I've got my new convertible top on and my power windows adjusted as well as I can get them. The power windows go up and down ok but they go up much slower than down. I have the stops loose but there isn't enough force to bring them all the way up with the doors closed. Bringing them up I can stop them with my hand without much force. My question is, do the 50 year old motors get weak over time ? I hate to replace the motors if that isn't the problem !!!!!

 

Not sure about your 69 but this is what I learned on my 78. Make sure all of your tracks are clean and have a little lube on them. And the weatherstripping along the back edge of the windshield along the A pillars was hard. It Didn't seem that way until I got my hands on new weatherstripping. Make sure you have a good ground to the doors. Once I did that they almost fly up and down. My motors are original from 78 but the regulators have been changed out. And when I did that I put a little grease inside the tip of the motors to lube up the gears.

 

What condition are the coil springs on the regulator ? . They wear out over time and give less help offsetting the weight of the glass.

 

I was trying to avoid gutting the doors but I guess that will be my next adventure on this 68 !!!!

 

Secure the part marked VICE and have a helper hold pressure on the long arm while you remove the bolt and NUT, then unwind the spring CLOCKWISE.
Replace the spring and rewind and replace the bolt and NUT.

 

So I removed the motor with the window up. With out the motor the window drops like a rock !!! Is this a sign of a weak spring ?

 

the spring is to help the window up with spring pressure, when the window goes down it loads the spring
so your spring is not loading while its going down, sounds like regulators not clocked right

 

Thanks LT-1.....I guess I don't understand what you mean about the regulator not being clocked right. I had to raise the window all of the way up to put the motor back in. But raising it up I can feel that I'm lifting the whole weight of the window. It doesn't feel like the spring is helping at all. I was trying to avoid removing the regulator as this is an early 68 so removing the glass is harder that later C3s.

 

Hello 76Yellow,

I think I know what you are dealing with as my 1968 C3 Convertible came with the power windows from the factory. The drivers door window does not like going up completely without a little help. The windows going down on my car is smooth. Going up and sealing is something my car has not been able to do since I bought it. I changed the major components but getting it exactly in the right position requires a skill I am weak on. I have tried many times tinkering and re-adjusting it before realizing that the car is VERY seldom driven with the windows in the UP position. Being a convertible I only drive it when the conditions are favorable and I won't need the top.
One of the biggest problems/Impairments was the factory Grease they used to lubricate the window tracks. I used a hot air gun/blower and used it to heat up the grease and then the old grease comes off much easier. The original grease dried up and became a hard material that worked against the system. After installing the clean window tracks with fresh grease there was a lot less resistance. The only problem was id did not fix the window fitment issue.

There are a lot of Experts in their fields here on this Form, someone must know the proper way of adjusting or setting up the Power Windows along with the related parts on the ONE YEAR Only Power Windows on the 1968 C3 Corvettes with Power Windows.

 

Thanks for your insight ctmccloskey ! I've become quite good at fitment. I just trying to find out how much force should it take to push the window up with the motor removed. Right now it takes a lot to lift it with my hands. If the spring is supposed to help it I don't think it is !!!!! I'm just dreading having to remove the glass and regulator be cause on an early 68 it is not a walk in the park !!!!!

 

I replaced the spring inside the drivers door and you do have to be careful. It is too bad you are not closer or I would ask your help getting it aligned properly. It seems that most windows simply go up and down. The 1968 C3 door with the power windows is a unique piece as it needs to to go out as it goes up and I think that might be part of the cause of the extra fun. While I had the window power mechanism out for work I replaced the plastic rollers and any other part that wears. I found taking one of those round stiff foam floating tubes used in swimming pools and I cut pieces of it to help "hold" the parts in place and break any fall so I don't have to replace windows as well. I also have a bunch of sand paper rolls and shapes which are a finger saver while working on the windows.

The door on my Drivers side has been drooping a bit along the front part of the window which makes it hard to open, I am hoping that it won't be too hard to fix before it warms up. But like I suggested earlier, I virtually never drive with the windows up, my BB and 4 speed options but no A.C. options? The car has the Hard Top which I have not used much as it is tough by yourself.

I have been reading your Posts here on the forum while you are working on your 1968 project. They are very cool cars and as you learn more about them you will be able to do more of the work on your C3 yourself. My C3 was in a Barn for a while right before we bought it. I knew very little about Corvettes but had been a VW air and water cooled mechanic. I had built lots of engines prior to touching a 427 so I got some help early on. My C3 was built in early October as the last four digits are 2595. It came with a L71 427, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Steering, Electronic Ignition, 2 tops and a four speed.

Good Luck with your 1968 C3 and some of us who have had their 1968 C3's for a while should be able to help you. It is awesome the support that you can get here! But You already know that! I have been tinkering with mine for 32.5 years and I am still learning new things, I love the Corvette Forum!! This Forum really helps make the Corvette more affordable for those who are early in life and short on bucks. I have saved a lot of money doing things myself as it is easier when you know that this Forum will help you if you have trouble.

Best regards,
Chris

 

Thanks Chris.....this isn't the first C3 I've rebuilt....I've had six so far. This was a barn find kinda...I got from estate sale. My intension was to flip it but instead I've rebuilt it completely ! I'm just about done and I plan on posting the whole story and pictures soon !!!! As far as the windows adventure I think i'm going to say GOOD ENOUGH ! At 78 years old I never thought I would say I wish I had crank up windows ! LOL

 

Yes , the spring is there to counterbalance the weight of the glass. Like the springs on your garage door.

 

I apologize for any offenses in our past posts. I meant none.

You are a brave man to keep working on these projects at your age! I am in my mid sixties but since I was 35 I have had to live with five crushed discs in my lower back which is painful enough that you can't live with powerful medications 24/7/365. I have a C3 and a 1988 C4 which I have had for many years. I really love the 1968 Model C3 and the way they made it.

1Hotrodz is absolutely right! I had to take every panel off the inside of the door and try to get the parts replaced. Getting the spring would up properly so it helps you lift the windows. My passengers side is a bit slower going up and down, it is smooth and goes all; the way to the top.

I love Corvettes and the people that own them (mostly) and I enjoy being part of the community. Over the many years of being retired early I worked on my C3 and then had 2 kids which slowed things down. They have finished college and are married and gone. Now I have the time to get the 1968 top replaced and the other projects (like paint) done to keep my Corvette in shape.

Having a 1968 Corvette can be a lot of fun if you have most of the "correct" parts to start with. The fact it is unique makes me like it even more. Finding parts can be a challenge at times. It is much easier to work on than the later Corvettes as there is so much more room, I can change all 8 spark plugs from above the car even with headers.