Bent Metal Window Fame Repair: Fixing a Truck Topper Rear Window

[@carlosf.flores-gamboa2125]

Can't thank you enough for this easy to follow video, which helped me salvage my out-of-production Leer topper. I too accidentally left the door open and caught on some rope, which bent the frame. Living rurally, your video saved me time and the prospect of either paying an astronomical amount or having to get rid of my aging topper altogether. Thank you!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome. I'm so glad this video helped.

[@cooline3073]

Thank you sir! I did the exact same thing. Seeing that I could remove those four rivets and pull out the glass made all the difference! Not a perfect fix but 90%. I have a Raider shell but exactly the same procedure

[@keepemwet]

Thanks for the video, it helped me, I hooked my Leer 100R door on my camping canopy 2 days ago, (same kinda damage, bent to the point the frame cracked right beside a rivet & there was about 2" of daylight between the top of glass and the frame ) Yesterday I took the 2 set screws & plastic keepers out & sprayed WD40 into the mounting channel , today I stood on the tailgate, swung the door to almost full up and it slid right out super easy, then did a similar repair with a vice, hammer, pliers, couple of large screw drivers to make the window groove as even as i could, a couple new rivets through the frame & mounting plate ( the top damaged part ), I put it all back together on the ground then slid the whole unit back into place standing on the tailgate again. Cheers

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Well done. Thanks for sharing the details.

[@NealectricHiggzBozonverSmith]

My Dad did the exact same thing, nearly exact same damage minus broken handle. Thanks for the video, it'll save me some trial and error. I'll just take the window out. I was cringing holding my breath at the beginning with the jack lol. Nicely done, it looks like new, probably stronger now.

[@riohibarger9704]

I so wanted to see the jack in the truck bed work for you!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

Haa, so did I...

[@chrisbutler6049]

Great video... I did something similar to mine but with far more damage.. thought I was gonna have to dig deep into my wallet but after seeing this video I'm convinced I can DIY it.. thanks a million for making this video.. ohh and the little dance at the end was CLASSIC

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

You're welcome and good luck on your repair!

[@d512295]

I just finished replacing the glass with Lexan. Very difficult due to the thicker Lexan but after several trims of the glass, I installed the rubber , used soap on the rubber and finally got it back together.

[@PLG310Z]

Was there an extra u-shaped bracket on the bottom piece of the frame? I'm running into the same issue and thinking about removing it to be able to fit the thicker lexan.

[@stuewe21]

Do you recall the thickness of the Lexan you used? Was it 1/4" or 1/8"? Thank you

[@ThielTube]

Great video thanks so much. Mine is not broke.. but I want to remove the glass from the frame and add a solid panel for security as I can't see through the rear anymore. How thick of a panel do you think I could use? I know you have the thickness of the glass plus that rubber weatherstripping. I would assume you would have a total of about 1/4"?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I think I would just duplicate the thickness of the glass and leave the weatherstripping in there.

[@RonasRoadshow]

great video. you did an awesome job fixing that. i have bent the frame so it has come adrift from the fibreglass canopy. how to fix a truck cap by HowToLou has done a very helpful video. i need to straighten the hinge on the window so appreciated yr segment on getting the window slid back in. i will have the glass in the window so i will need help for sure. anyway, well done and thankyou.

[@bleazie52]

Did you ever think of annealing the metal? Seems like it would be easier to work with the aluminum if doing so.

[@jaredadams5748]

Thank you!

[@dingoman01]

I did the same thing yesterday with my Leer truck cap. The exact same window as yours, carbon copy damage. Thanks for the great video, I can now fix it.....BUT.... I have drill out the four rivets, the glass is out, but you say there is a set screw for keeping the hinge from sliding out....I can't find it!!!! Does it screw in from the bottom?

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

The set screw on is at the top middle of the hinge

[@dingoman01]

@@TheOriginalMechanic Ahhh no, they have changed the design. There is now one at each end of the fixed channel!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

@@dingoman01 Ok, well double trouble I guess. Sliding the window out of that hinge was very hard and at that point I didn't think it was fixable, let alone a video opportunity.

[@daron7851]

So, I must say, you have done a far better job then a lot of the home repairs I have seen. Just out of pure curiosity, I have to ask....given the amount of time that you have in this, as your time has value, plus the supplies that you replaced, and the fact that it still is not completely straight as a replacement would be, how much money did you save? Thanks!!

[@TheOriginalMechanic]

I looked into replacing it and the $350 seemed reasonable but there was a 5 week backorder. It also came already installed on the frame, which I didn't need or want. And here's the thing: I am so inclined to fix things myself that I almost never consider replacement. I get a real glowing mood bump at the moment of completion. And You Tube gives me an opportunity to make a little money in the process so I don't think about the "time is money." If I did I would have lost money in this case! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@daron7851]

@@TheOriginalMechanic Very cool!! It certainly feels rewarding to fix it yourself, that's for sure!! What actually brought me to this particular video was that one you made replacing all of the brake lines on the F-150. Your attention to detail is beyond amazing. Thank you!!!