Greetings, Fellow Bolters! I’m working on replacing the windshield glass in my ‘39 1/2 ton but the windshield regulator handle is not functioning. The handle spins freely when you turn it initially in either direction but then binds up. The tongue seems to be in really good condition and I see no apparent damage.
I was wondering if anyone can give me a suggestion as to how I can manually (without using the handle) activate the regulator so I can push the windshield out far enough to remove the bottom bracket that connects the tongue to the windshield frame.
Thanks very much for any tips or assistance you can give me!
You should be able to push the bottom of the window with your hand while cranking it open.
Wayne 1938 1-Ton Farm Truck Stovebolt Gallery Forums 1989 Silverado 1996 Mustang GT convertible When I die, I hope she doesn't sell everything for what I told her I paid for it!
Thanks, Wayne! I did apply slight pressure and felt no movement and I didn’t want to be too forceful. I will try it again and see if I can get it to move.
Does anyone know if there is a certain part of the regulator I can try and turn under the dash to perform the same action as when the handle is turned?
Mike I don’t think so. My guess, based on a little experience with these regulators is the gears inside the housing are badly worn after years of usage. I can take some photos of what these look like for a ‘37 low cab roof model, later today. Unfortunately, the metals used in these were not as robust as long term use would need. I should add that when I restored my ‘46 I recall comparing the two regulator models and there were a few differences, especially in how they were mounted to the dash.
The assembly can be removed and sent for rebuild or a replacement has recently become available. Neither option is particularly inexpensive. I attempted a rebuild the ‘37 myself, but without the necessary machine tools and knowledge was unsuccessful. In the meantime a suitable replacement was found.
Mike have you tried looking underneath the dash with a flashlight to see what is happening while the crank handle is turned? More feedback is needed.
The regulator is GM 598876. Appears to be held by two fasteners on the backside of the dash. I believe the stainless piece is called the tongue. This part can be purchased new (reproduction). There is a stop rivet at the end to prevent the tongue from becoming free. Maybe remove rivet? https://www.classychevusa.com/index...13/category_id=339/mode=prod/prd1813.htm Turning the crank handle in both directions and feeling a stopping resistance means the windshield is stuck (to me). Be careful with exerting pressure on the windshield frame. It can warp and cause fitting/sealing problems later.
Last edited by buoymaker; 10/28/20226:23 PM.
"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use." "I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."
Thank you for your responses and suggestions 46Sparky and Bouymaker! I will be working on the truck again in a couple of weeks and will attempt to again gently push out the windshield while cranking. If that doesn’t work, I’ll snap some pics and let you know what I’m seeing.
I’d forgotten about that Tech Tip! It was helpful during my attempted rebuild for the ‘37 regulator. I now also recall why I had to go the replacement route. It was overcoming the problem referenced in Kip’s Slide #6, the elongated hole in the pot metal casting the worm gear passes through. The specific problem encountered was not having the necessary tools, at that time, to precisely drill through the plug filled wallowed hole.
