I figured it was time I share a little knowledge with y'all, rather than just being a smart-*** with a comment for every-damn-thing. So here goes... Since we're talking about pre-64 vehicles in this forum, a common problem is that the little plastic wheels inside the regulator tracks dry out and fall off, causing binding when trying to roll the window up or down. Here's a little trick I learned that gets them working like new without having to put out a bunch of money for a new regulator. First thing first, remove your regulator ***embly and make sure it's good and clean. I hit mine with some B'laster and then put it to a wire wheel on my bench grinder. There's no point in refurbing a regulator that's bound up, right? I've found a flat roller manufactured by a Company called Slide-Co, part number 19507, listed as "tub and shower hardware", that is about as close a fit to most tracks as you'll ever need. I buy mine at ACE Hardware for about 2 bucks a pair. For this particular refurb I needed three wheels, so I'm out 4 bucks. Using a small vise grips, clamp the roller on both sides of the axle (they have small bearings inside, so clamping on the axle allows it to keep rolling) and place against the side of your grinder wheel. The spinning wheel will give you a nice even wear against the stone. When the bearing seal pops out the back of the wheel (molded into the plastic, so it will only pop out when you've gone deep enough) remove the wheel from the grinder. The wheel has now been ground to the approximate width of the channel on the regulator. Remove all the innards from the plastic wheel, lay down on a flat surface, and cut the wheel in one spot laterally. This slice will allow you to snap the wheel over the hub on the regulator arm. Once over the hub, lift upward to seat the wheel. Now all you have to do is slide the wheel back into the track and reinstall the hardware that keeps it from falling out the end. Slather the inside of the track with a good heavy-duty marine grade bearing grease and viola! No more binding! I've used this little trick on a half dozen cars in the past, and not a one of them has ever failed me. It takes about fifteen minutes to do all three wheels on a regulator (this particular regulator is from my 53 Two-Ten), and the hardest part is finding these exact wheels. I'm sure there are other wheels out there that would work just as well, but I've tried a few different ones myself and these just seem to fit right. Don't worry about the split opening up either... Once installed back into the track there is no way for them to open up or catch. It's about that perfect of a fit. I also like the composition of the plastic in these particular wheels. They're solid enough to glide inside the tracks yet offer just enough flex, and they aren't the type of plastic that will dry out and become brittle anytime soon. Hope this helps somebody out there!
THANK YOU......for sharing. We all have our own little things. Will use your knowledge on my 51, getting ready to do all of the regs. Rent is up on the gorilla I was using to turn the handles.
Lol, and you KNOW it's easy since I just did the whole dang thing left-handed while looking through a camera lens with one eye..!
good tech but I would add that the original rollers and shoulder rivets are still available for a couple bucks
Less than four bucks per regulator? Doubt it. This is a tech for DIY on a budget. Not everyone has the luxury of planning ahead and ordering replacement parts, waiting for them to arrive, then planning a day to make a repair. I work on my rides when I can, and as a result I often have to find acceptable subs***utes in order to accomplish what I can, when I can. Personally, if these will do the same thing for a fraction of the cost, I'm going with this.
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