Is a 1986 ribbon style window regulator repairable?
#1
Navigator
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2011
Location: Springfield MO
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Is a 1986 ribbon style window regulator repairable?
My window is stuck in the down position, of course I discovered this at the car wash. The button works, window motor works continuously, just doesn't roll the window up. The FSM states that non-chrome ribbon regulators are not repairable, and the entire regulator assembly must be replaced. I have read some posts that state otherwise. Has anyone successfully repaired one of these?
Not sure if it is related, but earlier in the day I heard a loud pop. At the time I thought it was a rock, could have been the sound of something breaking.
Not sure if it is related, but earlier in the day I heard a loud pop. At the time I thought it was a rock, could have been the sound of something breaking.
#3
Burning Brakes
I would guess your nylon ribbon is broken. You can order the ribbon from any of the vendors and replace it. The cost about $20. I replaced mine on my 86.
#5
Melting Slicks
Hundreds of the early style window regulators ended up in the trash.
I upgraded to the later model type as the ribbon type are so slow, threw the old ribbon type in the trash i bet many on this forum have done the same.
I upgraded to the later model type as the ribbon type are so slow, threw the old ribbon type in the trash i bet many on this forum have done the same.
#6
i replaced the ribbon on my 85 when it broke. after i cleaned 20+ years of crap out of the track and lubed everything, i had a 3 seconds down time, and 4 seconds up time which is close to the later scissor type. an upgrade would be better, but it's $20 vs. maybe $200-$300 or more, if you do both sides.
Last edited by Joe C; 03-25-2012 at 08:13 AM.
#7
here's a tip
I have changed mine and I learned a couple of things. First, don't order a ribbon. I ordered one from Corvette Central and waited for it to show up a week later. I opened the package and it was HELP brand that O'reilly sells. It said on the package "fits dodge and chrysler". It was the right one for the Corvette. So I paid more and waited a week that I didn't need to. Removing the door panel and the inner metal panel are a pain. Lotsa sharp edges in there. You will need a pop rivet gun and a drill.
#8
[QUOTE=martymcfly;1580373282]I have changed mine and I learned a couple of things. First, don't order a ribbon. I ordered one from Corvette Central and waited for it to show up a week later. I opened the package and it was HELP brand that O'reilly sells. It said on the package "fits dodge and chrysler". It was the right one for the Corvette. So I paid more and waited a week that I didn't need to. Removing the door panel and the inner metal panel are a pain. Lotsa sharp edges in there. You will need a pop rivet gun and a drill.[/QUOTEthis is excellent info
#10
I have changed mine and I learned a couple of things. First, don't order a ribbon. I ordered one from Corvette Central and waited for it to show up a week later. I opened the package and it was HELP brand that O'reilly sells. It said on the package "fits dodge and chrysler". It was the right one for the Corvette. So I paid more and waited a week that I didn't need to. Removing the door panel and the inner metal panel are a pain. Lotsa sharp edges in there. You will need a pop rivet gun and a drill.
#11
Navigator
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2011
Location: Springfield MO
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the feedback.
I would like to eventually upgrade both sides, but for now if I can get away with the $20 fix I will. I was planning on buying new tires next weekend, two new regulators would cancel those plans. My windows are down all summer anyway.
Thanks for the tip McFly.
I would like to eventually upgrade both sides, but for now if I can get away with the $20 fix I will. I was planning on buying new tires next weekend, two new regulators would cancel those plans. My windows are down all summer anyway.
Thanks for the tip McFly.
#12
not $20
I think it was more like $16. I have been into the doors more times than i would like to admit. Hatch switch, exterior window sweeper, window ribbon. Is the upgrade a direct bolt in and plug in? Other than adjusting the window where it bolts on, any other adjustments?
#13
I think it was more like $16. I have been into the doors more times than i would like to admit. Hatch switch, exterior window sweeper, window ribbon. Is the upgrade a direct bolt in and plug in? Other than adjusting the window where it bolts on, any other adjustments?
#14
Navigator
Thread Starter
Member Since: Jul 2011
Location: Springfield MO
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I replaced the ribbon today. Auto Zone had two on the shelf part number 74413 ($16.99). Took me about four hours to replace, but I'm a newbie so I was taking my time and being careful. I could have probably done in it two hours, but then I would of had to mow.
Thanks again for all of the feedback it was very helpful.
Thanks again for all of the feedback it was very helpful.
#15