Car windows are typically a sheet of glass set into a scissor-pulley track, turned by a crank that is either hand-operated or motorized. When the glass does not roll up and close, several parts may have malfunctioned and require repair. The average mechanic will spend about a half hour to disassemble the door and fix the problem when a classic car window won’t operate.
When you turn a crank arm to raise or lower a manual window in a vehicle, a component known as a regulator, located on the inside of the door panel, makes the glass go up or down. Over time, or as the result of damage to the door panel, a manual window regulator can stop working. Fortunately, changing a manual window regulator is one of the easier do-it-yourself fixes in the world of auto repair, and you can save money by replacing it yourself.
Step 1
Disconnect the vehicle’s battery. Even though the window regulator is manual, the inside of the door panel may have wires running through, and you must ensure no power runs through it while you perform the repairs.
Step 2
Remove the vehicle’s interior door panel. On most cars, you will perform this step by loosening the door handle mount screw with the appropriate screwdriver while turning the handle crank screw that holds the window in place. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual just to be on the safe side, however. Finally, remove any bolts or rivets securing the door panel in place using a socket wrench.
Step 3
Check the window glass’s position in the track(s). If the glass has become dislodged from the track, or tilted to one side, it may not raise when cranked. The tracks themselves may have come loose over time and may need to be tightened for the glass to fit properly.
Step 4
For manual windows, check the operation of the crank and its connection to the scissor-shaped jacking mechanism. If the crank’s operation does not move these arms, the window will not raise. Normally, the entire window pulley system must be replaced when one of the mechanical parts of it fails.
Step 5
Remove the glass retainer bolts — for most vehicles, by turning the bolts counterclockwise. At this point, the glass pane will be loose, allowing you to pull it up and take it out of the door panel. Be careful not to chip, scratch or damage the glass when you set it down.
Step 6
Locate the manual window regulator and remove it by loosening the mount bolts with a socket wrench.
Step 7
Replace the damaged window regulator with a new one
Step 8
Reposition the glass pane in its original position so it aligns correctly with your new window regulator. Place it in the same position it was in when you took it out in Step 5.
Step 9
Temporarily put the crank back on the regulator and turn the crank in both directions to make sure the window is moving up and down easily. If not, you may add some lubricant onto the tracks and try the knob again.
Press the door panel back into place by realigning it with its rivets. Tighten all remaining screws and bolts to secure the door panel.
Now you are on your way with the next drive with the windows ready for all conditions; without the fear that the classic car window won’t operate.
I’m looking for someone with the capability to overhaul a front door window regulator out of a 1931 Model A Ford Victoria
John; that is a great question. I am not aware of any shops that specifically do manual window regulator rebuilding. My suggestion would be to try a local car restoration shop that may have the ability to do the regulator restoration work for you. Or try a power window restoration shop as they may also have the ability to do manual regulators.