VW Beetle Window Regulator Removal and Maintenance - Window Hard to roll up - VW Restoration DIY

[@davidjohnson4838]

Thanks! My favorite part: "If you are still watching, you clearly having nothing better to do" LMAIO! so true.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you for the donation!!! That was very nice of you! Yeah, I do say stupid things. 😁

[@briantomczak7608]

Ya, that was me. My 62 bug thanks you for doing that. Didn't want to buy the new stuff. Even though I live 2 miles from wolfsburg west. Old regulators are always better.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh I’m glad I don’t live close to there, I would be at our store all of the time lol I like the quality of their parts. Thanks for being part of the community my friend.

[@TheWhitetailrancher]

Not much of a teacher? Are you nuts? You are an exceptional teacher my friend. One of your very best qualities! Great job getting that window frame stop screw out! I love your little songs. LOVE this video! We do it very similarly. Clean all parts until they cannot get any cleaner. I go a bit overboard and wire brush all the clips and hardware and repaint them as well. Then re-lube and reassemble. only exception is that I don't use grease to re-lube. I utilize powdered graphite as I NEVER want to do it again. But my cars really don't get used so the grease can harden much quicker without some use. So, the powdered graphite stays in the same "consistency" forever. You couldn't be more right than when you stated Don't rush as then you have wasted your time! Excellent advice on ANY job you tackle! Again, FANTASTIC video, with exceptional instruction! You are once again, DA MAN!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Mike I appreciate the kind words! I actually had graphite at one point, I think I loaned it to someone because I can’t find it. I’ve had a lot of luck with the Molly grease, seems to be OK for a while before it ends up turning to paste. I hope your weekend is going well my friend.

[@TeamGadge]

Thank you Slade, I took my 76 to my first show this weekend and on my way home managed to get the window stuck! It won’t crank at all, the handle just spins, thanks to you I have managed to remove the old mechanism and this week I will see if I can repair it, I hope so! You are an excellent teacher and have helped me so much with some nice repairs and refreshes

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@TeamGadge thank you for the kind comment! I am glad these videos are helping folks. I am still working on my website feverishly trying to get it done. Creating a very nice index or you can just go to the website and click what you need and go straight to the video. Should be done in about a week.

[@TeamGadge]

@@SladesVWBeetle I look forward to it

[@OTTO-1303]

It is excellent that you show some of the struggles, instead of editing for the “magic snap” effect. Someone who is using your vid may run into the same struggle, and if all they have is a “viola” video, the whole situation changes with F bombs galore directed at YT and the task at hand, sometimes with things getting thrown, and sometimes total discouragement Great vid Slade 👍👍👍

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much my friend! I refuse to cut out anything, that can be trouble related. I never want someone to feel that they do not know what they’re doing or they are the only ones running into problems! I just don’t believe in that.

[@joegrammatico171]

Great to see in the video the struggling with the reinstall at certain points. Seeing the difficulty will remined me to keep cool and focused when when I get to that part of getting my window regulator put in. Plus knowing where the challenging areas are before hand. Great Job! Thanks for not editing so DIY enthusiast see the total picture.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you sir! I refuse, to edit out the struggles, and silly mistakes, its not fair to the viewer! Thanks for being here!

[@daGar-qf4cf]

Hey Slade, you don't give yourself enough credit, you are an exceptional teacher, I appreciate your videos. This video will go into my library when I am ready to do my doors, looking forward to insulation video

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much Dave, I truly appreciate the kind words.

[@SDsailor7]

​@@SladesVWBeetle I wish I had my 69 bug that I sold many years back

[@mikemoreno2444]

yes please do a video on the diamond tuck. i think it would look good on my '65

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Actually I’m probably going to do that Mike, I really like that look, reminds me of the 60s and 70s.

[@vincentseetaram1985]

Thanks for all the help 😊

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Vincent, thank you for being here

[@rogermalmberg4039]

This will help, my window won't even roll down anymore, thanks

[@SladesVWBeetle]

You got this Roger! Just move slow and take your time, and you will have it back to perfect working order.

