Best/ Most reliable Window Regulator?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Best/ Most reliable Window Regulator?
Hi all. Need to replace my driver's side regulator and wondering what the latest consensus is on what to get. There were mixed reviews on the prior forum posts I reviewed. There are a bunch of aftermarket units around, but even the reviews on Amazon are either "great" or "sucks". The Delco's are running around $200, and there was some information from a few years ago that these required some wiring modifications. Is this true of the current 10344131 Delco unit?
I'm counting on the collective wisdom of the group to help me avoid a mistake here.
Thanks in advance!
Brandon
I'm counting on the collective wisdom of the group to help me avoid a mistake here.
Thanks in advance!
Brandon
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
I have installed both OEM and aftermarket on several C5's. From the looks of the construction $60 for aftermarket vs about $130 for OEM they are practical the same.
FYI, the OEM passenger regulator requires a change of the pigtail on the door harness. Not sure why GM did this. All of the passenger side aftermarket regulators don't need this change of connector.
Gary
FYI, the OEM passenger regulator requires a change of the pigtail on the door harness. Not sure why GM did this. All of the passenger side aftermarket regulators don't need this change of connector.
Gary
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Thanks for your responses. Gary, I wish I knew where you can get this OEM (Delco) part for $130, because the lowest price I found was $185 and it'll take over a month to get it.
I'm leaning toward the Dorman for $60 from Amazon-- anyone have a horror story to share before I pull the trigger? I figure at least I can return fairly easily if its doa or doesn't fit ;-)
Thanks again!
I'm leaning toward the Dorman for $60 from Amazon-- anyone have a horror story to share before I pull the trigger? I figure at least I can return fairly easily if its doa or doesn't fit ;-)
Thanks again!
Last edited by ZXoltan; Jan 30, 2022 at 07:03 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
Just looked at rockauto. They went up in price.
About a week ago a budy of mine ordered one from there for around $150 shipped. Put it in Friday night for him.
Here is the link to one I purchased for another friend and installed for them. https://smile.amazon.com/Premium-Reg...BCorvette&th=1
Did the install about 2yrs ago. No issues with it.
Gary
About a week ago a budy of mine ordered one from there for around $150 shipped. Put it in Friday night for him.
Here is the link to one I purchased for another friend and installed for them. https://smile.amazon.com/Premium-Reg...BCorvette&th=1
Did the install about 2yrs ago. No issues with it.
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,430
Likes: 4,829
From: BEST Corn-Nation
2015 C5 of the Year Winner
Not a C5 Corvette regulator but I replaced both in my '01 Silverado with the Dorman ones and they have worked great. I will definitely try them in my Vette when I need them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 447
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Worked at a corvette-only repair shop until 4 years ago and we (for years) have been putting in the cheapest $38 eBay ones and they were great. Not a single one ever came back. That’s one item we didn’t bother going GM.
If I need a regulator in my cherry C5z I’ll put in a cheapskate one without worry.
If I need a regulator in my cherry C5z I’ll put in a cheapskate one without worry.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 157
From: Maine
I have to add praise of a Dorman part unrelated to corvette. I replaced a valve cover on a SUV due to a failed integrated PVC system and only Dorman had a warning to check the intake manifold for a second part of the system that causes the valve cover part (diaphragm) to fail. I followed the Dorman procedure and the other part had failed. Dorman redesigned the intake manifold to stop the part from failing again. I would bet lots of folks just keep replacing valve covers and never fix the problem. 1.4 turbo used in many GM small cars
I would get an aftermarket part from rockauto and rock on.
I would get an aftermarket part from rockauto and rock on.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
I only replaced the motor, so this might not apply .
In researching the OEM part (window lift motor) as well as I could, people all said the OEM part was imported, so I went over to a neighborhood parts chain and got a made in Mexico motor that looked the same as the one I took out, and that seemingly matched the descriptions given on line from the people who bought the OEM parts.
Electric motors are pretty well understood everywhere, I figured there can't be more than a handful of people suppling these parts, if even that many, so my odds of getting the same part in a different box were pretty good, and it wasn't safety related , so no big deal.
I was somewhat surprised at the good condition of the rest of the window lift stuff on my high milage car. I appreciated the design advance over the more commonly used, slightly heavier scissors lifts. I figured with a convertible they would get more use than with a hard top , because of the automatic window functions associated with the top.
In researching the OEM part (window lift motor) as well as I could, people all said the OEM part was imported, so I went over to a neighborhood parts chain and got a made in Mexico motor that looked the same as the one I took out, and that seemingly matched the descriptions given on line from the people who bought the OEM parts.
