A classic Mustang quarter window regulator typically has two problems; either the window roller and clips have broken leaving your window regulator non-functional or it suffers from the same problem as the window regulator in that it can roll down on its own or can be pushed down leaving your Mustang vulnerable to un-authorized entry.
This article and video will demonstrate just how easy it is to replace a worn out quarter window regulator on a 1967 Ford Mustang.
Tools and Supply List
Allen wrench- Philips screw driver
- Small standard screw driver
- Needle nose pliers
- 1/2 inch socket and ratchet
- Duct tape
- Quarter window regulator and some grease
Removing the rear seat and interior quarter panel
Your first step in removing the quarter window regulator is to get access to the area behind the interior rear quarter panel.
Remove the rear seat bottom. If your rear seat it secured you may need to give it a good nudge backward and up to release it from the seat brackets.
Remove the seat back. Unbolt the seat back from the two securing hoops at the bottom of the seat back, then lift the seat back straight up toward the roof and lift it out of the mustang.
Remove the window crank handle by unscrewing the set screw with the Allen wrench
With the Philips screw driver remove the screws that secure the quarter panel to the body. There are three screws; one at the window crank, one at the bottom front and one at the back of the panel about 1/4 of the way up the panel.
Remove the wind lace that covers the seam where the body and panel meat at the front.
After the screws and wind lace are removed you can remove the panel by lifting it straight up, while you angle the bottom out a bit so the window handle shaft will clear the panel and them remove it from the car.
Removing the quarter window regulator
Use the window crank to lower the quarter window so you can see the quarter window arms through the bottom opening in the body. Remove the clips from the window rollers that hold the arms in the window tracks; then pop the window arms out of the rollers, the window is now free from the regulator.
Lift the quarter window to the up position and secure it there with some duct tape and then roll the window regulator to an almost up position, this will make removal easier.
With the 1/2 inch socket and ratchet remove the three bolts that are vertically in line (The center bolt holds a stop plate that you will need to reinstall) then remove the two remaining bolts, one above and one below the window crank shaft. You can now remove the old window regulator.
Pre-installation tips and maintenance
Before you install the new parts check to make sure that they match and set the new regulator arms in the same position as the old one. Setting the position the same way will ensure easy and familiar installation.
Remove the new roller and clips from the new regulator. The roller and clips will be placed into the window tracks and then the regulator will be secured to them when its installed in the Mustang.
Apply grease to the window regulator spring, gears and to the arm where it pivots also apply to the the inside of the rollers and in the roller guide groove.
Your ready to install the new window regulator! Watch the video for a full demonstration .
Scott Drake Classic Mustang Parts
You can purchase all of these related door parts online from http://mustangparts.averagejoerestoration.com/
Great work, i really enjoy your step by step videos and was wondering if there was anyway i could download them for an easier playback
SonofUgly — July 30, 2008 9:36 PM
Sorry, the videos are not set up to download but I will look into it to see what can be done to make them available.
JoeResto — July 31, 2008 10:32 AM
im working on an exact same model mustang at school, i went ahead and removed the window regulators and ordered the parts, now that the parts have arrived i have no idea how to put it back, do you know where i can get a diagram of this? thanks, i really appreciate it
gilberto pena — November 18, 2008 7:03 PM
Hi Gilberto,
I will see what I can put together for you and get you a diagram.
I use an Exploded View Illustration Manual at times during assembly, its a big help. There is also manuals for body assembly, chassis assembly, interior assembly. electrical assembly and engine component assembly.
JoeResto — November 18, 2008 8:06 PM
on replacement rear quarter window as in you regulator replacement will the window come out then?
thanks
Jim — March 2, 2009 10:05 AM
Simply removing the quarter window regulator will not make it possible to remove the window. To remove the window you will have take a few brackets off of the window frame and in some cases unbolt the track assembly.
JoeResto — March 2, 2009 10:31 AM
Great info on the rear window reg removal, I have a 66′ convertible I had a question as to how I remove the trim to get to the reg in the panel. It is a little different in the 66 convertible as there is an arm rest/ash tray in front of the interior panel. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Ray
Ray Waters — June 21, 2009 7:55 PM
Hi Ray,
You should remove the back seat all the way (you probably did this already), look for all attaching screws that secure the panel to the metal frame and remove them; a top boot snap or two may also be screwed into the metal so check those too. The last thing I can think if is to remove the ash tray from the quarter panel, the full ash tray assembly should pull out; there may be a screw in the ash tray area that holds the panel in place. Also the windlace that finishes off the gap where the panel and the jamb meet should be removed.
