Better window mechanisms were among the many engineering improvements made for 1969. Inside cumbersome, frustrating window tracks and wing-window assemblies, Ford went to dual tubular window glides, which served both as tracks and single-point adjustments. Instead of a separate sliding idler like we find in '65-'68 models, 1969 saw the incorporation of an integral idler built into the window regulator. For 1969-'70, window operation is simple, with easy adjustments that don't require door-panel removal.
When these windows don't operate properly, the tubular glides are usually to blame. Plastic or nylon bushings in the glides wear out or crumble, causing the window to bind. These glides need a lot of white grease and WD-40 for smooth operation.
One engineering shortcoming for 1969 and early-'70 was glue-in window glass. The glue deteriorates, and the glass comes loose from the brackets tied to the tubular glides. The most popular solution is to switch to the '70 bolt-in windows, which aren't always easy to find these days.
Quarter windows for 1969-'70 aren't much different from ones for 1965-'68. They sit in a track that can be adjusted up and down and in and out at the bottom to control window angle.
An Ever So Subtle Difference
Did you know there are two types of quarter-windows for 1969-'70? For 1969, the quarter-window (left) is glass alone, with the stainless trim attached to the door window glass. Ford improved this design for 1970 (right) with wider stainless trim attached to the quarter-window instead. We tell you about this important detail because it's easy to forget when shopping for window glass.
For 1969-'70, Ford redesigned...
For 1969-'70, Ford redesigned the Mustang windows, using dual tubularglides instead of window tracks to promote smoother operation, easiermaintenance, and simple adjustment. This is the '69 to early-'70 glue-inwindow, with the glass bonded to the brackets with an industrialadhesive. After years of use, the adhesive loses its grip. You can usenew adhesive or opt for the '70 bolt-in window.
When rolling down the window,...
When rolling down the window, the arms scissor, just like in '65-'68models, with the window sliding down the tubular glides. Gone is the'65-'68 wing-window assembly.
This is one of the two glides...
This is one of the two glides that rides the tubes. Plastic bushingsmake the glide smoother. Thesebushings wear out and bind, so keep plentyof white grease on them.
Adjustment for 1969-'70 is...
Adjustment for 1969-'70 is performed in two places. The tubular glidesadjust in and out at the bottom and up and down at the top.
Quarter-window assemblies...
Quarter-window assemblies changed completely for 1969-'70, but theirbasic operation didn't change much. A die-cast window bracket and glassride down the track, driven by a reduction-gear regulator. Adjustment issimilar to that of '65-'68 models: up and down, and in and out at thebottom. There are fewer moving parts for '69-'70 models.
Ford refined the Mustang's windows dramatically in 1971 by eliminating one of the tubular glides and reducing the number of adjustment points to two. The total number of stops was reduced to three--one at the bottom and two topside. This design became the standard for Ford windows and remains in use today.
Quarter-windows for 1971-'73 remain similar to those for 1969-'70, with an integral idler link and three stops.
Mustang windows became super...
Mustang windows became super simple for 1971-'73, with a single tubularglide and easy to replace bushings and regulator. Note the absence of anidler in this design.
This is the '71-'73 door window...
This is the '71-'73 door window in the down position--no scissor oridler. Simple plastic stops halt window travel at the top.
Quarter-windows from 1971-'73,...
Quarter-windows from 1971-'73, with three stops, are similar in functionto those from 1969-'70. The track rivets to the body, which makes itdifferent from '65-'70 models.