Behind this door lies a problem....
Behind this door lies a problem. Let's figure it out and make our next pleasure drive an actual pleasure.
As anyone who gets up in the morning with creaking sounds emanating from their bodies and not their bed frame will attest, time doesn't stand still for anyone or anything. Where ever you have a moving part, be it your knees or your classic Mustang's window regulators, age and rough use take their toll on them and cause issues down the road. While we're not qualified to give you medical advice about your aching joints, we can certainly share our Mustang knowledge with you to get your aged window mechanisms working freely once again.
Tackling your classic Mustang window issues is a simple weekend project that won't set your wallet on fire either. While the worst case scenario is the need to replace the window regulator, often times the issue with a sticky window is nothing more than a worn window roller or the need for some adjustment and lubrication to get your glass moving with ease once again. With some simple handtools, a few hours of your time, and a couple of replacement parts, your classic Mustang's windows will be rolling up and down with little effort and you'll have one less annoyance in your life.
Before the door panel can...
Before the door panel can be removed for access to the door, all window cranks/door handles, arm rests, and so on must be removed. For most owners, the handles are removed with an Allen wrench.
For '65 Mustang owners, the...
For '65 Mustang owners, the window crank is held on via a spring clip in the door handle. A tool like what we're demonstrating here is what you'd use to disengage the clip by sliding the tool between the handle and your door panel.
Once you've tackled the removable...
Once you've tackled the removable bits, like handles and armrests, the door panel itself needs to be separated from the door shell. Classic Ford door panel retainers are quite strong and can tear out of the door panel if you're not careful. Plus, the painted door shell is something you don't want to scratch either. Using a nylon door panel tool, such as the one shown, directly over each door panel clip is the best way to get the job done without damaging the door panel or the painted door surface. Set the door panel aside and remove the door's water shield (if it's still there).
Since our window was literally...
Since our window was literally jammed in the door, we knew the first thing we had to do was get the regulator out for inspection. Four bolts and one retaining clip to the scissor assembly is all that is needed for regulator removal on this '66. Your Mustang's setup might be slightly different. If your window moves, inspect the mechanism before removal.
Once we had removed our regulator...
Once we had removed our regulator and checked the mechanism over, we found this small part broken and jammed in the gear. A 10-cent part kept us from a warm and dry drive home from our cruise night.
While you're in the door checking...
While you're in the door checking things out be sure that the rubber window bumper is installed. Over the years this chunk of rubber will dry rot and crumble, eventually falling out of the retaining bracket. When this happens the window can be rolled down past the door's beltline, causing the glass to sometimes jam when rolling it back up. Also check the condition of all window rollers, and door lock rod retainers too while you're in the door. Scott Drake (Drake Automotive Group) makes a nice selection of replacement door parts perfect for this project.
The '66-style scissor assembly...
The '66-style scissor assembly uses three of these plastic rollers. One of ours was binding up pretty bad, so before replacing the damaged roller, the pin the roller rotates on was cleaned and polished with some emery cloth. Be sure to apply some sort of bearing grease on the new rollers.
We ordered a new regulator...
We ordered a new regulator from Scott Drake, choosing to use its concourse regulator (PN C5ZZ-6523203-B, $34.95) which features a thicker metal frame, fully threaded mounting bolt inserts, and more. Just lining it up with the el cheapo we pulled out of the door, you can see immediate differences in quality, such as the swedged pivot between the main body and the gear, thicker metal with crisper bends, and more.
These two bolts hold the regulator...
These two bolts hold the regulator stops. Once you have the regulator reinstalled you can adjust the regulator's up and down stop points by loosening these bolts and moving the stops as needed. There are also glass stops on the base of the glass as well that can be adjusted. Apply silicone spray to the window glass runs to lubricate the glass movement. It's much easier to do this at this time then from the top of the door, where it will get all over the glass (trust us, we tried!).
Another adjustment you might...
Another adjustment you might want to look at while you have full access to the door is the threaded adjusters for the vent window frame. Changing the angle of the vent window frame will aid in sealing the glass to the door opening weatherstrip as well as making the glass easier to roll up and down and not bind in the vent frame. Simply back off the lock nut and turn the adjuster in or out as needed and then secure the lock nut.