Auto Glass: remove drivers door window glass, rivet heads, rivet head

Question
I have a 97 Grand Marquis.  The drivers door window regulator broke and I bought a replacement.  I can's figure out how to remove the glass from the regulator bracket.  Please advise.  Thank you.

Answer
Hello David,

Let me start by stating that I am assuming that the glass is riveted to the regulator.  This is how it is assembled from the factory or whenever a professional installer replaces either the glass or the regulator.

I typically do not advise individuals without experience or the proper tools to attempt this replacement.  However, if you are committed to trying it yourself, I can give you a few pointers that may help.

After removing the door panel, remove the interior door handle.  The opening behind the door handle will allow you to more easily access the front rivet that holds the glass to the regulator.

If you have trouble moving the window up and down to position it for removal of the glass rivets, cut the regulator cables on the old regulator.  Just be careful you are not cutting the electrical wiring.

A professional installer uses a rivet removal tool to remove the two rivets that hold the glass to the regulator.  You can remove these two rivet heads with a small grinder if you have one available.  If you do not have a grinder, try using a small drill bit (@ 1/8") to drill most of the center pin out of the rivet first.  Then use a larger bit (@ 1/4") to remove the rivet head.

Once the glass is free from the regulator you will need to remove the glass from the door in order to remove the old regulator.  To accomplish this, tilt the front of the glass forward about 45 degrees, then lift the back edge out of the opening in the top of the door first and then lift the glass out completely.

I will assume that you can figure out how to remove the old regulator, install your existing motor on the new regulator, and re-install the new regulator in the door.  If you can't do this by looking at the old and new parts, then you should definitely have this replacement done by a professional.

If there are any other specific questions I can answer for you, please send me a follow up question.

Good Luck, Ben  ... the power window guy