One of the biggest problem areas of classic Mustangs is their poor-quality side windows: They can be difficult to roll up and down; they don't always seat firmly when they're rolled completely up; and sometimes the darned things just fall down inside the door, irretrievably lost unless you pull the door panel for a closer look. These windows are also difficult to service, which is why most of us avoid them like a tax dodger avoids the IRS.
But take heart. We're going to cover '65-'73 Mustang windows, their most common ailments, and how to fix and adjust them. Remember that Mustang windows didn't function well when they were new. In fact, they were the subject of many warranty-service appointments. So, what can you do to make the most of your Mustang window experience?
Believe it or not, Ford understood its own window shortcomings. When the Mustang was introduced, it had a complex window mechanism consisting of two articulating units that interacted with each other to run a single piece of glass up and down inside the door. By 1973, the Mustang's window mechanism had become a simple matter that was easy to service and maintain.
The Mustang's first two years witnessed the mother of all window mechanisms. Actually, this mechanism is easier to operate than the unit that followed in 1967-'68. Windows on a '65-'66 Mustang glide up and down with ease when properly adjusted. So what goes wrong with '65-'66 Mustang windows? Mainly, window regulator bushings fail, which impedes proper operation. But window regulators can also fail due to circumstances beyond their control. When windows bind in their tracks from lack of lubrication or poor adjustment, we're inclined to force the crank, which ruins the regulator. Regulator bushings fail, followed by the gears. Then we sit there trying to crank a window that doesn't have a prayer of working.
This is a typical '65-'66...
This is a typical '65-'66 Mustang window assembly as it appears insidethe door with the window rolled up. The reduction-gear regulator isoperated by the window crank. We crank a small gear, which drives alarge one, giving us mechanical advantage. As the window is cranked upand down, the regulator moves a scissor mechanism tied to the windowglass. From an operation standpoint, this is a good design. From amaintenance standpoint, it is a challenge. There are no rollers in thisdesign. The window glides up and down in felt and burlap-lined tracks.Adjustable stops in the glass and in the tracks determine window travellimits.
The burlap-lined window track...
The burlap-lined window track supports the window glide. This guyadjusts in and out to control window-glass angle. Move it outward at thebottom, and the window glass moves inward at the top. Move it inward,and the glass moves outward up top. Make your adjustments, then run theglass up and down to check the adjustment. The window glass should liesnugly into the weatherstrip with the door closed.
The forward track has two...
The forward track has two basic adjustments. The "A" adjustment controlsthe angle of the window at the wing assembly. Push it outward, and thewing assembly moves inward at the top. Move it inward, and the wingassembly moves out at the top. The "B" adjustment does the same thingfrom a greater distance. Move it outward with the screw adjustment, andthe window angles inward. The entire wing assembly also moves fore andaft in the door.
This is the '65-'66 door-window...
This is the '65-'66 door-window mechanism with the window down. As youcan see, the scissor reverses. The key to smooth operation is properadjustment where the window glides up and down the two tracks fore andaft. Binding is what destroys window regulators and scissors.
Rollers have a tough job....
Rollers have a tough job. Keep them bathed in white grease and WD-40.Replace them immediately when they wear out or crack. For '65-'66models, there are only two of them in each door. Both are easy toservice with the door panel off.
Rear quarter windows in hardtops...
Rear quarter windows in hardtops and convertibles are simple. Except onconvertibles, they rarely wear out because they're seldom used. Thewindow glass glides up and down in a stamped-steel track assembly,which adjusts up and down with three adjustment points. It also adjustsin and out at the bottom. A bolt-on stop controls how low the glassgoes. Fixed stops at the top keep the glass from going too high.
Mustang window mechanisms became less complex with each generation. For '67-'68 models, Ford incorporated the scissor mechanism into the window regulator, eliminating the separate scissor. This step, however, made '67-'68 windows harder to roll up and down. The key to smooth operation is lubrication and proper adjustment. Although '65-'66 window mechanisms are more complex, '67-'68 windows are more frustrating to adjust and maintain. Probably one of the most obvious problems is '67-'68 door windows that get into the rubber weatherstrip at the top of window travel, pushing the weatherstrip out. The only solution is to drill and screw the outer weatherstrip, which gets it out of the way of the window. The clips in the weatherstrip don't work well, making screws necessary. Quarter-window assemblies for 1967-'68 remained much the same as they were in 1965-'66, with larger rollers for smoother operation, and an integral stop, which eliminated yet another part.
The '67-'68 Mustang door windows...
The '67-'68 Mustang door windows have fewer moving parts, with thescissor becoming an integral part of the regulator.
Window down, the scissor reverses,...
Window down, the scissor reverses, just like it does in '65-'66 models.
Instead of a crude, burlap-lined...
Instead of a crude, burlap-lined window track, Ford went to rollers anda track for '67-'68. While this is a good design, it is less forgivingof adjustment error. The roller and track need lots of white grease forsmooth operation. This track adjusts in two places (see arrows) fortrack and window angle.
At the wing window assembly,...
At the wing window assembly, the window glass follows a path similar tothe '65-'66, with a stop (arrow) that controls window travel height. Thewing window assembly adjusts just like the '65-'66--in and out at topand bottom, plus fore and aft movement.
Rollers follow the rear track...
Rollers follow the rear track for 1967-'68. The stop (arrow) limitstravel at the top.
Quarter-window assemblies...
Quarter-window assemblies for 1967-'68 are virtually the same as for1965-'66, except for roller size. For 1967-'68, rollers became largerfor smooth operation, thus they require plenty of white grease and WD-40for reliable service. Adjustments are identical to '65-'66 models. Thereis no bolt-on bottom stop.