Window Motor and Regulator - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear window motor and regulator assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including interior trim removal and electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear window regulator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Window motor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Window motor mounting rivets or bolts × 3 — Use OEM specification
• Door panel clips (if broken) × 1 — Generic Ford door panel clips

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Roll window to approximately half-open position if motor is still functional
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts
5. Lay out drop cloth or blanket on ground to protect removed door panel

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove door panel trim and armrest
   Remove all visible Phillips screws from the door panel, typically located in the armrest area and door pull. On the 1972 F-100, there are usually 2 screws in the armrest and 1 screw in the door pull assembly. Remove the window crank handle by removing the set screw or C-clip behind the handle using needle nose pliers. Remove door lock knob by unscrewing counterclockwise or pulling straight up depending on style.
2. 2

   Remove door panel
   Using a door panel removal tool or flat blade screwdriver wrapped in a cloth, carefully pry the door panel away from the door starting at the bottom corners. Work your way around the perimeter to release all panel clips. Lift the door panel up and away from the door frame to clear the window sill and door lock mechanism. Set panel aside on protected surface.
3. 3

   Remove moisture barrier
   Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier sheet enough to access the window regulator and motor area. Use masking tape to hold the barrier out of the way if necessary. Avoid tearing the barrier as it will need to be resealed during reassembly.
4. 4

   Support window glass
   Raise the window glass to the full up position. Using masking tape or duct tape, secure the window glass to the door frame to prevent it from falling when the regulator is disconnected. Place tape across the top of the glass and onto the exterior door frame in at least two locations.
5. 5

   Disconnect window motor electrical connections
   Locate the window motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Disconnect the two-wire connector from the motor by pressing the release tab and pulling the connector free. Note the wire colors and polarity for proper reconnection during reassembly.
6. 6

   Disconnect glass from regulator
   Locate the bolts or clips securing the window glass channel to the regulator lift arms. Remove the 2 bolts securing the glass channel to the regulator arms using a 1/4 inch or 5/16 inch socket. Carefully disconnect the glass from the regulator mechanism.
7. 7

   Remove window motor from regulator
   The window motor is attached to the regulator assembly with 3 rivets or bolts. If rivets are present, drill them out using a 1/4 inch drill bit, being careful not to damage the regulator plate. If bolts are present, remove them using the appropriate socket. Separate the motor from the regulator drive mechanism.
8. 8

   Remove regulator assembly
   Locate and remove the 4 bolts securing the window regulator assembly to the inner door panel using a 3/8 inch socket and extension. The bolts are typically positioned at the corners of the regulator mounting plate. Carefully maneuver the regulator assembly out through the door access hole, rotating and tilting as necessary to clear the inner door structure.
9. 9

   Install new regulator assembly
   Insert the new regulator assembly into the door cavity through the access hole, positioning it carefully to align the mounting holes with the door inner panel. Start all 4 mounting bolts by hand before tightening. Tighten the regulator mounting bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating against the door panel.
10. 10

    Install new window motor
    Position the new window motor onto the regulator drive mechanism, aligning the motor drive gear with the regulator gear. Secure the motor using 3 bolts through the original rivet holes or pre-drilled mounting holes. Tighten bolts securely but do not over-torque to avoid cracking the motor housing.
11. 11

    Reconnect glass to regulator
    Remove the tape supporting the window glass. Lower the glass into the door cavity and align the glass channel with the regulator lift arms. Install the 2 bolts securing the glass channel to the regulator arms and tighten securely.
12. 12

    Connect electrical and test operation
    Reconnect the electrical connector to the window motor, ensuring proper polarity. Temporarily reconnect the negative battery cable. Test window operation by actuating the window switch through full up and down travel. Verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise. If operation is satisfactory, disconnect battery again before final reassembly.
13. 13

    Reinstall moisture barrier and door panel
    Press the moisture barrier back into position, ensuring all edges are properly sealed against the door frame. Align the door panel with the door, engaging the top edge over the window sill first, then pressing the panel firmly against the door to engage all panel clips. Reinstall all door panel screws, window crank handle, and door lock knob. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Ensure moisture barrier is fully sealed to prevent water intrusion
2. Verify all door panel clips are properly engaged before reinstalling screws
3. Test window operation multiple times through full travel before returning vehicle to service
4. Check for proper window alignment in door frame

Verification

• Operate window through complete up and down cycle multiple times to verify smooth operation
• Check that window glass seats properly against weatherstripping in the full up position
• Verify no unusual noises or binding during window operation
• Confirm window speed is consistent with opposite side window if equipped
• Check that door panel is securely attached with no rattles or loose areas

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