Window regulator spring preload?

[Bob S.]

I am installing the window regulators in my 59 which has power windows. I did not remove them so I have a question about preloading the spring tension. When I install the spring onto the regulator and apply a preload the regulator wants to lower the window. I would think the spring is to help raise the window by countering the weight of the window.
Am I missing something here? Sully

[Timothy B.]

Re: Window regulator spring preload?

Bob,

I can only speak to mid years but the spring is there to assist raising the window. Turn the spring upside down or try the other spring (wound the other way) and see if it works properly..

[Gary C.]

Re: Window regulator spring preload?

Bob, thought I'd written an article about that replacing a '57 window crank gears, but can't find it. The spring is wound tight and then clamped in place with vice grips. Then the small window crank gear is installed and riveted in. Turning the small window crank gear will step through the big gear and raise/lower the window. If it's all apart, take a close look at the big gear and the small window crank gear to see if they are in good shape or not. Particularly, the small gear cover. The small gear shaft should fit tightly in the cover shaft opening. If it's not a tight fit the small crank gear will not work properly. If not, now's the time to replace them. Gary....

[Bob S.]

Re: Window regulator spring preload?

My car has power windows so there is no crank system. There is only one way to attach the spring to my regulators and the only way to orient them to "lift" (swapping sides) places the roller that goes in the "half-moon" guide toward the aft of the door above the main regulator arm instead of below it as pictured in the AIM.
I am headed out to the garage now to do just that and see what happens. I'll let you know. Sully

[Bob S.]

Re: Window regulator spring preload?

That's not the answer. Could it be that I am underestimating how much load should be on the spring? If I orient the spring for lifting (turn it over) it requires the regulator arm to rotate at least 290 - 300 degrees to line back up. This makes the load very strong. It would seem in this condition it would require the window motor to apply a lot of torque to lower the window. Thoughts?

[Gary C.]

Re: Window regulator spring preload?

Bob, looked at the AIM Section 7 page 11 and compared it to the power window page. On the surface it appears the process would be the same as crank windows. Put the spring on the regulator and wind it tight keeping the regulator gear in position (clamped with vice grips) to line up with the power window motor gear. Then bolt the power window motor gear housing onto the regulator. That scenario works for crank windows. Gary....

[Bob S.]

Re: Window regulator spring preload?

Thanks Gary. I just didn't realize the spring was wound up that tight.
Kike Ernst has a good article in the Summer 84 Restorer on early power windows. He used a 1/4 bolt to hold the gear in place from the back side until the motor could be mounted. That should make the process inside the door a little easier. Sully

[Gene M.]

Re: Window regulator spring preload?

Bob, on a c1 (at least on a 62) you can't assemble the motor to the regulator till you have it in position inside the door. You are in for a treat............

You need to afix the spring wound to down position on the regulator prior to fitting it into the door. That will allow assembly of the motor and aligning correctly to the regulator mounting points while inside the door.

Yes, you are correct the spring load helps the motor lift the window in both c1 and c2's.