61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

[Richard M.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

Thanks Rich. I've tried adjusting it with and without the window stops in. With them out and the window rolled all the way up, the angle of the rear window frame is too far aft so having the rear window stop in would only make it worse in my opinion. The rear top of the window frame needs to come down and forward. I've moved the top of the door post forward about as much as it will go leaving a pretty uniform 1/8" gap between the door post and the windshield frame.

Keith, Yes I see the angle of the window is offset at the top rear but the stops are important so you'll have to use them. Is the front vertical channel keeping the window rearward? The frame should be snug into the front U-channel so the frame is parallel with it along its entire length.

Not sure if re-positioning the regulator will help. You could try just loosening the 4 screws and give it a try. How about the lower curved channel? That may be a factor. I would elongate the mount holes for that channel to try to reposition the window. Remember those are left door and right door unique. Could they be reversed? Also, if the door is drooping due to worn hinge pins/bushings it may be adding to the fit problem.

If all else fails you may want to try loosening the Hardtop bolts at the rear deck and jockey the Hardtop rearward a bit. Ensure that the Hardtop receiver pin is properly positioned in the receiver on that side.

Rich

[Keith R.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

Thanks again Rich for your thoughts and assistance. I've tried adjusting the windows with and without the window stops installed and IMHO, they are good for making micro adjustments once the window is basically fit into the opening but not for making macro adjustments like I am facing. The front window frame is fitting fairly well into the door post channel however it is not buried deeply into the channel at the top as at the bottom. Its about the same as in Mike Tarrant's photos previously posted. I've angled the door post forward and moved it forward laterally about as far as it would go so that there is a fairly consistent 1/8" gap between the post and the windshield frame. I've also monkeyed with the curved channel without it making much difference. I scratched an "L" and an "R" in them when removed to make sure that they go back in in the proper door. I even tried reversing them but the window binds up when raised or lowered. The rear of the door is about 1/8" lower than the rear quarter panel so raising it a bit would certainly help but I don't think that it would be enough. I am convinced that the regulator is the key to making this work. What is puzzling though is that this was originally a hardtop car and the mounting holes for the regulator are not elongated much so I can't figure why I am so far off. One of my character flaws however is that I think that there is only "one way to skin a cat" so I appreciate the collective wisdom and experience of the other on this forum who have faced the same issue. Does anyone else have a solution to this?

[Richard M.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

Any update on your issue Keith?

Rich

[Keith R.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

I haven't had much time lately to mess with it further Rich however I do have the driver's side fitting pretty well. I did have to take a sanding block and sandpaper to remove some of the lip of the outer vertical weatherstrip at the rear so that the window frame would move past it. Still, the vertical weatherstrip on that side is not aligning with the window frame as it is too far outboard on the bottom. I figure that I might have to build out the hardtop pin locator so that it forces the quarter window inward towards the center of the car. The passenger side is still giving me trouble. The door gap is good. The forward door post is aligning with the windshield frame with a nearly 1/8" gap that is fairly consistent along the vertical section. In my way of thinking, that leaves the regulator as the culprit. I am thinking that a small degree of rotation at the mounting location should result in a larger movement at the top rear of the window. I may have to elongate the mounting holes but first, I'm going to remove all but one mounting screw and rotate it one way or another to see if the fits improves.

[Richard M.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

Keith, Tilting the regulator may help but keep in mind it may bind at the front channel. I hope it works for you.

Rich

[Keith R.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

thanks Rich. I'll keep the thread updated as I progress. Interesting thing I discovered is in the ST-12, it describes shims at the lower front channel bolt location for removal and installation which I don't believe is shown in the AIM. I'm thinking that the shims help angle the upper door post forward and perhaps also factor in when positioning the regulator at the mount point.

Keith, Tilting the regulator may help but keep in mind it may bind at the front channel. I hope it works for you.

Rich

[Peter M.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

Keith,
Have you thought about making a template of the drivers side and then applying it to the passenger side? It might show whether the fit problems are with the door or the top.
Kind regards

[Keith R.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

Thanks Peter however I am not certain how I would do that.

[Peter M.]

Re: 61 Corvette - Trouble with Final Door Window Adjustment

Keith,
I was thinking perhaps a piece of cardboard cut out to the shape of the driver side window referenced from the top of the door.
Perhaps it's not a great idea.
Kind regards