1970 Window Lift Button

[DaveNorCal]

The passenger window suddenly fell to the open position. The plastic window regulator button, that slides in the channel that attaches to the glass, split into two halves. This button attaches to the regulator with a small flat blade that runs through the middle of the button. This flat blade is two parts that are bent in opposite directions which holds the button to the traveling portion of the regulator mechanism. Think of it like the metal closure on a paper envelope. The question to you all is: In order to slide on a new button, will it be okay to straighten the two halves of the blade and then re-bend them after the new button is on? Or, will this bending and re-bending work harden the material and cause it to fail?

Here is a picture of the cracked button:



Here is a parts diagram showing the location of the button in the regulator:

[jess p]

My second 914 which is a 1970 has the door panels off with the glass out. I have looked at that piece, the bracket that screws on to the window carrier. That bracket with the button is fairly thick. You would only need to slightly flare it out in the middle to insert the button and then flare it back. I don’t see why you would need to flatten it out .i used a small vice grips with needle type, however I could have used a small adjustable wrench. Adjust it closed then open slightly. Hope this helps, if not. I will take a second look at it. Those buttons are fairly hard plastic but you know like every thing else our cars are 50 years old.

[DaveNorCal]

Jess, is the bracket you refer to the same the lifter channel shown in Fig. 10.41 my posting? In that case, I thought I could get the button in the channel by removing one of the screws at ether end. But I see your point now.

I’m scratching my head about how the button is attached to the cable that moves inside the tube. The cable has a flat metal appendage that sticks out of the slot in the tube and moves when the crank is operated. That flat metal appendage is split and then flared like the attached picture, which keeps the button from slipping off. I’m wondering how malleable the flared ends are? My hope is they will compress and spring back once the button is on. I might be overthinking this…it looks like I go for it once I receive the new buttons.

[jess p]

Dave, I would use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding that bracket, then replace the button in the bracket being careful not the strip the screws. I’ll look at mine again and look at the bracket with the button. I will repost here shortly.

[jess p]

Ok I was incorrect. The button is attached to a rail. If you turn your window crank clockwise the button will go all the way to the bottom of the door. The rail can be remove by a screw UNDER the door.. Afrer removing the screw under the door and the rail is loose you may be able to turn the window crank slightly more clockwise and the button may be removed somehow at the end of the cable inside the rail. The bracket in your picture that is screwed to a flat plate on the window is just a channel that the button rolls in.

[sdarrow]

Hi Dave. I have same problem on my 70 914/6. I cannot find the button roller or the assembly. Can you share where you obtained? Also, figure out how to replace/repair? Thank you!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Have you checked over at 914rubber?

--DD

[sdarrow]

Thank you Dave. I had looked there before but was not using the "correct" name. Lets hope that helps narrow or eleminates, gap between window and targa top.