Replace window motor
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 217
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Replace window motor
I have a 1981 Corvette that I want to change the window motors in. I did this in my previous 1981 and ended up having to pull the entire window and assembly out because the motor wouldn't come out otherwise. Did I miss something? Can you replace the motor without taking everything out of the door?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 217
Likes: 21
Just want new motors, I replaced the one on my other vette and it was super fast to roll up. I took the tracks out, the glass out, and the big spring.
Le Mans Master
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
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I am in the middle of rebuilding the regulator, replacing motor, all rollers etc. Somewhere in this process I saw a reference to replacing the motor without pulling the regulator out. However if they are slow, you may have other issues in the system, just shine a light in and check it all out. The trick is to get the window in the correct position where you can put a 1/4-20 bolt in to keep the spring from releasing and breaking your arm and maybe putting a hole in your door! Since you've replaced one before, you know there are 3 bolts that hold the motor in place - but you gotta put that bolt in before you touch those bolts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 217
Likes: 21
I am in the middle of rebuilding the regulator, replacing motor, all rollers etc. Somewhere in this process I saw a reference to replacing the motor without pulling the regulator out. However if they are slow, you may have other issues in the system, just shine a light in and check it all out. The trick is to get the window in the correct position where you can put a 1/4-20 bolt in to keep the spring from releasing and breaking your arm and maybe putting a hole in your door! Since you've replaced one before, you know there are 3 bolts that hold the motor in place - but you gotta put that bolt in before you touch those bolts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Just start with the window UP.
The big spring will hold it up while you replace the motor.
The big spring will hold it up while you replace the motor.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 41
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Looks like you've been around a while Peterbuilt, assume you've done this before. Shouldn't you at least put a C-clamp or something on the regulator to keep that sucker from biting you?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
If the BIG spring is good the window will stay UP.
I'm surprised that just changing the motor made the OP's window go faster, usually, the old grease has turned to wax which is what slows everything down.
I'm surprised that just changing the motor made the OP's window go faster, usually, the old grease has turned to wax which is what slows everything down.