Window Motor and Regulator - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window regulator and motor assembly on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including interior trim removal and window mechanism access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Rear window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Door panel retaining clips × 10 — AMC standard door clips
• Electrical connector grease × 1 — Dielectric grease

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate it away from the terminal
2. Roll window to approximately mid-position for easier access to regulator mounting bolts
3. Remove rear seat cushion by lifting front edge and pulling forward
4. Remove rear seat back by releasing lower clips and lifting upward
5. Lay protective cloth over rear package shelf to prevent scratches

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove interior door panel trim
   Remove the window crank handle by prying off the spring clip with a flat-blade screwdriver, then pull handle off the splined shaft. Remove the armrest screws (typically 2-3 Phillips screws). Remove the door pull/handle escutcheon screws. Use panel removal tools to carefully pry around the perimeter of the door panel to release the retaining clips, working from bottom to top. Lift panel upward and away from door frame to clear the window sill.
2. 2

   Remove moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet from the door inner panel. On 1970 AMC models, this is typically attached with adhesive sealant. Peel slowly to avoid tearing, starting from the bottom corner. Leave the top portion attached if possible to make reinstallation easier.
3. 3

   Support and secure window glass
   Manually raise the window glass to the full-up position. Secure the glass in place using masking tape across the top of the glass to the door frame exterior, or insert wooden wedges between the glass and the top of the door channel. This prevents the glass from falling when the regulator is disconnected.
4. 4

   Disconnect window motor electrical connector
   Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. The connector will have 2 or 3 wires depending on whether the vehicle has a circuit breaker integrated. Pull the connector apart by hand or use needle-nose pliers to release any locking tabs. Mark the wires with tape if necessary for reinstallation reference.
5. 5

   Disconnect glass from regulator arm
   Locate the two bolts that attach the window glass bracket to the regulator lift arm. These are typically 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch bolts accessible through access holes in the inner door panel. Remove both bolts and carefully separate the glass from the regulator mechanism. Ensure the glass remains securely supported.
6. 6

   Remove window motor mounting bolts
   Locate the window motor mounting bolts, typically 3 bolts securing the motor to the inner door panel or mounting bracket. Remove all motor mounting bolts using the appropriate socket. The motor may be riveted on some models; if so, drill out the rivets with a 1/4 inch drill bit and replace with bolts and nuts during reassembly.
7. 7

   Remove regulator assembly mounting bolts
   Locate all regulator mounting bolts along the door inner panel. The 1970 Rebel typically has 4-5 mounting bolts securing the scissor-type regulator assembly. Remove all mounting bolts using the appropriate socket. Note the position of any spacers or shims for reinstallation.
8. 8

   Extract regulator and motor from door
   Carefully manipulate the regulator assembly to collapse the scissor arms. Rotate and maneuver the assembly through the largest access opening in the inner door panel. The motor and regulator typically come out as a single assembly. This may require patience and specific angling to clear internal door structures.
9. 9

   Install new regulator assembly
   If installing a new motor separately, attach it to the regulator assembly before installation. Collapse the new regulator mechanism and carefully insert it through the door panel access opening. Align the regulator mounting holes with the holes in the inner door panel. Install all regulator mounting bolts finger-tight, ensuring any spacers or shims are in their original positions.
10. 10

    Secure motor and tighten all fasteners
    Install the window motor mounting bolts finger-tight. Verify all regulator and motor mounting points are properly aligned. Tighten all regulator mounting bolts evenly in a cross-pattern to ensure proper alignment. Tighten all motor mounting bolts securely. Ensure the regulator moves smoothly through its range without binding.
11. 11

    Reconnect window glass to regulator
    Lower the window glass down to align the glass bracket with the regulator lift arm. Install the two glass-to-regulator mounting bolts and tighten securely, but do not overtighten as this can crack the glass bracket. Ensure the glass sits squarely in the regulator arm channel.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical and test operation
    Apply dielectric grease to the motor electrical connector terminals. Reconnect the window motor electrical connector firmly until it clicks into place. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative cable. Test window operation by cycling it up and down several times to verify smooth operation and proper alignment in the door channels. Adjust regulator mounting if necessary to eliminate binding. Disconnect battery again before final reassembly.

Reassembly

1. Reposition the plastic moisture barrier over the door inner panel, ensuring it seals around all edges and press firmly to re-adhere
2. Align the door panel with the window sill and door frame, pressing firmly around all perimeter points to seat the retaining clips
3. Reinstall all door panel screws, handles, and armrest components in reverse order of removal
4. Reinstall the rear seat back and cushion, ensuring all mounting clips engage properly
5. Reconnect the battery negative cable

Verification

• Test window operation through complete up and down cycles at least 5 times, listening for unusual noises or binding
• Verify window glass seats properly in the full-up position against the weatherstripping without gaps
• Check that window operates at normal speed without straining or hesitation
• Verify window glass travels smoothly in both door channels without rubbing or deflection
• Check that door panel is securely fastened with no rattles or loose clips
• Confirm all window switches and controls function properly

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