Doors and Windows
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
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From: Carson Valley
Doors and Windows
Let me start by admitting that I hate working on doors. I've been putting this off but the rattles and malfunctions finally got on my nerves, and I'm waiting for parts for a motorcycle project.
'76 with power windows, the PO had things apart when he painted the car and there is the usual incorrect hardware installed.
I have the shop and assembly manuals, I should be able to find answers to any disassembly/reassembly and adjustment issues that come up.
My question is, is it possible to have rattle free doors with properly functioning windows after spending my time and money on parts and reassembly?
Or are rattley doors and recalcitrant windows just one of those things people accept about C3's?
'76 with power windows, the PO had things apart when he painted the car and there is the usual incorrect hardware installed.
I have the shop and assembly manuals, I should be able to find answers to any disassembly/reassembly and adjustment issues that come up.
My question is, is it possible to have rattle free doors with properly functioning windows after spending my time and money on parts and reassembly?
Or are rattley doors and recalcitrant windows just one of those things people accept about C3's?
Last edited by AKjeff; Aug 6, 2022 at 08:03 PM.
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
It's worth the effort....install soundproofing to the inner door skin while rebuilding the tracks/rollers/felt. .It will block lots of road noise'
Replace the hinge pins and bushings if there is slack when you lift up/down on the end of the door at the latch mechanism.
Replace the hinge pins and bushings if there is slack when you lift up/down on the end of the door at the latch mechanism.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I have manual roll up windows, but mostly there the same. Mine don't rattle. when you close either door on my car they just click shut. No rattles going down the road.
Now if I can find this new rattle that just appeared in the last month coming from inside the dash.......Grrrr.
Now if I can find this new rattle that just appeared in the last month coming from inside the dash.......Grrrr.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 249
From: Carson Valley
That's all good to read, thanks.
doorgunner, thanks for the reminder on checking the hinge pins. The passenger side is good, I'll remember to check the drivers side before I put in a parts order.
doorgunner, thanks for the reminder on checking the hinge pins. The passenger side is good, I'll remember to check the drivers side before I put in a parts order.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 724
From: Marietta GA
The most important tool is a extremely small very bright light. I have a few of the Harbor Freight give away led lights that I drop/stuff inside the door. Being able to see what you are doing is make the job easier. I also have an old Craftsman fluorescent tube light that I put on the top of the door when I am working on the tracks. Oh, take your time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
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From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
There are supposed to be "rattle stops" in each door with felt surfaces that press against the glass to reduce rattles, and they work. Yours might be missing, not adjusted right or the felt surface could be worn off. The doors can be rattle free if everything is right.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Carson Valley
Sorry, that does read oddly now that I look at it again.
I have come to accept that the PO used a lot of non-factory hardware when he was reassembling everything he worked on.
Screws that are too long on interior panels, Phillips head machine screws instead of hex head, things like that.
I have come to accept that the PO used a lot of non-factory hardware when he was reassembling everything he worked on.
Screws that are too long on interior panels, Phillips head machine screws instead of hex head, things like that.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 171
Likes: 22
From: Kentucky
Fair warning. It is a real PITA to get the windows adjusted properly. There is a definite bolt tightening sequence you have to use with the door panel off to get it right. Took me a long time and still isnt perfect.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Carson Valley
Thanks, I found this tutorial at Corvette Central that I hope helps:
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/201...glass-service/
I have the glass and window mechanism out of the passenger door, still need to remove the latch and inside handle.
I'll order parts when I get those pieces cleaned up.
I plan on taking my time, and several breaks, while getting the window adjusted. I'll post up when I get it acceptable.
There's a reason I've been putting this task off, and I wish I'd have put it off longer.
https://tech.corvettecentral.com/201...glass-service/
I have the glass and window mechanism out of the passenger door, still need to remove the latch and inside handle.
I'll order parts when I get those pieces cleaned up.
I plan on taking my time, and several breaks, while getting the window adjusted. I'll post up when I get it acceptable.
There's a reason I've been putting this task off, and I wish I'd have put it off longer.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 603
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From: Carson Valley
Today I installed the latch, outer handle, regulator and associated tracks and the door glass.
I did have to back up a couple times to get hardware on or make room for another step.
I wrote an order of assembly for my own reference when I do the drivers door at some point in the future.
I thought I'd post it here for anyone else unfortunate enough to have to work on their doors.
Door latch.
1. Slide latch into place, inner edge facing forward, then twist it into place and up, to install linkage to outside handle.
2. Slide latch down while slipping outer lock lever together, let latch hang.
3. Slip gasket over outer handle.
4. Install/tighten nuts on outer handle.
5. Install latch screws.
Window mechanism and glass
1. Install both window tracks w. lower stops installed, install all three bolts on rear track, only install lower bolt on front track.
2. Install lower window regulator guide channel.
3. Install window regulator, sliding roller into lower window regulator guide channel.
4. Install lower door glass channel w. door glass track roller assembly onto regulator rollers.
5. While slightly spreading door at front track, lower door glass into door, front corner first while feeding front door glass roller bearing into front track.
6. Lower rear of door glass and feed bolts into lower door glass channel.
I did have to back up a couple times to get hardware on or make room for another step.
I wrote an order of assembly for my own reference when I do the drivers door at some point in the future.
I thought I'd post it here for anyone else unfortunate enough to have to work on their doors.
Door latch.
1. Slide latch into place, inner edge facing forward, then twist it into place and up, to install linkage to outside handle.
2. Slide latch down while slipping outer lock lever together, let latch hang.
3. Slip gasket over outer handle.
4. Install/tighten nuts on outer handle.
5. Install latch screws.
Window mechanism and glass
1. Install both window tracks w. lower stops installed, install all three bolts on rear track, only install lower bolt on front track.
2. Install lower window regulator guide channel.
3. Install window regulator, sliding roller into lower window regulator guide channel.
4. Install lower door glass channel w. door glass track roller assembly onto regulator rollers.
5. While slightly spreading door at front track, lower door glass into door, front corner first while feeding front door glass roller bearing into front track.
6. Lower rear of door glass and feed bolts into lower door glass channel.