Window Motor and Regulator - Front

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front window motor and regulator assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including door panel removal, glass support, and window mechanism replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front window motor (if electric) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel retaining clips × 8 — Ford push-pin style
• Window regulator rivets or bolts × 6 — 1/4" diameter
• Window channel felt weatherstrip (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable if equipped with power windows
3. Roll window to approximately mid-travel position for easiest access
4. Protect door exterior and glass from scratches with shop towels or moving blankets

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door trim panel
   Remove window crank handle by prying off the C-clip retainer with needle nose pliers. Remove door handle bezel screws (2 Phillips head screws). Remove armrest retaining screws (3 screws on 1972 F-100). Use door panel tool or wrapped flat screwdriver to release the 8 push-pin clips around the perimeter of the door panel. Lift panel up and away from door frame. Disconnect courtesy light and door lock rod if equipped.
2. 2

   Remove moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheeting from the inner door panel. Take care not to tear it as it will be reused. If adhesive is failing, prepare to replace or use new weatherstrip adhesive during reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect power window motor (if equipped)
   This step applies ONLY if an aftermarket power window conversion has been installed (1972 F-100 was factory-equipped with manual crank windows). If power windows are present, locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity, disconnect the two-wire connector from the motor, and clean corroded terminals before reconnection during reassembly.
4. 4

   Support window glass
   Manually raise the window glass to the full up position. Secure the glass in place using two strips of masking tape from the top of the glass to the door frame, or have an assistant hold the glass. This prevents the glass from falling when the regulator is disconnected.
5. 5

   Disconnect glass from regulator
   Locate the two bolts or clips securing the window glass channel to the regulator lift arm inside the door. These are typically 7/16" bolts accessed through access holes in the inner door panel. Remove both fasteners and carefully disengage the glass from the regulator mechanism. Ensure glass remains supported.
6. 6

   Remove window stops
   Remove the front and rear vertical window run channel stops if they interfere with regulator removal. These are typically held by 1 screw each at the top of the door frame. This provides clearance to maneuver the regulator assembly out of the door.
7. 7

   Remove regulator-to-door fasteners
   The regulator is attached to the inner door panel at 6 points using either rivets or bolts. If factory rivets are present, drill them out using a 1/4" drill bit, being careful not to enlarge the holes in the door. If bolts are present (from previous service), remove them with a 1/2" socket or wrench. Keep track of all fastener locations.
8. 8

   Remove window motor from regulator (if applicable)
   This step applies ONLY to aftermarket power window installations (factory 1972 F-100 windows are manual crank and have no motor). If a power window motor is present and you are reusing it, remove the motor mounting bolts securing the motor to the regulator assembly, marking the motor orientation before removal. Mark the motor orientation before removal to ensure correct reinstallation. If replacing both components, skip this step and remove as an assembly.
9. 9

   Extract regulator assembly
   Carefully maneuver the regulator assembly through the large access opening in the inner door panel. The mechanism may need to be rotated and angled to clear the door frame. Work slowly to avoid damaging the door or surrounding components. Remove completely from door.
10. 10

    Install new regulator assembly
    If installing motor separately, attach it to the new regulator using the 3 mounting bolts in the same orientation as removed. Insert the new regulator assembly into the door cavity, angling and rotating as necessary to fit through the access opening. Align the regulator mounting points with the holes in the inner door panel.
11. 11

    Secure regulator to door
    Install 6 bolts through the regulator mounting points into the door panel. Use 1/4" bolts with washers and nuts if original rivets were drilled out. Tighten securely but do not overtighten to avoid distorting the door panel. Ensure regulator sits flush against the door structure.
12. 12

    Connect glass to regulator
    Remove tape supporting the window glass. Lower the glass carefully until the glass channel aligns with the regulator lift arm attachment points. Insert the two 7/16" bolts and tighten securely. Ensure the glass is properly seated in the front and rear window run channels.
13. 13

    Test window operation
    Test window operation manually with the crank handle through full up and down travel. Window should move smoothly without binding or unusual noise. Adjust regulator position if binding occurs.
14. 14

    Reinstall window stops and moisture barrier
    Reinstall the front and rear window run channel stops with their retaining screws. Press the moisture barrier back into place against the door, ensuring good adhesion around all edges. Replace or supplement adhesive if necessary.
15. 15

    Reinstall door trim panel
    Reconnect courtesy light and door lock rod if equipped. Position door panel and engage the 8 push-pin clips by pressing firmly around the perimeter. Install the 3 armrest screws, 2 door handle bezel screws, and window crank handle C-clip or power window switch bezel. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all door panel clips are fully seated to prevent rattles
2. Verify moisture barrier is properly sealed to prevent water intrusion
3. Test window operation multiple times before returning vehicle to service
4. Check for proper window alignment and adjust if necessary using regulator mounting bolt adjustment

Verification

• Window operates smoothly through full range of travel without binding or hesitation
• Window seals properly at full up position with no gaps
• No unusual noises during window operation
• Door panel is secure with no loose clips or rattles
• Power window switch operates correctly in both up and down directions (if equipped)
• Window glass is properly aligned in channels and does not contact door frame

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