Advice on ribbon cable for 85 window

[c4ever]

I just opened up my driver side door panel on the 85 and pretty much got stuck (even with the manual) on getting the inside cover plate off. Does anyone know the easiest way to release the rods for the handle and lock mechanism? I can't believe the way they designed this thing I can reach behind it and feel the ribbon cable has broke. I was wondering if I can somehow replace it without taking out the entire assembly? There is an allen key bolt that is at the top of the ribbon cable but it seems the nut behind it is turning free and there is no way to get to it. Any advice is appreciated. I don't want to hack at this thing and the manual isn't really descriptive enough. This is the first time it's ever been opened up and I'd like to see it go back together correctly.
Carlo

 

[berky2500]

It will be very difficult to work on the window regulator without pulling it out of the door. But you can't do that without removing the inner door. I assume you already have all of the screws removed around the perimeter of the inner door sheet metal and it is just hanging by the lock and door handle rods.

For the door handle rod, there is a metal capturing clip that is over the rod and clipped to the door handle lever. The locking tab on this clip has to be pryed up to allow the clip to be popped off. You have to do this part with your hands behind the door panel while it is still in the door, but it makes it easier if you have the panel loose and can move it lower in the door so you can see.

The rods also ride in some plastic guides on the back of the sheet metal, these also have to be popped out with a flat screwdriver. To make this easier, you can remove part of the door lock rod at the back of the door where it pivots up to the outer key switch.

The rod has two 90 degree bends in it and is captured in a metal connector at this point. I had to spread the metal connector (basically C-shaped) to allow it to be popped off of the door lock rod.

Once you have all of the rods loose, and all of the mounting screws removed, now the inner door can be removed, but it isn't as easy as it should be. You have jockey the panel around down inside the door and turn it so that it can come out of the door opening at an angle.

This is one of those things that is very hard to describe how to do and is very hard to do until you've done it once. Once you have it out, then it will be more apparent how it was supposed to come out. Another one of those vette, catch-22s.

After you get all of that out, you can work on the ribbon. I'm not sure if you can replace it inside the door, or if you will have to remove the window regulator. The regulator is easier to get out of the door than the inner door was, but you have to remove the window which is not too hard.

I'll quit writing for now, shout if you get stuck again...

 

[Eagle85C4]

Your best bet is to scrap the 85 regulator for the updated one. First off there is no ribbon and it moves the window much faster.
The only hassle is drilling two new holes for the bottom of the new regulator. You can find them on ebay for around a hundred...

 

[JonM]

This may give you a couple clues.

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2000/december/window/windowpg1.asp

 

[c4ever]

Thanks to all. You pretty much nailed it berky. I went back in yesterday and finally got it out.

I hear ya Ray about these regulators but I don't want to get into replacing it quite yet. Now that I have it apart the next time if needed won't be so bad.

I just hope I get it back together right

 

[c4ever]

Well the ribbon went in today without a hitch but there were many I NEED A COLD ONE moments. I didn't even have any screws left over You just can't beat the satisfaction of knowing it was done right and thanks to this forum I'm not afraid of jumping in.

Carlo

 

[JonM]

Something has to be wrong if you don't have any parts left over. Congradulations.

 

[V..rroom]

Along these same lines...my passenger window went up real slooowwww last time and I didn't think it was going to make it up all the way...is there a way to lubricate the ribbon...YVette is an 86 and I'm assuming it has the ribbon because it is slow...her vin is 7252. If anyone knows when the improved regulators were installed, that would be good information to have..thanks...
I haven't attempted to do anything, I'm not comfortable at this time to start pulling her door apart when it isn't broke...I'm just thinking some PM would help...
also on lubrications...her passenger side remote mirrow doesn't work...I heard that that could also be a lube problem...is there a way to lube the cable assembly easily to see if that will fix it or if the switch or ?? is bad...the drivers side works fine..thanks

 

[berky2500]

Good job Carlo, glad to hear you got it all done.

V,
I don't think lubing will help until you first clean all of the gunk, dirt, and grime off of the ribbon and track. Mine wouldn't go up with out help, but after I took the regulator out, cleaned it all with solvent, then regreased, it goes up adequately. Unfortunately, you can only accomplish this by taking the door apart.

You just have to decide how long you can live with the slow motor. When mine fails, I'll probably upgrade to the newer regulator.

 

[elkabong]

I have replaced the ribbon on the passenger side 3x and 2x on the drivers side. I got some from ebay - $170 for both - 2 seperate auctions. Now I am ready. :s

 

[c4ever]

Geeezz! I'm surprised my held out this long. I know it's the first time it's been replaced. If they start breaking at your rate it's to the new regulator for me.

Carlo