1986 Window Apparently Off Track
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
1986 Window Apparently Off Track
We're changing the dew sweeps and inner window felts on my '86 - and the window decided to come off track the other day. Initially, it would still go up and down along with the motor, though it had to be helped downward at times to get with the motor - but the other day I guess the window made an especially long fall to catch up on the downward path... and now the thing is obviously entirely off track. Anyone have an idea what's going on here? The motor's still working. What should we look for? And what might we need to remove to get at it? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Found what's doubtless the key problem - there's a toothed strap in there, and it's broken up around it's higher mounting point. So - that obviously needs to be replaced. (By the way, the one in the passenger-side door is black; the toothed strap on the driver's side - the broken one - is white plastic. So... one's obviously been replaced.) So... I am supposing that inner-door steel needs to be removed and so-on. Where do we go from here? Many thanks in advance!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
The window ribbon can be obtained at Auto Zone and the like. You will find it in the "Help" section of parts. You will probly have to cut it to length but it isnt hard. Pull the door panel and the inner metal panel to access the window regulator assembly. I am not sure if you have to take the assembly out to replace the ribbon but I would imagine you would. My '85 has been updated to the more reliable scissor style regulators so I cant be more helpful than that.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Thank you for the reply. Ordered the ribbon for the '86 off eBay - but have been wondering if we ought to just go the scissor route. It's said to be more reliable, and unless I am mistaken, it is also a good bit easier to install.
Again, thanks!
Again, thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
It's also a LOT faster, which was worth the cost to me. I upgraded the passenger window after upgrading the driver's side and finding out how much better it was.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Since the "scissor" can be made shorter it is easier to get in and out. As I recall I had a hard time with getting the old ribbon one out. A lot more expensive than the ribbon but as Cliff mentioned, the window does move faster.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Went ahead and replaced the ribbon setup with a scissor unit I found on eBay. Installing it was still a bit of a job, but I am glad to have it in. Window speed isn't a huge issue with me - but yeah, this thing is a bit faster.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
Congrats on the fix. You will be changing the other one before long because you will be envious that one moves faster that the other, lol.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
