Loose Quarter Windows on '65 Convertible

[Aaron65]

Hey everyone,

I'm sure I'm not the only one who likes having parts ready before they disassemble something. My '65 convertible's rear quarter windows have about 1/2" fore-and-aft play. The car's never going to be anything but squeaky and rattly, but anything I can do to get rid of noise helps. Anyone know what typically wears out back there so I can have it on hand before I tear things apart?

I looked at Clark's catalog and a lot of the quarter window parts seem to be out of stock, so any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Aaron

[66vairguy]

Not sure what others will say, but getting at the rear quarter window mechanism is NOT easy in my opinion.

I like to pull out the glass, guides, etc. and clean, fix, lube things. It is NO fun, and takes time and patience. However it IS doable.

Out comes the back seat, remove the arm rests, I recall a galvanized panel.

Unlike the front side doors with the "fuzzy" channel guides the convertible (like coupe side rear quarter, or 4 door rear door windows) the glass has rollers on it (that can wear out) that move in metal channels. Even when well adjusted there will be some play! I could not find my pictures of the glass, but here is a picture of the roller guide channels. There is also the window winder mechanism that I remove and clean and lube. I recall the glass and guides MUST come out before the window winder. BTW I had NO "fuzzy" window strips in the fender window openings that made removing parts easier.

Once I got repaired, lubed, adjusted, then the window when up and down with little effort!

I hope this helps - regards.

[Aaron65]

Thank you! It looks like maybe the rollers just wear out, and that might be my problem. It's not a pressing thing, and it might also be one of those times where I just let it ride: It's not anywhere near air or water tight, so I try not to get caught in the rain!

[brutus1]

Hey Aaron,

That's awesome that you're proactive about getting your parts in order before diving in. For those loose quarter windows, it's most likely the rollers that have worn out causing the play. You can grab some new rollers in advance, maybe also check the window regulator and weatherstripping while you're at it. These can all contribute to window noise and play. If you can't find what you need in stock, don't be afraid to reach out to specialty shops or forums for advice and parts. Good luck with the fix on your '65 convertible, dude! Ride on!

[Frank DuVal]

The rollers are known to break also. But if it does roll up and down, then they are not broken, as broken usually means the glass goes in an odd direction.

[66vairguy]

The rollers are known to break also. But if it does roll up and down, then they are not broken, as broken usually means the glass goes in an odd direction.

Agree - The rollers will last a long time IF they are lubed. Problem is getting them lubed. White lithium grease was the norm back then for window mechanisms, door latches, door hinges, and seat tracks because it did not "smell". Also some say it the color did not stain clothing. White lithium grease dries out and then it acts like "cement". The careful application of WD-40 sometimes softens up the grease. Don't use penetrating oil like PB-Blaster as the smell will foul the interior for weeks.