Window Problem 87 911 - See Pics - Need help.

[ace123]

My 87 911 Coupe window didn't work. I took the door panel off this weekend which is probably the biggest project I've done on my car. Thanks for the great doco by the way. I was surprised to see what was going on in there.

Look at the 2 attached pictures. (Ignore the extra blue little boxes - crappy program). I see 3 problems.

1) It looks like the arm is bent on the window regulator or whatever it is called.
2) The nylon roller at the end of the arm broke in half. It is a little tough to see.
3) What I think is the worst issue. Look at the 5mm hex bolts on the door. They look like they are bent down as well.

What should I do to fix it? Do I need to replace the entire window regulator and motor or is there an easier way such as bending it and replacing the nylon roller.

Thanks!
Ace

[pete3799]

Not familiar with an 87 but......
The bolts (mounts) appear to be formed that way from the factory (to my eye).
The regulator it self looks like it could be straightened but i don't think the rollers are available separately.
See if you can source a used one on here.
So your saying the window motor bent that arm?

[vulcan300]

If your door is the same as my 86 I believe the nuts should be perpendicular to the inner skin of the door. It looks like the assembly jammed and the torque from the motor bent things out of shape. The regulator arm should not be bent like it is. If you remove the assembly you may find a way to fix it, but if you can't you'll want to post in the for sale section for a used assembly. As for the bent bolt holes, and with the regulator assembly out of the way (and assuming others confirm that the bolts should not be on an angle like that);

- Find a long bolt (2-3") that has as wide a diameter as possible but will fit through through the hole
- Place a nut and washer on one side, slide through the hole, and place a washer and nut on the other side
- Tighten both nuts together
- Use a pair of vice grips and apply leverage to the bolt to bend the sheet metal back into position. You could also use a hammer for some gentle persuasion

Good luck,

J

[aston@ultrasw.c]

Buy the whole assembly from this guy

FS door hardware 86

[ace123]

I'm pretty sure the bolts should not be bent. It doesn't make sense, especially for the one on the left. It has a slider which will not work if bent. I didn't post the closeup of that one, but it is the same os the one on the right.

Yes, the window motor definately bent the arm. I unbent/straightened it a little, but not enough. I'd hate to have to take the whole regulator out. It seems like a bunch of people had trouble doing it on this forum. It seems tricky to get in and out.

Is there anyway to replace/repair the white nylon roller? I have the other half that fell into the door well.

[ace123]

The straightening technique seems like a good idea. Does anybody have any thoughts on it? That might be the toughest challenge.

[shrtshck]

I had mine apart last year to change the power window motor, the bolts should not be bent as yours are, they should be perpendicular to the inner door skin.
You can try pulling the assembly out and straightening the bent arm (nothing ventured nothing gained) but the part is likely to bend again at the same place.
I'd check the salvage yards for a used assembly, that would address the broken roller as well.
Remember to grease the tracks that the roller moves in and clean the window guides.

[warner53]

Go for it and take it out and try to straighten or replace with used parts.

Luck

[ace123]

OK - I'm going to buy the new assembly and take the regulator out. I did a search on the regulator removal and I saw the one that PP has, but there are no pictures.

Does anyone have a good procedure/link with some pictures in it?

Thanks!

[ace123]

When I said "new" I really meant to say used part of course.

[ace123]

Targamaniac - Thanks for the tip on straightening out the holes. I did exactly as you stated and it worked great!

I'm working the regulator today. I've taken out the old one. The new one is slightly different, but I believe it will work. I'm going to try it anyway.

[ace123]

I put in a regulator from a 1981 Porsche it is lightly different, but it fits. The last piece that needs to be done is the part that attaches to the window. It is rusted so I painted it with some rust proof type paint.

Question: do I need to glue that part to the bottom of the window or does the window stay on it because of the pressure?

[ace123]

Yeah. You are right. I straightened them out today with the method above. But the funny thing is that now I use the bolt next ( left ) to the second arrow. The 81 replacement regulator is a little different from the 87 original regulator. I thought it would be an issue, but I don't think it is. I should post a pic of it.