electrical
Power Window Regulator - Rear
for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
12
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
Remove and replace the rear power window regulator assembly by accessing the internal door mechanism through the door panel.
Warnings
⚠️Disconnect battery negative terminal before working on power window system to prevent electric shock and short circuits
⚠Window regulator is under spring tension and may snap when bolts are loosened; control the mechanism carefully
⚠Support the window glass before disconnecting regulator to prevent glass from falling and shattering
ℹ️Mark or photograph electrical connector orientations and hardware positions before removal for proper reassembly
Tools required
Door panel removal tool setEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flat-blade screwdriverEssential
1/4 inch socket setEssential
3/8 inch socket setEssential
Needle-nose pliersEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Rear power window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
- Door panel retaining clips × 1 — Replace damaged clips as needed
- Window run channel felt (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate from battery post
- Roll rear window to approximately mid-position if functional before disconnecting power
- Protect rear door exterior and interior surfaces with masking tape around work area
- Remove any personal items from rear door pockets or storage areas
Procedure
- 1Remove rear door panelRemove window crank handle if equipped by prying off the retaining clip behind the handle using a flat-blade screwdriver wrapped in cloth. Remove Phillips screws securing the armrest and door pull. Remove all visible screws around the door panel perimeter. Use door panel removal tool to carefully disengage the retaining clips around the panel edge, working from bottom to top. Lift panel upward to disengage from door frame and disconnect any electrical connections for power locks or courtesy lights.
- 2Remove moisture barrierCarefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet from the door inner panel. Work slowly to avoid tearing the barrier material. If using adhesive-backed barrier, try to preserve the adhesive for reinstallation. Fold barrier material back and secure it temporarily out of the way with masking tape.
- 3Disconnect power window motorLocate the power window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Disconnect the wiring harness connector from the motor by squeezing the retaining tab and pulling apart. Note the connector orientation and wire routing for reassembly.
- 4Support and secure window glassRaise the window glass to the full up position manually if needed. Use masking tape to secure the glass to the door frame in the up position, running tape from the top of glass across to the door exterior. Alternatively, use wooden blocks wedged between glass and door frame to support the glass weight.
- 5Disconnect glass from regulatorLocate the window glass attachment points to the regulator lift channel, typically two bolts or rivets accessible through access holes in the door inner panel. Remove the fasteners securing the glass to the regulator lift arms. If rivets are used, drill them out carefully with appropriate size bit. Separate the glass from the regulator mechanism and ensure it remains securely taped or supported in the up position.
- 6Remove regulator mounting fastenersLocate all regulator assembly mounting bolts, typically 4-6 bolts securing the regulator track and motor assembly to the door inner panel. These are usually 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch hex head bolts. Remove all mounting bolts while supporting the regulator assembly to prevent it from falling.
- 7Extract regulator assemblyCarefully control the regulator mechanism as spring tension releases. Maneuver the regulator assembly through the largest access opening in the door inner panel, tilting and rotating as necessary. The scissor-type regulator arms may need to be collapsed or positioned carefully to fit through the opening. Remove the complete regulator and motor assembly from the door.
- 8Install new regulator assemblyPosition the new regulator assembly and maneuver it through the door access opening. Align the regulator track and motor mounting points with the corresponding holes in the door inner panel. Ensure the regulator lift channels are properly oriented to engage with the window glass attachment points. Hand-thread all mounting bolts before tightening any completely.
- 9Secure regulator mounting boltsTighten all regulator mounting bolts securely in a cross-pattern sequence to ensure even mounting pressure. Verify the regulator tracks are parallel and move freely without binding against the door structure. Check that the motor assembly is firmly mounted and not contacting sheet metal that could cause noise.
- 10Attach window glass to regulatorRemove tape or supports holding the window glass in the up position. Lower the glass carefully until the regulator lift channel attachment points align with the glass mounting holes. Insert new bolts or rivets and secure the glass to the regulator lift arms. Tighten fasteners securely but avoid over-tightening which could crack the glass.
- 11Connect power and test operationReconnect the power window motor electrical connector, ensuring proper engagement of the locking tab. Temporarily reconnect the battery negative cable. Test window operation through full up and down travel before reinstalling door panel. Verify smooth operation without binding, unusual noise, or slow spots. Check that window seats properly in the up position and travels fully down. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.
- 12Reinstall moisture barrier and door panelReposition the moisture barrier sheet over the door inner panel, ensuring all areas are properly sealed to prevent water intrusion. Press adhesive areas firmly or use new weatherstrip adhesive if needed. Reconnect any electrical connections for door panel switches or lights. Position the door panel over the door frame, engaging the top edge first, then pressing firmly around perimeter to seat all retaining clips. Install all door panel screws, armrest, and window crank handle. Reconnect battery negative cable.
Reassembly
- Ensure all electrical connections are properly seated and locked
- Verify moisture barrier is completely sealed to prevent water damage to door components
- Replace any broken door panel retaining clips with new clips
- Check that all door panel fasteners are tight and trim pieces are properly aligned
Verification
- Test power window operation through multiple complete up and down cycles
- Verify window travels smoothly without binding, hesitation, or unusual noise
- Check that window seats properly against weatherstrip in the full up position
- Confirm window travels to full down position without obstruction
- Verify window tracks straight in the glass channels without tilting
- Test window operation with ignition on and engine running to verify proper electrical function
- Inspect door panel for proper fit and secure attachment with no rattles