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Good evening
So I bought an 81 Corvette a few months ago and have been working on some basic maintenace items to start for safety of myself and family as we ride around. Well Friday my driver side window stopped working and today i figured out it the wires are frayed at the hinge area, but I tested the passenger side and motor does not work at all. Any suggestions on best practices on getting these fixed myself?
Also my door panels need to be replaced so I was going to order replacements at the same time as the motor but wasn't sure if I order it from Zip or Eckler's if they were precut for the handles and screws or if this is something i would have to do? I am a novice and learning as I go so don't want to mess something up and be out a fair amount of money.
Ecklers and Zip both sell Corvette America panels. So you can order them from Top Flight Automotive. (The people who bought up Corvette America a few years ago.) or you can buy from Zip or Ecklers. I personally find Zip's service FAR superior to Ecklers. But no matter, you will get the same door panels.
As per your window motor. Once you remove the door panel. I would try running 12v power and ground directly to the motor to determine if the motor is indeed the issue. Switches are known to fail as well as wiring.
I wouldn't order any parts until I was certain of the issue.
If you do a Google search, you will find a few threads on here from the past pertaining to power window repairs.
Looks like that motor has been replaced before and a square access hole has been cut toward the front. Many replacement motors are different than originals, but might still be able to take apart, clean and lube, maybe new brushes. If it doesn’t work while direct wired, can’t hurt to tear it apart and look inside. The original motor on mine had a foam pad stuck to the side to help brace it against the access panel when it torques on moving. Clean out and re-lube the window tracks while you’re in there. Other while your in theres; little zip ties to get rid of the rattles and CorrosionX HD for the rust(I spray it into the lid then brush on with toothbrush or scrubby-pad, then wipe off. The window switches where they’re located catch a lot of debris, they’ll work a little better if cleaned out as well.
Window Issues/Door panels