JoeResto — June 22, 2009 11:44 AM
Hi, I am replacing the glass and quarter frame unit with another used unit with better chrome in a 67 mustang. But the window rocks back and forth about an inch and a half when it is in the track. Even after hooking everything back together. Am i missing something is there a way of adjusting it?
Thanks Curt
curt — August 9, 2009 6:59 PM
The quarter window should be fairly stable once installed and there is not a whole lot of adjustment needed. You may have a quarter window regulator that needs to be replace ed or the window roller and clips need to be replaced.
JoeResto — August 19, 2009 7:51 AM
i have a 66 mustang coupe and believe i am missing a guide for the regulator if this makes any sense it bolts on the in side of the quarter panel not the one on the quarter window itself. i have searched and searched and have only come up with a picture off of ebay. any ideas
STG — September 10, 2009 6:12 PM
STG,
What you are looking for is the quarter window guide track that as you said, bolts to the body of the interior quarter. These parts are available used if you can find somebody that is parting out a Mustang.
JoeResto — September 16, 2009 4:18 PM
Thanks for the help, this is a great help! Please keep posting!
Jonathan Spielvogel — January 17, 2010 7:51 PM
hey buddy!! just would like to know were the rollers on the regulator roll on! like the small arm does it go vertical?? on the bottom of the window rail!!
thanx 🙂
jamil — December 5, 2010 3:38 AM
Your website is the best. So easy to follow and pictures and discription of parts anyone can understand. Thanks.
Joey from Toronto ,Ontario, Canada
Joey — April 10, 2011 3:51 PM
First…I would like to thank you.
Wish I had seen your video before I started.
I am working on a 1966 conv.
When I removed the center bolt holding the “Stop Plate”
it fell down. I want to replace it but don’t know what direction it should go as far as pointing up or down.
I have not yet removed the regulator.
I would prefer not to remove it entirely but will I need to loosen it to replace the “stop plate”
Unlike my ’66, your Mustang had a nice open access ..How will I be able to reach the window slot to attach the new rollers. When will I attach the stop plate.
Ray A. — May 29, 2011 10:26 AM
I cannot find where to access the video. Help
John Latson — July 3, 2011 6:23 AM
Can not find the Video on how to install the rear Quarter windows ….. where do i find it
thanks
Lee — November 7, 2011 2:55 PM
I have a 68 Conv. I was cranking the quarter window up which was sticking and heard a sharp break and after that the window crank just spun. Does this mean I need an entire regulator or is there just a part that wears and can be replaced? Thx for the help
John Z — November 11, 2011 6:44 AM
John Z,
sounds like you may have a broken quarter window regulator. There are now replacements available for 1968, check these links:
http://mustangparts.averagejoerestoration.com/mustang-1968-quarter-window-regulator-left-hand-c8zz-6530306-l
http://mustangparts.averagejoerestoration.com/mustang-1968-quarter-window-regulator-right-hand-c8zz-6530306-r
JoeResto — November 11, 2011 8:24 PM
I need to remove the quarter windows and rails so I can clean out the “hard lube” so they will slide. I have everything unbolted from the car but cannot get the window or track assemble out. What am I missing?
Cam T — January 22, 2012 3:38 PM
Cam,
Check to see that you have removed the stop brackets that are mounted to the window frame; you may also have to remove the rubber strip and the quarter window to body seal.
JoeResto — January 23, 2012 4:04 PM
im working on my sons 66 coupe. does the 3 guides that are on the quarter window get replaced. I can rock the window back and fourth or is this normal. also are there any good web sites or books on how to adjust the windows so that they all line up and close properly im having quite the time trying to align them all.
vic — July 3, 2012 7:42 AM
Thanks so much for your video instruction. I’ve just now this moment been able to replace the rear window regulator on my 67 Mustang myself. Your instructions gave me the confidence I needed.
Warren — December 20, 2012 7:28 PM
Why is there no video on how to replace the quarter window regulator on a 1969 mustang? I noticed that there is a difference in the regulator design from 1968 to 1969. Plus there is no roller pin on the 1969 regulator arm that holds the roller for the channel.