, misc. hardware

• Over $250 in parts for both sides

And that’s assuming:

• The wing window frames are straight

• No additional vent window parts are discovered mid-build

What Rebuild Costs Don’t Include

• Labor (your time or shop time)

• Wing window frame repair or refinishing

• Tools for drilling and re-riveting

If your wing window frames are corroded, bent, or pitted, rebuilding still leaves you with old metal that may need blasting, repair, or coating to look right.

How Long Does It Take to Rebuild Early Bronco Vent Windows?

This is where many Bronco owners underestimate the project.

Realistic Build Time

• First-time DIYer: 4–6 hours or more per side

• Experienced builder: 2–3 hours per side

• Common reality: A full weekend for both wing windows

Rebuilding vent windows requires careful alignment and patience. Mistakes during a wing window rebuild can damage seals or glass, and it’s not unusual to re-do steps to get a proper seal.

The Cost and Value of New Vent Window Assemblies

New Early Bronco vent window assemblies—complete wing window replacements—run around $700 for a pair. While that’s a higher upfront cost, it includes far more than just replacement parts.

What You Get With New Vent Windows

• New vent window frames

• New vent window seals

• New pivot pins and hardware

• Proper factory-style fit

• Tight sealing right out of the box

Installation is straightforward, with the vent window assemblies bolting directly into the door using factory mounting points.

Install Time for New Early Bronco Vent Windows

• Roughly 1–2 hours total for both sides

No drilling. No rivets. No wing window frame restoration.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The following chart provides a side-by-side comparison of the costs and labor involved in rebuilding original wing windows versus replacing them with new vent window assemblies.

When Rebuilding Makes Sense

Rebuilding your original wing windows may be the right choice if:

• You’re restoring a concours Early Bronco

• Your wing window frames are already in excellent condition

• You enjoy detailed mechanical projects

• Time is less important than dollars spent or originality

When New Vent Windows Make More Sense

Buying new vent windows is often the better option if:

• You want reliable sealing with minimal effort

• Your vent window frames are corroded or damaged

• You value your time

• You want to fix wing window wind noise once and be done with it

Rebuilding Early Bronco vent windows is rarely as inexpensive as it appears at first glance. Once parts, labor, and frame condition are factored in, the gap between rebuilding and buying new becomes much smaller—especially when time and frustration are considered.

For many Bronco owners, new vent window assemblies offer a cleaner, faster, and more predictable solution. For others, rebuilding original wing windows is part of the restoration journey. The right choice comes down to how you use your Bronco—and how much time you want to spend fixing wind noise instead of driving.