Window Motor Replacement - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

88gta_hiflyer · 11-09-2009, 09:25 AM

Hey guys. I need to replace both window motors on my 88 GTA and need some advice. I was doing some work inside the doors last weekend and cleaned and lubricated all of the tracks and moving parts of the window regulators. While I was in there I noticed that the window motors are original! I'm impressed that they still work at all but they are very slow and need to be replaced. I was looking at how the regulator/motor assembly fits in the door and it looks like I should be able to replace the motor without removing the entire regulator assembly as long as I secure the spring. Does anyone know if this is possibe? Has anyone tried this? It might be a horrible idea but I'd like some input from other thirdgen owners. Thanks!

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camaronewbie · 11-09-2009, 10:00 AM

There is a thread about window motor replacement that states something in the title about "tech article is bogus" or something like that. There is a template in the thread of where to drill holes and remove the motor without removing the regulator or any other pieces. I've personally done it this way on my car, and it was very easy and quick, and it all worked out very nice - and 3 years later it's all still great. Do a search for window motor and you should find it.

camaronewbie · 11-09-2009, 10:01 AM

Never ind the search - here it is:

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/bo...tall-easy.html (Window motor install.......THE EASY WAY....the tech article is bogus!)

Print out the template, place it on your door, and follow the instructions - it's a great method! And ignore the talk of it being a "hack" job - it really worked out extremely well!

88gta_hiflyer · 11-09-2009, 12:10 PM

Thanks a lot! You just saved several hours of frustration. I looked closely at how the regulator assembly works the other day and it seemed like there had to be a better way than they give you in the tech article. The haynes manual is worthless for this job. They literally tell you to take the car to a shop. Thanks again!

naf · 11-09-2009, 12:53 PM

You can easily pull out the entire assembly then remove the motor from it. Either way, the hardest part is re-installing the motor using the nuts/bolts that are supplied to replace the factory rivets. When I did one using the bolts (instead of new rivets) I used some JB Weld to hold the nuts onto the back of the motor housing. There is NO room to finagle and hold these bolts back there by hand when re-installing.

88gta_hiflyer · 11-09-2009, 01:45 PM

Good idea with the JB Weld. Thanks for the tip.

1ATony · 11-10-2009, 03:48 PM

Hey welcome to the site 88gta. Not sure if you need them but we carry the window motor kits for your car. here's a link to them if you would like to check them out.

Pontiac Firebird Window Motor Kit