new 4k window regulator

[Keith Lawyer]

I'm sure this is already covered in the archives, but:

I replaced my driver's front window regulator for what seemed like the
ump-teenth time this weekend.  After having the original fail and then
the one from my parts car failing just a few weeks later (both from
jammed/fraying cables) I first decided to source another used one.

I could have sworn that approx 4-5 years ago we got one for a previous
4k from a place in CA (perhaps Dad's) for $45.  So, expecting to pay
this I started looking used.  Dad's didnt' have any, car-part.com wasn't
much help and Force 5 wanted $80 for a used one.  Wow.  Chris at Force 5
told me they've become somewhat rare, and I think he's right.  I don't
mean to criticize Chris as I know he's a list supporter, but I couldn't
bring myself to spend $80 for a used part like this.

So I ordered the new unit from Blau.  It's a Pimax brand and comes from
Italy.  $120.  I was willing to try it for $120 because 1) it's new 2)I
was tired of removing my door panel and 3)it employs a different design
which does not use a cable...........oh and 4) lack of a functioning
window really cramps my style at the Wendy's drive thru :)

I honestly didnt' scrutinize exactly how it works as I was in a hurry
to install it over the weekend, but it appears to use a very long worm
drive gear.  The installation instructions provided by Blau are good.

The fit was a somewhat poor.  The main track of the regulator anchors
using the same "T" pattern of bolts, ie one at the bottom of the door
and two side-by-side near the top.  I anchored the bottom bolt and then
had to pull the regulator down (essentially bending the lower mounting
tab) while having my gf start the top two bolts.  I couldn't hold it
down far enough with one hand and start the bolts at the same time.  It
was either that or ream the door holes.

The other fit issue came at the glass bracket interface; one of the
holes in the glass bracket is supposed to line up with a hole in the
regulator trolley.  Well, it didn't.  It was VERY close, but I had to
ream the hole in the trolley to prevent the bolt from cross threading
into the glass bracket.  The 2nd hole you drill per the instructions.

The motor sits near the rear of the door rather than the front as in
OEM configuration.  The entire thing is more compact than OEM.

Overall install was easy and the fitment issues were minor.  As I've
seen mentioned on the list, it goes a bit slower than OEM, particularly
when going up (reminds me of my old Type 43)...........but if it lasts
more than a few months I'll be ahead of the curve LOL

Keith L
now waiting for the door handle to fail.....AGAIN