Window Winder Different Over Years?

[gav240z]

Hi Guys,

I have a bit of a problem with the passenger side window winder on my Z. I recently installed some 'new' but old OEM door cards to replace the shag pile style ones that were fitted to my Z. The old shag pile door cards had more give in them and the newer ones are a lot more solid with less flex. As a result I can't for the life of me get the window winder to pop on and the circlip to lock into position. I've never had this problem before on a Z and the drivers side was fine.

 

I did have a bit of trouble fitting the passenger side door trim because it seemed as if the alignment between the door and the card was a little out in terms of getting the little rivet type fasteners on the door card to line up with the holes in the door shell. It's all snug on the door now, just the winder on passenger side won't play nice.

 

This got me wondering, did Nissan change the winders over the years slightly? Are any thicker or narrower? It seems like the passenger side winder I have is a bit thicker and I was gonna carefully grind it down, but would rather determine the cause of the mis-fit than resort to that.

 

Can post pictures also.

[Scoota G]

How are you trying to fit it? Please describe the process el capitan.

 

[gav240z]

With brute force lol... but that hasn't worked.

 

So on the underside of the winder there the 2 slits cut out where the circlip slides into. I position the circlip so that it's not quite in, but ready to move. Usually by pushing it on it will snap into place and hold the handle in. That's how I've always done it anyway.

 

I don't have any speciality tools for it. Don't worry to try putting a screw driver down there either in case I tear the OEM door card material.

[Scoota G]

I put the clip on all the way , belt it in with the palm of my hand and give it a little wiggle. Sounds like a girl i used to know.

[gav240z]

Yeah certainly needs some persuasion I've been stuck on it for a couple of hours. Makes me feel defeated haha. Will give it another go. Hope the battery is charged on it also so I can fire her up .

[gav240z]

A belated follow up to this...

 

Here is some photos.

Circlip on

Note: Circular marks from me trying to force the winder on...

 

It will sit on the door, but it just won't stay put.

 

The drivers side was fine - the hole was a bit bigger though (someone had cut it).

 

 

But at least the interior sure does look better now.

 

Before photos.

 

So the question is, do I need to align the door card better? Did Nissan change any door trims over the years for the 240z? Or am I missing something fundamental...

 

Funny because I noticed that 2 of the 240z's for sale on Gumtree are missing window winders also.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mclaren-vale/cars-vans-utes/datsun-240z-1973/1032353004

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/lilydale/cars-vans-utes/1972-datsun-240z-coupe/1031901380

[NZeder]

Well I know Nissan moved the regulator further forward on the 260z - then change the doors again for the later 260z in mid 75+ so it is possible.

 

 

[Enzo]

Hi Gav,

        If the hole is not centred this can cause problems with the card fouling on the circlip. The pictures showw that the hole is off centre. Cut the hole slightly bigger than the length of the circlip and make sure it is centred. Install the clip fully and push on. Also use your pliers and compress the circlip so it has tension to hold it on.

David

[gav240z]

Hi Gav,

        If the hole is not centred this can cause problems with the card fouling on the circlip. The pictures showw that the hole is off centre. Cut the hole slightly bigger than the length of the circlip and make sure it is centred. Install the clip fully and push on. Also use your pliers and compress the circlip so it has tension to hold it on.

David

 

Thanks mate, I thought about cutting the hole a bit wider but I didn't want to do that until I knew that was my only option. I did trim the circlip down a bit to try and prevent it fouling on the door card itself but that didn't help - I suspect it wasn't enough clearance though. I guess each car might have been slightly different and may have required a bit of a trim of the door card to fit each car back in the day.

 

The other issue I have is the window alignment is a bit off and you really have to crank the window winder hard to wind the windows up. If I get a chance I'll disassemble the door and try and fix it up. That could also be impacting what's going on here. I think there is some washers in the door to help position the window winder assembly and it's out of whack.

 

 

[Mr Camouflage]

You are missing the plastic guard that goes between the winder and the door panel that stops the circlip catching on the door panel.

 

Part number 37 in this diagram

 

http://www.carpartsmanual.com/datsuns30/DatsunZIndex/Body240Z/DoorLock,WindowRegulatorHandle/tabid/1763/Default.aspx

 

Nissan part number 80763-A0600

[gilltech]

Dito Mr Camo, you're missing the thin plastic washer that stops the winder wearing a hole in the vinyl. You can make your own, or scavenge a couple off some old car laying about. They're not seen when the winder is installed. If you need to make some then try a black ice cream container as a resource.

And yes I agree with enzo250GTO & think the circlip is most likely fouling on the door card, & ditto the circlips lose tension & have to be reshaped to grip tighter.

[Six_Shooter]

Are these the reproduction Nissan door panels? I know there was a run where the panel itself was not shaped properly, IIRC, it didn't recess enough into the door to fit properly, this would be consistent with the troubles you are experiencing.

[gav240z]

They could be reproductions although they seem vintage enough. The passenger side was a PITA to fit. Drivers side OK. Someone repainted black from TAN colour and the chrome strip is no longer present.

 

They are just on there until I can justify buying new ones .