[@eugenebaroni1298]

Great job 👍 have a good weekend.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Eugene, I hope you have a very happy weekend

[@earlt_vw]

Great video, looking forward to the next. The spots on your floor are…beetle-juice! Thanks Slade!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Earl.

[@williamtanner1372]

Very good video! Lots of stuff I didn't know. Keep working on the door in detail. It's very helpful. The window "sometimes can get a little cranky". Funniest/worst pun I've heard all day.

[@Elpordex1]

Thanks Slade! You demonstrate well and very courteous when you talk.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you my friend, that was very nice of you to say. Thank you for being part of this community.

[@KevinBoswell-l1r]

Let me start out saying your videos and advice are a wealth of knowledge. I'm 51 years old and have just purchased a 1970 vw bug. My very first car was a 1971 super beetle and I have sorely missed it until now. It is like a dream come true! My bug needs lots of work but I'm currently working on the window regulators. Love your video on the "Removal and Maintenace - Hard to roll up -VW restoration DIY" video. That is one of many that you have put out that has been a real blessing! Please don't apologize ever for being too detailed on a response! I love it!! My father in law is a mechanic by trade and he is coaching me on how to repair things on the bug myself. He is very excited to help me work on it as well. Sorry for all the info!! My question is on this video is that I'm missing the screw that holds the side window channel to the door. You mention it in your video but I'm having trouble finding one. Also the small phillips head screw that you had trouble removing up inside the window channel that holds the side pop out window in place is also missing on my bug! Im needing to find these parts if possible. Unlike you I wasn't blessed with a door that was in practically now condition, mine has has some rough years put on it. Thanks again for all you do for your watchers and listeners - you're the BOMB!

[@cjjones1556]

Watched it all in one sitting. Didn't mind the length because I loved the level of detail. Nothing like the gears and levers of my convertible, but great information none the less. Thanks Slade. ✌️

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you CJ, normally I try to keep my videos as short as possible. But certain ones it’s almost hard to do. Thank you for being here

[@larrymcgarage2152]

The struggles are real folks! Great video.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

So true my friend, I try to show when those things happen so people don’t feel like it it’s just them.

[@adamgray2720]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. My '72 has the one piece glass. While in the body shop, the regulators must have gone to live with Jesus. A friend said use '68 regulators so glass won't rattle.

[@miltonwinslow2976]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that has problems with screws not wanting to unscrew. Really enjoy video. Would also like to see where you put sound proofing in door panel. I have a 74, that when I got it there was no window on the passenger side, everything thing removed. Your video is great showing the parts needed and how to install. Wish I knew what size the bolts are.

[@MrRuffun]

Thanks for this video! Super helpful and well explained. Me and my wife just got a VW this week and have been finding your videos incredibly helpful for working on ours.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much for the kind comment. And also congratulations on your Vw! That is so awesome. If you get time try to join our Facebook group, slades Vw community, there’s a lot of great folks on there.

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Great video Slade thanks looking forward to the next one have a great weak end.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you sir, I hope you have a very nice weekend.

[@MichaelLayman-um2gw]

Great teaching video. Do show how to install the sound deadener and using acid/paint for the lower channel.

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

nice video Tony and well explained. the only tip i can give is that you run your window up with the bolts lose. and when the window sits in place at the top, you can tighten them up true those upper holes in the door. then is your window straight running. they still use that method in several cars. nice to see the trick to clean and greasing up that mechanism. keep up that good work my friend.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you my friend, and thank you for the extra tip, I definitely don’t know everything so I always like to get extra tips when possible!

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

@@SladesVWBeetle I definitely never have had someone that knew everything. We all learn our whole life.

[@TimRedfern-p8c]

Great job on showing myself the right way I'm starting my restoration on my 69 VW autostick this really helped. Need to redo the front end also among other things

[@vickallen8230]

Very good video, you’re very patient and do a great job. Thanks for doing this.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Vick, and thank you for being here.

[@markk2060]

Outstanding video. Extremely helpful! Thanks for posting.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much Mark I truly appreciate that.

[@HowardFleischmannSR.-xk4ee]

Thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much. That was very nice of you.

