BY NICK LICATAImages BY THE AUTHOR

eing the 1971 Camaro is now well over 50 years old as of this writing, it would be asking quite a bit for the factory parts to maintain their original strength and dignity. That also goes for internal parts that never see the light of day, which includes side window hardware. Years of repetitive motion, combined with summer heat and freezing cold winters are certain to put a strain on those parts that at some point will begin to fail, as was the case here.

Years ago, “Orange Krate,” our 1971 Camaro, went through a full restoration, and new side glass was part of that process, but the hardware and many of the internal mechanical parts such as the window regulator, window tracks, and adjustment hardware are all original. At the time, those parts fell under the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it rule, so they were retained as part of the restoration.

As of late, the windows lacked smooth operation, and there was quite a bit of “slop” causing an annoying rattle, especially when the windows were not rolled up all the way. The rattle was super annoying and gave the impression that the window no longer wanted to be part of the car. Truth be told, I originally took the car over to Jason Scudellari at HB Hot Rod in Huntington Beach, California, to address some minor issues that had developed over time. While Scudellari was taking the car for a testdrive, hard cornering combined with a dip in the road caused the driver side window to unexpectedly shatter. The vintage hardware combined with the car’s track-inspired suspension certainly contributed to the window’s dramatic exit from the original regulator, leaving a pile of broken glass on the carpet.

So, when it came time to replace the windows, it was obvious new hardware would be needed to properly install new side glass, so we hit up the folks at Auto Metal Direct (AMD) for fresh glass, new window regulators, and all-new window hardware.

If you’ve never tackled this job, it’s best done with a helper to hold the glass as you slide it into the tracks. You’ll also need a good amount of patience as these windows have numerous adjustment points that require a lot of trial and error, but once you get the window adjusted correctly, you’ll have smooth operation along with a proper seal between the window and weatherstrip.

Follow along as we show the installation process of new glass and hardware in a 1971 Camaro. It’s a good idea to photograph removal and disassembly of the original door glass hardware as it will make installing the new parts a much easier process.

2. Jason Scudellari of HB Hot Rod started by removing the window crank and door hardware before pulling off the door panel. Note: with the driver side window shattered, we’ll be showing the installation process on the passenger side being the glass is still intact.

3. Next Scudellari removed the door glass guides.

5. To get to the rear of the window attachment point, roll the window down so it aligns with the slot in the door so you can get a socket on the bolt.

7. Not so fast. The two bolts on top of the rear mounting track channel had to be loosened first.

9. Now, remove the bolts from the mounting bracket adjuster plate, so the glass can be removed.

11. With fresh glass from AMD in hand, Scudellari began installing the fresh hardware from the AMD kit. He started with the window guide using a touch of red Loctite as it will keep things snug, yet removable in case it needs to be replaced at some point. Don’t overtighten this piece as it will need to pivot smoothly.

13. With the remaining window hardware installed per the included diagram, it was time to remove the old regulator by loosening the bolt just below the window crank mechanism.

15. With the old regulator out, we’ll be using the original window channel, as it’s still in great shape.

17. A little grease on the plastic guide roller before installation will help ensure smooth operation and long life.

19. There are four attachment points where the regulator bolts in. At this point, you’ll just hand-tighten everything as there will be some more maneuvering to get the glass in place.

21. Now, the new glass and attached hardware can carefully be slid in place.

23. It’s tight and a little hard to see, but this is where the window roller goes on the window track on the rear.

25. Here, Scudellari attaches the third roller from the regulator to the inner window channel.

27. Next to go in are the three new window adjustment door felts on top. These adjust the window depth and double as window guides for smooth up and down operation. Getting the windows adjusted takes a bit of patience, but with some time you’ll get those windows right where you want ’em.