Hello all,

I apologize for my first post being something that's probably covered three dozen times in other older threads, but the search function here seems to search the entire site and not specific sub groups..

Just picked up a 1960 F100 that's been in my wife's family for generations last night, and among other problems, the driver's side window doesn't roll down.

I took off the speaker panel, and poked my head and a flashlight in, everything is hooked up, and nothing is corroded or obviously busted. I tried reaching in and manipulating things, but nothing wants to budge.

Here's my speculation: somehow the window got rolled up TOO high, and the gearing isn't engaging properly to allow it to roll back down. I noticed the bottom regulator screws were kinda at an odd angle, so I took them out, and no amount of force that I can apply is able to make those mount points line up. the window opened about 1/2 an inch with the regulator being half removed and when I try to push it into position, it fully closes.. i feel like if it was rolled down another 1/2 inch or so, i could line up those screw holes, that's why i think it's up too high right now..

My next thought is to remove the top screws, get the regulator down in the door where I can actually see it and maybe manipulate it better, but I'm concerned that if I do that, I won't be able to get it back in if I can't fix it and then I'll be worse off than I was until I buy a new one..

any thoughts, suggestions, tips or tricks?

 

Sounds to me like the regulator is just stuck in place. I don't believe they will go too fat to jam. If you can get some lubrication on it and move it back and forth a bit it may well loosen up. Put a towel or something inside the bottom of the door and spray it up good With penetrating oil. You may have to let it set awhile to work in their. If that won't work, like you said, take out the rest of the screws and let it drop down so you can more readily access it. You will learn about regulators real fast this way.

 

I sprayed some pb blaster on it before taking a break.. maybe that'll help..

I've replaced regulators in my 72 beetle, so I'm not a total novice, just completely new to old pick ups.. haha

 

Mine was getting difficult to turn a couple years ago. I sprayed it with wd 40 and it loosened up after sitting over night. I was able to get it out and have it laying on a bench to do that.

Oh, forgot which section of the forum I was in. '61 in my case but it's probably not that much different.

 

yeah, I imagine it would be easier to "persuade" sitting on the bench, I just don't want to pull it out and then I can't put the window up until I fix it.. haha, it SHOULD be a quick job, but in my experience, those quick jobs take a LOT longer than they should and I'd rather not leavethe truck with no driver's side window for too long.. :P

 

If you don't have a place to leave it with the window down you could use a piece of wood or something to act as a prop to hold it up.

 

good idea!

 

ok, so I pulled the regulator. It looks like the inner spindle piece (that the crank attaches to) moves freely, but only a little bit because it doesn't seem to move the gear that's attached to it that would move the lever up or down. I sprayed it down with some PB blaster and am letting it sit, but I also bought a replacement off someone parting out their truck on ebay because even if i can get this one moving, years of neglect have led to the splines both inside the crank and on the regulator getting chewed to ****.. :/

in the mean time, I cut a 2x4 and have it holding the window up. using one of the screws for the access panel to hold the 2x4 in place :P

also bought this book: 1960 Ford Pickup and Truck Repair Shop Manual Reprint

so hopefully it'll answer my dumber questions before I post them here

 

Buying the shop manual is a smart move. Dose not answer everything but nearly! Fun to look at too!

 

Yeah, i like having tech manuals for our cars.. not pictured is a USB stick with the official factory manual for our 2011 Durango..



haha, you can tell I'm a little biased.. I've had vintage VWs since like '98.. the only car I don't have a manual for is my wife's 2014 Mini Countryman because it's actually still covered by warranty on most things based on the low mileage..

 

I think I know what you mean! lol

 

hahaha, nice collection, seems like you got most things covered! :P

 

That all represents a lost of greasy hands and busted knuckles, especially prior to online help.