[@TheJorgSacul]

Well, fudge... My '63 door window guts are different, being more of a gear type setup. However, this was educational and useful information, should I ever have to deal with a later model. I'm a fan of the Moly grease myself, it's something I first learned about using from a shop man who worked at Detroit Diesel Allison (in Speedway Indiana, not Detroit...) Every bicycle I've ever cleaned and repacked the bearings on, or installed new brake cables, gets the Moly treatment. Superior stuff when it comes to lubrication, durability, and keeping moisture out. And, it really bonds to (i.e., ruins) cloth shop towels! 😄😄

[@SladesVWBeetle]

I think what I’m going to try and do, is get one of those doors for the older models from my body with a scrap yard. And do a video on it.

[@greggbrown0]

Great tutorial excellent presentation. Always like your videos. It would be nice to see the sound deadening application.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much, I truly appreciate the kind comment.

[@MarkLoves2Fly]

Good Stuff! @Slades VW Beetle I need to do this with my '72 Beetle Driver's Door. I think I'll probably do this with my door in place. ;) I've got to get my key tumbler to work better on that door too. It's a bit difficult to get into my Driver's side door at the moment. I look forward to your next LIVE chat. Cheers!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Mark I appreciate it, you can do it with the door on, mine was already off so it made it a little bit easier. I got a new keys cut for my doorhandles, I did a video on that. However, my tumblers were OK so I got lucky

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Great video. Nice detail.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you my friend!

[@27yearcoach]

Very thorough. Thank you.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks Coach! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@27yearcoach]

@@SladesVWBeetle just started watching your stuff 2 weeks ago. I have a 67 bug and 73 super driving both each week. You've been helpful.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@27yearcoach That’s awesome coach, I truly appreciate you being here. I always have these videos help other folks.

[@MegaRense]

This was super-helpful, thanks so much!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Awesome!!! Thanks for leaving a comment!!

[@justinmoninger3055]

Slade… awesome video. Great job. Looking forward to the rest of the series in this door!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Justin, I truly appreciate that.

[@bryanmeade7327]

Great video! Never can be top much information.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks very much!

[@sevenoaksbrewing]

Another good one, thank you!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much!

[@hamzasmith8952]

Thank you so much brother slayde. I was wandering how I was gona fix my windows in my rusted all to heck 72 super bug. But I only have one rusted solid cable and rail. Wew weeeee.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you, my friend! I hope the videos are being helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.

[@chrisbell9009]

Great detail Slade and your funny, I'm 70 so I think I will remove door so I don't have to crouch down so much it would be hard for me with door on

[@SladesVWBeetle]

thank you sir! I know the feeling. I turned 60, my body hurts! LOL

[@VWBrennidon]

Great video Slade!!! Will come in handy for sure when I do mine.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Drake, and thank you for being part of the community here.

[@GT.Bugger]

Nicely done. I'm actually dreading the reassembly of the regulators. I did a lot of repairs on my doors one of which included the bottom tab that the regulator bolts too. So if I haven't welded it in the right spot I'm going to have issues lol

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hopefully it goes smooth for you my friend. I need to go over and check your channel and catch up on your videos I hope you’ve been doing well.

[@superbear617]

Excellent!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you my friend!

[@pearlblema9063]

Thank you! Great video, very helpful.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a kind comment!

[@jimstewart6145]

nice job.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Jim I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

[@jamiewalton23]

Another great production buddy, huge thanks for making this very informative video

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much, and thanks for always being part of the community!

[@internetkilledthevideostar]

Nice job! Thanks for this!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate that, I will see you tomorrow night! Chat time

[@beetleworks738]

Had to replace the drivers side one in Lucy my neighbor told me the reglator was completely shot the gears were completely stripped.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes sadly sometimes you need to buy another one, I just try to buy used German when possible

[@newalex1970]

Great video like always ! Going to work on my door today to replace the seal around the window 👍. Keep up the great work !!!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Alexander, I hope it goes very smoothly for you.

[@matthewmutch7853]

LOVE THE BUG!!!