Electric motors are pretty well understood everywhere, I figured there can't be more than a handful of people suppling these parts, if even that many, so my odds of getting the same part in a different box were pretty good, and it wasn't safety related , so no big deal.
I was somewhat surprised at the good condition of the rest of the window lift stuff on my high milage car. I appreciated the design advance over the more commonly used, slightly heavier scissors lifts. I figured with a convertible they would get more use than with a hard top , because of the automatic window functions associated with the top.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I just last week replaced the passenger window regulator on my 2001 convertible with a new GM Delco unit. It s not especially difficult, but it is a little fiddly and it’s very possible to break the door card when removing. So in hopes of not doing it again I went with the factory replacement. And yes, you do need a different wiring plug because GM chose to change the window motor plug. If you check Gmpartsdirect.com they’ll tell you the additional plug you need. If you haven’t done one before just watch a few videos. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Thank you all for your responses. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Dorman unit from Amazon. Hopefully they get it to me before the weekend so I can install it without having to drive around another week without my door panel.
Will post feedback for others needing to do this.
Save the wave! (Do people say this or do this anymore? lol)
Will post feedback for others needing to do this.
Save the wave! (Do people say this or do this anymore? lol)
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 6
From: Ocean Springs MS
ZXoltan,
Never saw an update on how the Doorman regulator worked out for you. It's a year later and I'm wondering if you still feel like you made a good choice with the Doorman? I too will be replacing my LH regulator and I'm looking for suggestions. Apparently GM has discontinued the LH regulator which I assume means AC/Delco no longer makes them. Everyone that had them appears to be sold out or they state no longer available. There are many aftermarket options, most I would think are made by companies in China or Mexico just with different Brand names. I know mechanics don't seem to much care for Doorman, but in my experience with Doorman products, most have worked well. So if you could give me an update on your regulator, it would be much appreciated!
Never saw an update on how the Doorman regulator worked out for you. It's a year later and I'm wondering if you still feel like you made a good choice with the Doorman? I too will be replacing my LH regulator and I'm looking for suggestions. Apparently GM has discontinued the LH regulator which I assume means AC/Delco no longer makes them. Everyone that had them appears to be sold out or they state no longer available. There are many aftermarket options, most I would think are made by companies in China or Mexico just with different Brand names. I know mechanics don't seem to much care for Doorman, but in my experience with Doorman products, most have worked well. So if you could give me an update on your regulator, it would be much appreciated!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Hi. The Dorman part worked great, it actually worked better than the original when I got the car (at 3000 miles, but 20 years old). Unfortunately, about 6 months installing it (and after having just put about 4k into the car) a huge pickup truck bumped me in the rear end on the way to work. I spun several times after getting hit by the truck and hit a concrete barrier a couple of times. The car sustained much less damage than I would have expected, but it was a total loss :-( Fortunately, I walked away unscathed.
Anyway, I ran the Dorman part for about 6 months, with flawless operation. In hindsight I would have done the same thing again.
I do recommend that you purchase a new rubber insulator panel if you haven't already replaced yours. Mine was hardened and cracked upon removal and it took a while to find a new one. Other than that, just follow the YouTube videos- pretty straightforward.
I really enjoyed that car and I miss it, but Miami is not the place I want to be driving a sportscar these days. I got hit three times within two years, and have gone to an SUV. I still have my 67 (but hardly ever take it out) and will likely buy another C5 or C6 when I make my escape from here ;-)
Good luck to you!
Brandon
Anyway, I ran the Dorman part for about 6 months, with flawless operation. In hindsight I would have done the same thing again.
I do recommend that you purchase a new rubber insulator panel if you haven't already replaced yours. Mine was hardened and cracked upon removal and it took a while to find a new one. Other than that, just follow the YouTube videos- pretty straightforward.
I really enjoyed that car and I miss it, but Miami is not the place I want to be driving a sportscar these days. I got hit three times within two years, and have gone to an SUV. I still have my 67 (but hardly ever take it out) and will likely buy another C5 or C6 when I make my escape from here ;-)
Good luck to you!
Brandon
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 6
From: Ocean Springs MS
Thanks for your quick response! Sorry to hear about the loss of your C5, I guess the important thing is that you walked away unhurt! I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and was out driving my 2001 C5 during Cruising the Coast and my driver side window started acting up so I did some searching on the Forum and found out it was the regulator. Been leaning towards the Doorman, just wanted to hear a positive comment from another member. I know what you mean when you say you don't get to drive your car as much as you would like. I also have a 2008 and I don't drive either car as much as I would like to, but its not due to the same kind of traffic as you experience in Miami! I just need to make more time for it. Anyway thanks again for your advice and help.
SAVE THE WAVE!!!
John
SAVE THE WAVE!!!
John