C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

[Joel T.]

Hi All;

I checked the archives and there is not much out there on this topic...

I pulled the main window regulators out of my 1965 Vert this weekend. They are not too bad but I do want to rebuild them.

Does anyone have instructions on how to do this? They look simple enough but before I start taking them apart, I want to get an idea as to what is involved..

Also, I see that Paragon has regulator rebuilding parts.. Has anyone used their stuff with success?? Are there other sources for parts which folks would recommend??

Thanks!

Joel

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Joel,

I do these all the time, There are a few things to do.

1 replace the rollers on the ends of the arms.

2 remove the handle extension and drive gear assembly ( handle spline, spring, drive gear and bushing).

If no one else chimes in with instructions I'll try and post some later tonight when time permits.

Rich

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Joel,

I do these all the time, There are a few things to do.

1 replace the rollers on the ends of the arms.

2 remove the handle extension and drive gear assembly ( handle spline, spring, drive gear and bushing).

If no one else chimes in with instructions I'll try and post some later tonight when time permits.

Rich

Thanks Rich!! I will look forward to getting whatever instructions you have!

Joel

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Joel,

replacing the rollers on the ends of the arms goes like this.

First mark which side the roller is on and which side the rivet gets peened. Next carefully grind down the peend end of the rivets and put a socket that fits around the plastic roller part with out touching and then rests onto the arm. Then hammer out the rivet and roller into the socket from the ground side.

Second you need to find a punch or socket that has a diamiter that will allow the new roller/rivet assembly to let the rivet part set on the punch with NO PART OF THE PLASTIC ROLLER touching it at all!!.

Third put the punch/ socket in a vice and place the new rivet/roller assembly into the regulator making sure of its correct orintation. Hold the roller assemble in the regulator as you turn it over so you can lay the rivet onto the punch in the vice. Now take a hammer and punch from the other side and peen the rivet over. Sometimes thier solid rivets some times semi-tubular. If they are solid just wack away. If semi-tubulat start the peening with a roolpin punch (This will flare the rivet open) then finish it with a flat punch.

Later tonight I'll describe the disassembly/ reassembly of the drive gear and handle shaft assembly.

Rich

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Rich;

Thanks!! Appreciate the help, please send the rest when you can.

Regards,

Joel

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Joe,

sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this. I had to get a chance to get pictures of some parts from some cars that I am doing now. And the time to do it.

First you need to drill out the 3 rivets holding the regulator drive gear, gear housing, spring and handle shaft.

Next you can remove the above mentioned parts as a unit from the regulator. Once removed flip the assembly onto it's side and remove the drive gear from the handle shaft by gently prying it up with a flat blade screw driver, it is just held in place by the grease. Then grab gear housing with both hands and with the handle shaft resting aganst a flat surface push down on the housing and the handle shaft will push out. The final part of disassembly is to remove the spring from the housing.

Clean and inspect parts for wear.

Now for reassembly. Grease the inner side walls of the gear housing. Then with 2 thin blade flat screwdrivers work the spring back down nto the housing by working it in a clockwise motion untill it is seated. then insert the handle shaft with the 2 spring hooks set down in the open side of the handle shaft base. then take the drive gear and insert it with the flange between the spring hooks in the opening of the handle shaft. There will be side to side play but if you do a good job packing the grease in there will be no rattles or droopy handles.

Now you need to rivet the assembly back into the regulator. Before you do this make sure the bushing is still in the regulator. The bottom part of the drive gear has a extended tip that fits in the bushing. If the bushing or drive gear bearing surface is worn they will need to be replaced.

GM used this design for at least 10-15 years that I know. So a junkyard is a good source for replacement parts. In order to make sure you are getting the right handle shaft as a replacement you need to measure how far it extends out of the housing and that matches what you have. That way you handle will not stick out too far or not far enough causing an interfierance fit when trying to install the crank.

Pictures to follow in the next 3 posts.

Any more questions let me know. Rich

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Rich,

Can't thank you enough!

Joel

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

First 4 of 11 pictures.

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Pictures 5-8 of 11.

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Pictures 9-11 of 11.

[Randy R.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

What judging standard is used to determine the need for rebuilding the regulators? The only thing I can think of is to compare the play of the driver's side with the passenger side. My doors are totally disasembled so now would be the time for me to make any recommended repairs.

Thank you,

Randy

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Randy,

great Question! I would check for a couple different things. With your regulators being out of the car you can still chek thier operation. Are thier any hard spots as you run them up and down? Is there excessive free play as you move the handle back and forth. Do they operate smoothly? Next I would check the teeth and surrounding areas of the regulator for wear or groves worn in the surface.

Even if everything seems fine you have to remember that these regulators were packed at the manufacture with grease 45 years ago!!! I think you'd be suprised at how much better they will operate if you were to disassemble, clean and repack them with new grease,
Now to check the rollers on the ends of the arms. Do they have excessive play? The platic rollers should spin freely on the metal rivets but they also shold be pretty snug and not wiggle easily.

Hope this helps, Rich

[Rich P.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

Rich,

Can't thank you enough!

Joel

Any time...

[Joel T.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

What judging standard is used to determine the need for rebuilding the regulators? The only thing I can think of is to compare the play of the driver's side with the passenger side. My doors are totally disasembled so now would be the time for me to make any recommended repairs.

Thank you,

Randy

Randy;

As Rich said, great question! I took my 1965 to the NE Regional and put it through the PV process... bottom line, it failed for a number of things... Talking to the judge, the basic guideline is whether or not the component operates as it did when it left the factory. The doors are an area of particular concern; the vent window regulators, the main window regulators and the door hinges proper...

On the vent window regulators there should be basically no play (like 1/4") on the handle before the vent window begins to move... further, with the vent window open half way there should be no more than 1/2" play/slack if you try and wiggle the vent window front to back.

On the main regulators, I think it is what Rich mentioned, no handle wiggle and like 1/4" rotation before the window starts to move, and oh yes,moves smoothly.

On the door hinges, open the door half way and then grab the lower rear edge...lift up and down... there should be zero slack in the door hinge, either felt or seen...

Having said all this, if you have the doors a part, I would certainly consider rebuilding everything! It is a PITA and potentially dangerous to your paint job (should you slip) to do it after the fact...

Have fun!

Joel

[Randy R.]

Re: C2 Window Regulator Rebuild

I got a chance to look at my window regulators this weekend. The side window regulators are easy to move but have approximately 3/4 in of play in them.I had already soaked them in a parts washer and lubed them and replaced the rollers. I assume I will have to rebuild the side window regulators. What usually needs to be replaced or adjusted? Where is the best place to obtain parts? Are replacement rivets available? I have access to a 67 Nova parts car. Could this be a donor?

The regulators for the vent windows are stiff to move but there is very little play. I will soak them and lube them. Hopefully this will make them easier to operate.

Thank you for your assistance.

Randy