[@gordonmack9948]

A over good video, I ended up scratching the paint work when fitting the quarter glass with the door on the car.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you Gordon! Yes you have to be very cautious when doing that, I try to use the plastic pry tools and move very slow.

[@jpsulisz]

As someone who will follow this video, I'd love it if you went through replacing/reconditioning that vent window with new rubber as I will most likely do that too Great video, easily the best one on this repair

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you, I have to order the rest of the parts, but I definitely will go ahead and film all of it.

[@greggbrown0]

Yup would like to see the door latch clean up.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Outstanding, I will go ahead and do a very nice video on it

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

The sedan 68-74 window regulators are the same. The 75-77 regulators are different. The 75- 77 doors have a different mounting plate on the bottom. The small screw in the vent window are not easy to remove sometimes. Been there a few times.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you so much for chiming in, I always appreciate your wisdom. I knew 68 to 74 was the same, I just wasn’t sure about the other ones that were in the 75 and up.

[@VolksStokes]

Another awesome detailed video!! My convertible Ghia window is completely lose/shot. It just falls down like a brick. Ayayayeee! I wonder if i will need to buy everything brand new to repair that

[@MrLuisagarcia]

GREAT VIDEO thanks for posting. please do the door latch video. mine came off and it seems hard to put it back. i also have a 74 super. would this procedure be the same for it? thanks again

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes I believe 68-74 is the same process. They’re all there are similar. Thanks for being here, I will go ahead and show the whole job.

[@MrLuisagarcia]

@@SladesVWBeetle thanks very much

[@jamesmadden9282]

Slade, Have you done a video on how to replace the inner support piece in the headlight on a 1968 Beetle coupe?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Do you mean the headlight buckets? I’m trying to make sure we’re on the same page.

[@nehorailobel2776]

Amazing video, thank you

[@jeffbannon1345]

Slade, another great video. Very helpful. I was wondering if you could let me know which areas need to be lubricated on the 1956-64 window regulators, which are very different from 65 up. Thanks!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Sure thing Jeff, just send an email, and I will check into it for you! [e-mail]

[@joeodonnell2594]

Great vid

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much!

[@GoodEnuff4Now]

I’d like to see the removal of the door handle rod and how to put it back together. I replaced the handle, lock mechanism and striker plate but I can’t figure out how to reinstall the rod. It keeps slipping off the little peg.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Consider it done, I’ll try to have that video up next week, the new one goes up today.

[@Slatersave]

I hope that is not another one of Heather's good towels! 😆

[@gordonmack9948]

😂

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Oh trust me, after being embarrassed on film, which I never leave anything out, and having to buy all new bath towels. I can assure you I won’t do that again. Well, hopefully I don’t. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@andymartinez7583]

Awesome video Slades, I recently had to install a new window felt to the drivers side door which made rolling up the window kinda stiff to roll up due to the new felt. Now when I try to roll up the window it has become a bit more difficult and about half way up it starts to grind /skip. I'm hoping with the help of this video I can clean and do the maintenance you explained so the window and regulator can roll up smoothly and I can avoid buying a new regulator if I don't need to. Any advise on treating the new felt to make it easier for rolling up the window?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Hi Andy, thank you for the nice compliment. Truthfully, I have never put any type of lubrication on window felt before. That would probably leave smears all over the window. I’ve only cleaned them. I would concentrate on that regulator and tracking. Sounds like the Felts are new and holding the window kind of tight. Long as they are snapped into place tightly. a lot of the new parts are different tolerances than old parts from years ago. But I would definitely try to do the procedure. I did to make them wind up and down smoother. You shouldn’t have to buy a new track or regulator.

[@stephenlepore4476]

awesome. thank you sir!

