[200q20v] Window regulators and the mechanically declined

[Dave Haupt]

I have a question, or two, or more, and a dreadful
confession.

I figured if there was ONE repair I could pull off on
my 1989 200Q without having to "go back for more
parts" it was replacing the power window regulator.

The driver's side went into that all-too-familiar
scenario where the motor runs, but things are
mechanically jammed up and you get lots of crunchy
noises but end up pulling the window up & down by
yourself.  When your daily commute often includes two
stops to pay bridge toll, this is unacceptable.

Easy enough, I figured, I just ordered the part from
Blauvergnugen and waited for good weather on a Sunday.
 Said wait took three months.

The old one came out easily enough.  Just to check
things out, I connected the new one before installing,
since I have memories of electrical parts that didn't
work once installed.  Bad move.  I hit the switch, and
the motor moved and all those silly cable harnesses
moved and the funny little cable end that fixes the
cable in the upper part snapped right off.  What the
$@!!!  As I looked at the old versus new assembly, it
occured to me that this failure must be common.  Very
gentle flexing of that cable puts enormous stress on
that cable bushing, and it amazes me that they can
even be shipped without being damaged.

Question One: Has anybody else had experience with the
Blau replacement window regulators like this?

Question Two: Does anybody care to speculate whether
Blau is likely to even listen to my plea for some
financial assistance in obtaining the replacement,
even though it's eesentially my fault?  Yes, I know, I
should just call Blau.  Given the reality of my
weekday life, a phone call to a parts dealer will have
to wait a month.  Perhaps that explains a bit about
why I hate dealing with dealers for parts - you
somehow have to call or visit them during normal
working hours.  If I can't do a thing via email, snail
mail, or internet ordering, it doesn't get done!

Question Three: Should somebody with my lack of
mechanical aptitude even own this particular
automobile?

I'm reminded of the joke that goes around the internet
about the customer support call that ends with "Ship
the computer back to the manufacturer because you're
too stupid to own one."  I fear I'm too mechanically
inept to own this vehicle.

And there it sits, in my neighborhood where cars get
vandalized on a quarterly basis.  The driver's side
window may *appear* to be up, but a slight bit of
downward pressure with one hand, and anybody is in the
car....not that the passenger side rear door lock
actually works, anyway!

TIA!

<tail firmly tucked between hind legs>

Dave
Santa Rosa, CA
1989 200TQ Sedan 144k, dormant for three months
1991 RX-7 106k daily driver with oil leaks and
vandalized rear view mirror
1987 ovloV (wife's) 240 in amazingly good condition
for living in a ghetto

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