Manual Window Regulator Replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Manual Window Regulator Replacement
I need to replace the window regulator on my 73 which has manual windows. Many of the vendors sell replacement power window regulators but no one sells manual window regulators. I was told that a manual window regulator from a 70 to 74 two door GM vehicle will work as they are all the same. I have located a window regulator from a two door 72 Nova and it certainly looks the same but before I purchase I was hoping someone could confirm it would fit.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I need to replace the window regulator on my 73 which has manual windows. Many of the vendors sell replacement power window regulators but no one sells manual window regulators. I was told that a manual window regulator from a 70 to 74 two door GM vehicle will work as they are all the same. I have located a window regulator from a two door 72 Nova and it certainly looks the same but before I purchase I was hoping someone could confirm it would fit.
All the parts are available to fix the regulator, just not the entire regulator. If you need me to post links I can do this also. You'd first need to replace the rollers, then rebuild the drive mechanism. But before I did anything I'd pull the drive apart and see what parts need to be replaced.
Willcox
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
I've never heard of a passenger car regulator working, but rebuilding your regulators is pretty easy.
All the parts are available to fix the regulator, just not the entire regulator. If you need me to post links I can do this also. You'd first need to replace the rollers, then rebuild the drive mechanism. But before I did anything I'd pull the drive apart and see what parts need to be replaced.
Willcox
All the parts are available to fix the regulator, just not the entire regulator. If you need me to post links I can do this also. You'd first need to replace the rollers, then rebuild the drive mechanism. But before I did anything I'd pull the drive apart and see what parts need to be replaced.
Willcox
BTW Thanks for your response.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I've probably got good used... I'd have to check Monday... but if, not I'm sure Kevin in my shop can rebuild your's if interested. Service@willcoxcorvette.com if interested.
If you do decide to rebuild it yourself, you'll need to fab something up to peen the rivets on the regulator rollers... To peen the rivets you must support the roller side of the rivet so you don't mess up the roller when you crimp them.
Willcox
If you do decide to rebuild it yourself, you'll need to fab something up to peen the rivets on the regulator rollers... To peen the rivets you must support the roller side of the rivet so you don't mess up the roller when you crimp them.
Willcox
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
I've probably got good used... I'd have to check Monday... but if, not I'm sure Kevin in my shop can rebuild your's if interested. Service@willcoxcorvette.com if interested.
If you do decide to rebuild it yourself, you'll need to fab something up to peen the rivets on the regulator rollers... To peen the rivets you must support the roller side of the rivet so you don't mess up the roller when you crimp them.
Willcox
If you do decide to rebuild it yourself, you'll need to fab something up to peen the rivets on the regulator rollers... To peen the rivets you must support the roller side of the rivet so you don't mess up the roller when you crimp them.
Willcox
Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 13
From: Johnson City TN
Sorry to hijack the thread, but I'm wondering how to tell if a manual regulator is bad or not. My 69 vert has manual windows. When I roll them up I have to pull them up with my other hand to help the windows get to the very top position. Nothing's obstructing them that I can tell. They just can't quite make it on their own. Then as I'm driving, they will gradually sag back down maybe a quarter of an inch over the drive. Is this a sign of a weak regulator spring? I've had the tracks out and cleaned/regreased them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Sorry to hijack the thread, but I'm wondering how to tell if a manual regulator is bad or not. My 69 vert has manual windows. When I roll them up I have to pull them up with my other hand to help the windows get to the very top position. Nothing's obstructing them that I can tell. They just can't quite make it on their own. Then as I'm driving, they will gradually sag back down maybe a quarter of an inch over the drive. Is this a sign of a weak regulator spring? I've had the tracks out and cleaned/regreased them.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/68-79-wi...ild-kit-manual
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I'll check tomorrow, I'll be at the shop for about 4 hours in the morning. But... I'm just being honest... you guys with manual regulators have it made compared to the guys with power windows. The issue is that no one makes the reproduction manual window regulator so rebuilding is the only option.
gr8t73 which side do you need or do you need both? I'll have the shop check tomorrow but I'm pretty sure I've got either side here. I'll just have to check and if you've emailed me already, email me again and tell me which side you need (or if both). Service@Willcoxcorvette.com
Ernie
gr8t73 which side do you need or do you need both? I'll have the shop check tomorrow but I'm pretty sure I've got either side here. I'll just have to check and if you've emailed me already, email me again and tell me which side you need (or if both). Service@Willcoxcorvette.com
Ernie
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Dec 23, 2018 at 07:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
I'll check tomorrow, I'll be at the shop for about 4 hours in the morning. But... I'm just being honest... you guys with manual regulators have it made compared to the guys with power windows. The issue is that no one makes the reproduction manual window regulator so rebuilding is the only option.
gr8t73 which side do you need or do you need both? I'll have the shop check tomorrow but I'm pretty sure I've got either side here. I'll just have to check and if you've emailed me already, email me again and tell me which side you need (or if both). Service@Willcoxcorvette.com
Ernie
gr8t73 which side do you need or do you need both? I'll have the shop check tomorrow but I'm pretty sure I've got either side here. I'll just have to check and if you've emailed me already, email me again and tell me which side you need (or if both). Service@Willcoxcorvette.com
Ernie
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15