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How do I get Windows to wind up and down smoothly?
Lateral - April 14th, 2014 at 02:48 PM

Hi Guys,

Both the windows in both of my cars ('67 and '76) are painful to wind up and down.

Before I start pulling off door trims etc I thought that I would ask to see if there are any tips and tricks to getting them to work nice and smooth.

Thanks
Regards
Greg

matberry - April 14th, 2014 at 03:01 PM

Usually the felt bailey channel is the biggest culprit. Both your cars have very different lift mechanisms.

Lateral - April 14th, 2014 at 03:12 PM

Hi Matt

Thanks for the quick reply.

Yep, I'm aware that the lift mechanisms are different, I was thinking that there are some things that I should check.

Regards
Greg

psimitar - April 14th, 2014 at 05:32 PM

Both felt channels need to be in good condition to allow the glass to slide easily plus the glass sitting inside the channels needs to be clean. Over time the edges and small area in the channel gets a build up of crud that prevents the glass sliding easily.

Then there is the spacing on the channels. The window shouldn't rock to an angle too much as the point of the glass actually creates more resistance than the flat edge of the glass.

Both inner and outer scrappers should allow the glass to slide easily and not bind against it.

Finally, there is the mechanism itself. The early style spring clip and sliding runner needs to have a non-rusty and smooth spring, a non-rusty smooth runner and be well greased. If the surfaces of the spring or runner are badly pitted from rust then they won't slide smoothly against each other even with plenty of grease.

So start at the top and work your way down.

Oh and Matt sells either WCM or WW seals and they really are the best quality out there. :cool:

helbus - April 14th, 2014 at 07:10 PM

I rub some graphite powder on the glass side of any window scrapers. It stops the glass from gripping them on the way down. Graphite powder is also good in the felt channels.

matberry - April 14th, 2014 at 07:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by helbus
I rub some graphite powder on the glass side of any window scrapers. It stops the glass from gripping them on the way down. Graphite powder is also good in the felt channels.
x2

1303Steve - April 14th, 2014 at 08:25 PM

Hi

I used silicone spray on mine

vw54 - April 14th, 2014 at 08:31 PM

its best to pull the winder mechanisms first and thoroughly clean 40 plus years of gunk out of them

also inspect for damage and excessive wear

wash and re wash to remove all old caked grease n dirt then lub with molly and rotate when lubing to get into the gears

YES good new baily channels will help as well and a good spring clip in the window winder channel attached to lower edge of glass also lubricated well

its a combination of a few little items that make it go up n down easier

pfillery - April 15th, 2014 at 05:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 1303Steve
Hi

I used silicone spray on mine


+1
Works particularly well on electric windows that are sluggish.

Lateral - April 15th, 2014 at 06:41 AM

Thanks for all of the help guys!

I'll get stuck into them over the coming weeks and let you know the results.

Regards
Greg