OK - on a scale of 1 to 10 how hard is it to completely replace the window regulator in an 88? I have never seen the inside of a Vette door and have never even taken a Vette door apart. I don't work on cars but I am not completely inept. What would you guys say on this scale given the info I just stated about myself? Thanks.

 

Well, that all depends on your level of control and patience and how quickly you can figure out graphic things. It's a tough "first project" (not in the same league with changing spark plugs) but I think doable.

If you don't do much work on cars, it ain't "rocket science", but the learning curve might be steep. And you may make a few trips to Sears for the "right tools".

You will need to remove the door panel, arm rest, etc and undo some electrical connections. Once it's opened up, you need to remove an inner Al pannel for access to the bolts that hold the window and regulator. Then you need to separate the regulator from the framework and the window glass and prop the window glass up on the little inside ledge so you have room to maneuver the regulator out. If you don't disturb the alignment you simply reverse the steps and maybe do a little trim alignment on the glass fit to the seals and voila, done. On the up side, instructions came with the regulator assembly that I bought and recently installed in my driver's door.

Bottom line, if you want to start to work on your Vette, just go for it. Worst case you take all the parts to the auto glass shop and have them finish it. Best case you do a good job and feel great about it and yourself.

Since I don't always agree on how the mags rate some of their little projects, lets hear some other opinions.

 

I did both of mine about 9 months ago. If 1 = air filter and 10 = changing a cam, I'd say its a 6 job.

The hardest part is removing the little clips holding the door lock rods, and doing so in a way they can be reused. Otherwise, it's not too bad with patience. If you can get the window to operate, you will want it about half-way down. My passenger side window was up, so I had to remove more things from the piece of glass and the door in order to take the glass up through the top. Otherwise, you can leave the glass in the door on the little ledge like mentioned above.

Mainly, it's a matter of remembering how it came apart so you can put it back together.

Wade

 

This is really good stuff - appreciate it!