Another Window Ribbon Question??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Another Window Ribbon Question??
I have a 86 coupe. The drivers window goes up a little slow.I have been reading the posts but; does this mean I need a new ribbon or just grease? Does the ribbon wear out like the headlight gears? I haven't taken the door panel off yet. I know I can upgrade but; not interested in that project right now.
thanks
thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 325
From: San Antonio Tx
If it is not broken I would just clean and lube everything. I used a silicone spray. Grease gets all gummed up. Easy to do without taking everything apart. The aftermarket ones have only lasted me three or four years at the most. As AGENT 86 said, CONVERSION is the best long term answer.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 8
I just did mine ribbon swap a week ago,the first time it's a little hard and time consuming,i had mine from Corvette America and its' half wide than stock,here a pic in mm
if you want some pics...
if you want some pics...
Last edited by tunedport85inject; Jun 3, 2013 at 05:11 PM.
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 5
here are a few tips.
If money is tight, buy a ribbon at o'reilly's. It is the one that says fits chrysler. It should be about $16. You will need a pop rivet gun and a couple of beers. There are a lot of sharp edges in the, so wear mechanix gloves. Take the door panel off, then the silver panel to get to the mechanism. One of the plastic clips will break for sure, because they are old. Try to remember how the window bolts in, so that you won't have to adjust it later.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 8
Before removing the window glass,mark its position on the plastic withe braket using a sharpie
mark bolts edge and braket edge over the glass
IMPORTANT thereins't need to remove aluminum frame lot of lock rods ...let it stay and simply slide on a side
mark bolts edge and braket edge over the glass
IMPORTANT thereins't need to remove aluminum frame lot of lock rods ...let it stay and simply slide on a side
Last edited by tunedport85inject; Jun 4, 2013 at 01:46 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
If the ribbon is broken the window won't move at all.
The original window motor was made small to save weight and then geared way down so it could get the window up.
The later window regulators are much faster and more robust. They eliminated the ribbon and use gears instead. I have a later GM window regulator in my driver's door and an aftermarket one in the passenger door. I don't like the aftermarket one because the glass tilts and sometimes it leaks at the top in the rain or car wash.
The original window motor was made small to save weight and then geared way down so it could get the window up.
The later window regulators are much faster and more robust. They eliminated the ribbon and use gears instead. I have a later GM window regulator in my driver's door and an aftermarket one in the passenger door. I don't like the aftermarket one because the glass tilts and sometimes it leaks at the top in the rain or car wash.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
I recommend upgrading to the later window regulators without the ribbon, your windows will go up and down so much faster. 
You will never have to suffer a broken ribbon preventing you putting the window up in the rain, no matter how fast you drive the water will pour in.
You will never have to suffer a broken ribbon preventing you putting the window up in the rain, no matter how fast you drive the water will pour in.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 5
From: Bay Shore, NY
I did the same to mine after I cleaned off all the old gunk. They aren't lightning fast, but definitely faster than they were before I cleaned them up.