Hello all. I have a 99 expy that needs to have the drivers side window regulator replaced. My question is. When I got to re install the regulator/motor assy. What size bolts/nuts do I need to replace the factory rivets with? Thanks for your time.
window regulator question
- Thread starter expydaddy
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
FordandPolaris
Full Access Members
I do not remember the exact size, but they were the shortest i could find at Home Depot, and the closest match i could find to the hole. I used a drill bit to kind of gauge the size. Also, I fed them threads out so that i did not have to try and get the nut on the back the door panel. If you need to know the exact size, PM me and I will look in my tool box tomorrow night to see what size they were cause I know I have extra. Currently I am at college, otherwise I would tell you right away.
panda24619
Full Access Members
3mm bolts. then the hole to fit. i just mixed and matched what i had laying around. super easy job. took like 2 hours to do.
CARO'S98EB
Full Access Members
It would be a good excuse to buy a new tool a large pop rivet gun....
Thanks to all who replied. This has been typical of all of my diy attempts. After much searching on this forum, Haynes manual, and other places (1aaauto on u tube), I felt pretty confident that I could tackle this job. I had already replaced window regulators before, mostly on foreign cars though. I had all of the necessary tools: new regulator,3/8 bit,drill,punches, sockets, steel rivets, rivet gun. Unfortunately I think a Heavy Duty gun is needed. Thanks Caro!
What I thought was going to be the hardest part, drilling out the rivets, was much easier than I had anticipated. In fact I wasn't sure if the rivets were stainless or aluminum?
Anyway, I pulled it out and put it on the bench. Rememebering that the assembly was removed in the down position. I now began to compare the replacement to the original. Typical, the wrong part. It was for the passenger door. I return it to the 3 stooges and bring the otiginal to prove my point. No problems returning it, just frustrated that I wasted an hour and a half round trip,
This is where it gets interesting. Remember, The regulator was removed in the down position. I put it on the bench to transfer the window motor. Forgetting all safety warnings, I removed the motor under tension!! DOH!!
The last bolt came out, the arm swung down like a mousetrap. My knuckles didn't even have peanut butter on them! Lots of blood. Not pretty.
I cleaned up and commenced back to work. With the aid of my neighbor, we switched the motor. Bolted 4 of the 6 bolts. Reglued the window to the clamps(?) and tightened them to the regulator. The window is in the "up" position while the silicone dries.
I'll let yinz know how well it works when its dry in 24-36 hrs.
What I thought was going to be the hardest part, drilling out the rivets, was much easier than I had anticipated. In fact I wasn't sure if the rivets were stainless or aluminum?
Anyway, I pulled it out and put it on the bench. Rememebering that the assembly was removed in the down position. I now began to compare the replacement to the original. Typical, the wrong part. It was for the passenger door. I return it to the 3 stooges and bring the otiginal to prove my point. No problems returning it, just frustrated that I wasted an hour and a half round trip,
This is where it gets interesting. Remember, The regulator was removed in the down position. I put it on the bench to transfer the window motor. Forgetting all safety warnings, I removed the motor under tension!! DOH!!
The last bolt came out, the arm swung down like a mousetrap. My knuckles didn't even have peanut butter on them! Lots of blood. Not pretty.
I cleaned up and commenced back to work. With the aid of my neighbor, we switched the motor. Bolted 4 of the 6 bolts. Reglued the window to the clamps(?) and tightened them to the regulator. The window is in the "up" position while the silicone dries.
I'll let yinz know how well it works when its dry in 24-36 hrs.
CARO'S98EB
Full Access Members
Sorry I should have rewarned you about that those style regualtors are like guilotines. glad you got it fixed though. make some cool scars though!!!
Update. The window works! Unfortunately, after a quick med-fast visit(see prior post), it cost as much to have someone else do it! Doh! It was a learning experience though.
Things I Learned:
-When transferring window motor to regulator, have a helper to hold the tension of the spring assembly.
-Always compare the regulators. In my case it was the right Dorman box, but the wrong side regulator. Took it back to the 3 stooges and watched them monkey around with it to show how I was wrong. They asked their mechanic who verified that I was correct.They swapped it out (always call to make sure they have a replacement on hand beforehand.
Things not sure about:
-The new regulator had an "improvement" of the factory one. There is an adjuster screw on the one side of the regulator arm. The arm I mean is the only part of the regulator that didn't have rivets. Which direction should the adjuster face ? Towards the front of the vehicle or the rear?
Thanks again to all that replied.
Things I Learned:
-When transferring window motor to regulator, have a helper to hold the tension of the spring assembly.
-Always compare the regulators. In my case it was the right Dorman box, but the wrong side regulator. Took it back to the 3 stooges and watched them monkey around with it to show how I was wrong. They asked their mechanic who verified that I was correct.They swapped it out (always call to make sure they have a replacement on hand beforehand.
Things not sure about:
-The new regulator had an "improvement" of the factory one. There is an adjuster screw on the one side of the regulator arm. The arm I mean is the only part of the regulator that didn't have rivets. Which direction should the adjuster face ? Towards the front of the vehicle or the rear?
Thanks again to all that replied.
