I know over the years there has been a lot of discussion about C5 window regulators and which ones to use, but most threads are old and I find that now I am looking at replacing the LH regulator on my 2001 Vert. I talked to the local Chevy dealership and apparently GM has discontinued the driver side window regulator. When looking for A/C Delco regulators on line, most sites say either sold out or no longer available. So it would seem that I now will have to use an aftermarket regulator. Brands available appear to be Doorman, Ultra Power, ACI, WAI Global and A Premium. I'm sure there are more but those seem to be the most prevalent. Most mechanics will say they don't much care for Doorman but won't really give a straight answer on why. I've used Doorman parts in the past and haven't had any problems with them. I have no knowledge or experience with any of the other brands I've listed. My question is does anybody have a suggestion for an aftermarket regulator? I would especially be interested in hearing from members who have replaced a regulator with a non OEM regulator in years past and how the regulator replacements have held up over the years. Any and all advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

 

The C-5 regulators are a generic (POS) part and are used in other vehicles. I have replaced both of mine with parts from Rock Auto.

 

Dorman brand from Amazon has been great so far.

 

I just replaced mine last week using the A Premium from Amazon. Comparing the original GM with the new replacement, the only difference I see is the lack of a GM sticker on the motor. Even the pulleys are the same color.

 

Top flight

EDIT: GM #10338548 cross refs to Dorman 748-472. Amazon APDTY 112499, Amazon OEG and others. Just plug in the GM number and see what you get. Also more info here as I am looking for the AC Delco for both sides. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...regulator.html

 

Remember you need a special pigtail for the passenger side, at least if you are replacing with an OEM regulator.
Funny, the window regulators work FINE on my 1969 Vette!!!!

VS

 

Update: I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Doorman window regulator. It appeared to be as well built as the OEM regulator. Removal was straightforward as indicated by other Forum posts and also YouTube videos. I do have one recommendation about removal. Many posts and videos say to pry up the rear of the power window switch to remove it from the panel before removing the door panel. Many have stated breaking the lip of the switch when using this step. I also broke the lip of the switch. Do not pry up on the switch to remove it. There is more than enough length to the switch wire to remove the door panel, reach behind an unplug the wire from the switch and after removing the panel, push up from below the switch to remove it. Doing this will save a lot of headache! I repaired the lip on my switch with superglue and adding more glue and baking soda for strength and it’s held up well so far. Back to the regulator. Highly recommend using masking tape to mark the edges of the window in relation to the door when the window is raised as well as the position of the old window regulator brackets on the window itself. This will make installation of the new regulator go faster as you now have reference points to work with. I put the new regulator in and lined it up with the masked off points on the window and door and it was aligned perfectly. Put the door back together and the regulator works great! I’ve had zero issues with it. So, I believe based on experience with the Doorman so far, I can recommend it to those members who may be looking to replace a regulator.

 

I used generic LH and RH replacement regulators bought on ebay. They work fine and have been in the car for several years.

 

Moved to C5 Tech.