Installing Window Regulator

[afishkind]

I know there are endless articles on this including Wayne's guide...but after trying most of the weekend I can't seem to get the regulator in correctly. I think the problem is in the order the steps are done. For example, I think putting the motor on prior to putting the wheels back on the tracks made it difficult for me to get the regulator at the right angle to attach the 4 bolts on the upper right of the driver's side door.

I even got the meshing the gears right when attaching the motor which has to be the most difficult part.

I looked at several lists of what order to do things in..and I keep failing. Does anyone have a suggest list/order they could suggest?

Thanks...this is my first real project...feeling like a noob. If anyone in Houston is available for onsite consult I could make it worth your while.

[afishkind]

This is probably the answer...involving a cable tie

"When the regulator is reassembled with the spring properly tensioned, it will be roughly L-shaped (impossible to put back inside the door without removing the window channel). Pull the spring-loaded arm down until it is aligned with the rest of the mechanism, and tie it in that position with a cable tie. Test fit the motor to ensure that it aligns with the mounting bolt holes and the regulator gear teeth."

[steely]

I removed the motor from the regulator frame while it was in the door - had to have the window propped up with wood or tape - this was from some of my notes. I am certain I did it reverse order when it went back in.
edit:
these are my notes for replacement - my removal notes are much more detailed. Note: I had the entire window out:
Remove old felt from Front track
Install latch – reconnect cable and rod into plastic cups
Emplace regulator
Install new squeegee
Emplace main window
Install motor
Replace felt in Front track
Install Front track / with new bracket
Install rear track
Install regulator
Install trim
Clean/Repair/replace door shell moisture barrier
Switch wiring
Clean/install Panel
Clean/repair/install Door pocket
Repair crack / Install Cap

[afishkind]

Thanks Steely...I'm getting a clearer picture.

I did a repair as documented here to replace the broken pivot spring retainer.

This created more spring tension which I believe drew the regulator tighter decreasing the angle between arms and the regulator. I was able to get the regulator in...and attach the motor...but then I couldn't get the four holes of the regulator to line up to put the bolts in. I think the tension is now too great to get the regulator to move against the spring tension to align with the holes.

If this is correct, then Wayne's suggestion to tie the regulator down with a cable tie to in effect decrease the L Shape would then leave the four holes aligned.

Now I just have to figure out the order of the following steps:

pull regulator "down" with cable tie to decrease angle between arms and regulator
put lower wheel in track
put upper wheels in track
attach motor
put in 4 bolts to secure regulator
put in 2 bolts to secure bottom track
release cable tie

and...I need to know if I need to remove the window entirely or not...

lots of cuts on hands...but happy to finally be tackling projects...

when I do the passenger door I'm gonna shoot pics and video step by step ... my turn to contribute.

[afishkind]

Ok...my summary tips for folks installing their window regulators - my experience from a 1984 911 Carrera Coupe:

1. Follow Bob Tindel's advice - it's critical - use a cable tie as described if you don't want to remove the window channel or glass:

When the regulator is reassembled with the spring properly tensioned, it will be roughly L-shaped (impossible to put back inside the door without removing the window channel). Pull the spring-loaded arm down until it is aligned with the rest of the mechanism, and tie it in that position with a cable tie. Test fit the motor to ensure that it aligns with the mounting bolt holes and the regulator gear teeth.

The regulator can now be inserted into the door (without removing the window channel or glass).

Bolt the motor onto the regulator. After ensuring that the gears mesh, cut the cable tie.

Reinsert the rollers into the window track.

2. When putting in the regulator, tape the window about 3/4 closed - this will give you enough clearance to not damage the window.

3. After bolting on the motor, then lower the window down to near the bottom to easily insert the rollers into the tracks.

4. Push the window back up to almost closed to most easily put the 4 screws back in to hold the rectangular regulator body to the door.

5. Insert the two leads back on to the motor - there's no good way to visualize it while you do this ... so just do it blind by hand angling the leads slightly up and back to match the angle of the male terminals.

6. When testing the motor, remember that you have to install both window switches to complete the circuit. Hopefully you labelled the terminals of the wires with a silver sharpie 1 - 5 before you removed them .. if you didn't go right to this diagram here.

7. The windows know when to stop at top and bottom. At the bottom you can replace the rubber where the regulator arms reach the bottom of the inner door using a do it yourself gasket kit and cutting the pieces to shape - glueing them in with contact cement. See here ... no need to order the rubber part. Don't glue the rubber over the drainage holes.

Regards and happy window regulator insertion!

[steely]

just seeing this (your reply and tips) - Congratulations on your success.
Out of all of the fun I have had with mine, I do remember that replacing the fuel lines in the tunnel, and this job, were the most fun (aka biggest PITA's) :-)