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Maintaining Vintage Side Windows

Putting the Stride Back in Your Slide
By Jim Smart
Photography by Jim Smart
173 0306 Wind 1 Z
This is a typical '65-'66... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 1 Z
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.
173 0306 Wind 2 Z
The burlap-lined window track... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 2 Z
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.
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The forward track has two... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 4 Z
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.
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This is the '65-'66 door-window... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 5 Z
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.
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Rollers have a tough job.... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 6 Z
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.
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Rear quarter windows in hardtops... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 7 Z
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.
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The '67-'68 Mustang door windows... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 10 Z
The '67-'68 Mustang door windows have fewer moving parts, with thescissor becoming an integral part of the regulator.
173 0306 Wind 11 Z
Window down, the scissor reverses,... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 11 Z
Window down, the scissor reverses, just like it does in '65-'66 models.
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Instead of a crude, burlap-lined... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 12 Z
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.
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At the wing window assembly,... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 13 Z
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.
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Rollers follow the rear track... 
   
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173 0306 Wind 14 Z
Rollers follow the rear track for 1967-'68. The stop (arrow) limitstravel at the top.
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Quarter-window assemblies... 
   
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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.

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Ford Mustang Research
Ford Mustang Review in-depth reviews on the new Ford Mustang, featuring test drives, comparisons, options, features and more. The Mustang gets 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway, and has a trade in value of $18,870.00 which should come in handy when you go to shop for your next car. Other similar vehicles are the Ford Shelby GT 500 and the Ford Fusion.
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