Windows on my '84

[elkabong]

I am new to this forum - lots of good info while I was reading away in stealth mode.

I have a '84 C4 that I just purchased bone stock with 25k miles.

The windows will only go up about 1/3 of the way and then there is a grinding noise - this happens on the driver and passenger sides. So being the inquisitive individual that I am I popped the door panel to see what was going on. There is a nylon geared track that seems to be broken - hence only going up 1/3 of the way and the grinding noise. So here is my question. The dealer says I need new door regulators to the tune of $920. I can find units from a salavage yard for $250 which is alot cheaper and I am fairly handy with a wrench and screwdriver. Can I just purhcase the nylon geared track or does the whole enchlidada need to be replaced?

Thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks in advance
elkabong

 

[Vettelt193]

yes, you can just replace the nylon gear thingy (now how's that for a technical term!) it is available from ecklers and mid-america

 

[elkabong]

Thanks for the info. I checked Ecklers and they had em for $199 each. So for a little more I get new stuff.

 

[DkBG]

Actually for alot more you get new stuff ! The nylon strap gears are only $20 apiece . The hard part is removeing the assembly . With such a low milage car I'd consider just replaceing the straps . For more info on this , type "windows" in the search feature of this forum . Cliff

 

[JonM]

84 wasn't GM's best year for window regulators...but for a 20 dollar bill you should try just the ribbon. What I did on my 84 was replace the entire unit. 85L-88 had a sissors type. Here are instructions for replacing.

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

 

[WhalePirot]

I've done the driver's side ribbon twice and the passenger side once since 1985. Car has 105k miles.

I clean and lube the sliders while I'm in there. Works great; costs little.

 

[elkabong]

WOW! I've gone from $920 to $400 to $20!!!! I looked at the ribbon from Zip and it is definately the piece that is broken. I also reviewed the link on how to replace the Window Regulator but how does the ribbon get installed. I understand the part about removing the regulator, is it as simple as just slide it in once the regulator is removed?

Again Thanks for this great info.

elkabong:J

 

[JonM]

This should clue you in about the ribbon

http://www.madvet.com/pdf/603939.pdf

 

[elkabong]

Cool!!!!! Looks easy enough.

Thanks.
elkabong

 

[JT ZR-Won]

It sounds like it is definately the window ribbon. My '85 did the same thing. The window rolled about 2/3 of the way up and then started that grinding noise. I was quoted some crazy figure to fix it.......a friend of my Dad's too. I guess he wasn't much of a friend after all
I knew I didn't need a new regulator motor because If it was bad, how would I even get my window up or down that 2/3 of the way? I knew it was only the ribbon that was bad.

You can fix it without removing the glass. It is kind of a pain in the arse. You need to remove the track that the ribbon sits on. Some of the lttle bolts are difficult to reach. I had used a little mirror to help me out. With a small mirror, you can find all the bolts behind all the supprt panels in the door. Also, there is a pop rivet on the very end.......at there was on my '85. You need to remove the rivet to get the ribbon off. I drilled mine out and replaced it with a very small nut & bolt and it worked just fine. It took some time and at least a six pack of beer but I saved a bunch of cash.

Click here and type "window ribbon" in the search field.
You just went from $20 to $17.99

Jay

 

[JonM]

Here is another tech tip

http://nznsi.tripod.com/corvette/corvetteforum.htm

 

[elkabong]

Thanks. That is what I call ribbon replacement by numbers. It should be a piece of cake. Now all I need to do is wait for the delivery guy to get here with the new ribbons. About a week or so.

Many thanks to everyone who gave $.02-$.05 worth. It is greatly appreciated. I'll keep everyone posted on the outcome.

elkabong.

 

[elkabong]

I got the window ribbons replace. Took me all day but it is done. :J The directions came in handy. Thanks to all who helped and provided information.

 

[JT ZR-Won]

Cool. Glad to hear you got it fixed........not to mention save a few $$

Jay

 

[elkabong]

I have a minor problem on adjusting the upper corner of the window. It still leaks a little bit. Any suggestions? I know it has to be something simple - but I seem to be brain dead at the moment.

 

[Eagle85C4]

Where is the leak? What part of the top?