[@chinaclipper1]

How about removing and replacing the inboard and outboard scraper/ wipes? Those expensive things!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That video will be out shortly today. I didn’t show putting them back on, I have them ordered. But I show disassembling

[@bykr2009]

If you were to replace the door glass is it glued to the metal part and need to be removed or does the new glass come with it

[@smonroeh]

Sometimes you can get closer in on the project and leave yourself, other than hands and whatnot, out of the shot, so we can see the details more. Thanks

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Yes I completely agree with you! That’s the first time that I couldn’t, I usually will use my GoPro, with different attachments that allow me to do that. Unfortunately, it was not handy and I had to use my phone on the stand. But I do agree with you

[@mikebridgewater9228]

Morning Sir, I bought a bug that needs door panels. They seem to be really expensive to buy. But what I need to know is what is the best material to use to make door panels out of. We are doing Dimond tuck for the interior.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Funny you brought that up, I’m actually doing a diamond tuck pattern on my door panels. Not quite yet but I’ve done them before. So I’m going to repeat the process lol I usually just go over my existing door panels. You can buy a cheap set from J bugs if you’re going to cover them. Or use something very thin like that Luan underlayment they use on floors.

[@tomsprecher2198]

how about putting in the glass to frame rubber? thanks

[@PatrickJJohnson-x8z]

Thank you for the excellent video. What is the lubricant you recommend? I apparently lost the spring that holds the window crank in place. Where can I purchase another one?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

There’s so many different lubricants. I prefer to use either oil, or a lithium grease. But that’s just an opinion it’s almost like an oil debate. I would look online you can absolutely get one of those springs they’re easy to fine. Just google in the part.

[@zimms-world]

Great video. I will try this out soon. How long did it actually take you to do this? I’m just wondering so I know how much time to plan for when doing this

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

1 to 2 hours, on one door.

[@zimms-world]

@@vintage76vipergreenBeetle thanks

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Just as vintage described, between one and two hours per door depending on if there was a struggle. But it’s really not a bad job. Just a little tricky to film lol

[@jamesmadden9282]

My headlight buckets are rusted, bent, and pretty much a mess. Is there a replacement part or way to salvage what I have?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

If the headlight buckets are rusted out, you definitely will need replacements. Now I’ll admit I have tried the aftermarket ones, and I did not like the way they fit. Actually made me angry which I seldom get. I would first try the samba classified. And see if you can find an old German set that is cleaned up. Trust me, you’re much better off with that.

[@jamesmadden9282]

@@SladesVWBeetle I’m

[@billridenour1]

I have a '65 bug for which I've installed felt tracks, new scrappers, and after-market (I know) regulators. My windows are so hard to crank up that I actually broke the handle. Both windows work the same. Have you ever run into this problem and can you give me some advice?

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Wow, I have never heard of that happen before. So you did already remove the tracking and lubricated it like I did? There could be something stuck in that tube where the snake goes through, at least that’s what I call it. Lol.

[@billridenour1]

@@SladesVWBeetle Thanks - I'm taking it back apart.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@billridenour1 please keep me updated on how it goes.

[@billridenour1]

I’ve removed the glass, regulator, and wind-wing. I’ll clean again lube and replace felts. I’ll let you know. There was a pretty large kink in the wind-wing felt. It likely was my problem.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@billridenour1 OK I was watching for your message. Please let me know how that turns out. Also, the part where your handle goes onto the shaft. The sllined shaft. See if you can spray some lubricant inside of there. The window winder shaft, I hope that makes sense. But if you had a kink that definitely is probably your issue.

[@Raceb8420]

Chenangle is a word acording to the closed captioning. 😀

[@chrisbarr7474]

My 69 bug has a new fuel pump and lines and the tank is clean...but I'm having trouble with the fuel getting to motor...it will run about 10miles then runs out of fuel..I have to pull fuel line and blow back into tank to get pressure to push the gas to the filter..then it will go another 10 miles before running out again...please help..I'm new to the community but always wanted one since a kid .I'm in central Arkansas and want my bug to be dependable enough to drive to the show once a year in eureka springs...thank u

[@johncorcoran250]

Convertible is a bit different but mostly the same 71 Super Beetle convertible

[@vtmiller]

Thanks!❤ appreciate all your shares!😊 ‘67VeeDub #VTDUBUG

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Thank you very much, and also thank you for being part of it all. Leaving a comment and hitting a like is really appreciated, thank you so much