Replacing window regulator...
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Sheffield, AL
Replacing window regulator...
This past weekend, I replaced a wornout window regulator in a 1984 F150. It is not a difficult job. For those contemplating doing this, the three factory rivets can be replaced with 1/4" by 1/2" long bolts with a lock washer and a locking nut. That is just the right length with no interference with any moving parts.
It surely is nice being able to raise the window without binding!
It surely is nice being able to raise the window without binding!
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Mexia, TX
What kind of drill or tool did you use to remove the rivets? I've been wanting to convert to power windows for a while now and I have a Dremel, but I'm not sure how to go about drilling out the rivets.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Sheffield, AL
Take a hammer and strike the rivet. This will force the steel pin to exit out the rear or at least be flush with the rivet. Next, take a punch and force the pins out. They will drop to the bottom of the door and can be retrieved with a magnet or your fingers. Finally, use a 1/4" drill bit [or 3/8", just be careful not to drill throught the door].
It's easy!
It's easy!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Right Next to U
The easiest an safest way is to drill them out, very simple to do, and you can replace the rivets as well, Sears sell a pop rivet gun with all the pop rivets, all you have to do is drill,remove old pop rivet an replace with new ones...this isn't hard to do. Why take a chance at hammering the metal inwards? Drill an replace the pop rivets, these are DESIGNED to be removed this way.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I would replace them with nuts & bolts; the factory uses rivets because they're faster to use on the assembly line, not because they do a better job of holding things together than nuts & bolts do.
I would personally first want to knock the pins through, it's that much less to drill through and the remaining material is soft aluminum.
I would personally first want to knock the pins through, it's that much less to drill through and the remaining material is soft aluminum.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Right Next to U
Pop Rivets are quicker to install and will not interfere with the installation of the door panels. They are easy to drill out with a slightly undersize drill bit and you do not have to go all the way through the sheet metal. You have your way, and I like to do things the way they were designed for from the factory, after all...they have held together this long and with nuts an bolts to contend with there isn't any likely possibility of them becoming loose in the future using pop Rivets....if he decides to use nuts an bolts, he'll find out just how "ez" they are to install the door panel (they will rub through) and get loose over time....
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I have a similar problem bit with one rivet sheared. The hole has now out of alignment and it is a "bear" to get it to move. I have not been able to do so. Am I going to have to remove all rivets and replace after realigning???
thanks
thanks
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Northeast Ohio USA
This past weekend, I replaced a wornout window regulator in a 1984 F150. It is not a difficult job. For those contemplating doing this, the three factory rivets can be replaced with 1/4" by 1/2" long bolts with a lock washer and a locking nut. That is just the right length with no interference with any moving parts.
It surely is nice being able to raise the window without binding!
It surely is nice being able to raise the window without binding!
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 709
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From: MN
I already did a write up on this a few years ago:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ow-motors.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ow-motors.html
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,239
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From: Northeast Ohio USA
I already did a write up on this a few years ago:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ow-motors.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ow-motors.html
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