Loose side windows?

[kustomkyle]

I was just wondering if anyone knew how to fix the windows on these cars (or anything with similar style long, hardtop heavy door). Basically, when you open the door, I can grab the top of the window and wiggle it back and forth (about an inch of slack total). I know these cars (as well as Camaros, earlier A-bodies, etc.) were never perfect, but this just seems like something is very worn out.

Also, when driving at higher speeds, both side windows pop out at the top past the black stoppers at the tops of the a-pillars. Another thing that used to happen (not so much anymore) was that when I shut the driver's side door, the passenger side door window would pop out past the stopper.

My doors could use new hinge pins eventually, but they aren't too bad yet. The roof rail weatherstrips also probably need replaced. I figure fixing either one of those should help a little bit, but is there something inside the door that can be tightened or adjusted? I'm not familiar with working on these older types of doors that don't have a frame around the tops of the side windows. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[84GP455]

Yes, there is an adjustable tab 2 of them (a window guide) with a felt pad on it that rests against the window to keep it from moving like you said. It is on the inside of the door and has a bolt that you loosen and adjust, you can also bend them a little if needed. The felt pads may also be worn on them.

 

[pontiacgp]

for your door pins it's better to change them sooner than later so you can use stock bushings and you won't need to drill for the oversize bushings..

 

[kustomkyle]

Yeah, that's what I was looking for. I'll have to mess around with the tabs and see what I can do.

On the other hand, the driver's side top hinge bushings, or at least one of them, is already broken (half of it is there, and I think it is the source of a clanking sound when the door is opened). The driver's door was fine at first but it gave out one day out of nowhere and dropped literally 2 inches when I opened it. I got someone to push the pin back into position, and later on I put a cotter-pin in it so it wouldn't fall out again. The passenger door dropped badly when I bought the car, but I never got around to adjusting the hinges as a temporary fix until not long ago.

I did replace the pin and bushings on a 1970 GTO top hinge. It was similar to mine in that it had half a bushing in it. I used a "GM Style" pin/bushing pack from Auto Zone that I originally got for my car. It came with four bushings; two were slotted on the outside and wouldn't fit into the hinge, while the smooth ones fit in with a couple light taps with a body hammer. I guess the slotted ones were the over-sized ones? Are they for when the hole for the bushing/pin is damaged?

 

[pontiacgp]

yes the bushings that have splines are the oversized bushing that repair an elongated hole in the hinge caused by pin wear when the original bushing has worn away..you have to drill the bushing housing to install the oversize bushing

 

[srercrcr]

The GM Fisher Body manual for your year will have everything you need.

 

[kustomkyle]

Yeah, I actually picked up one of those body manuals for about $1. It looked very generic just skimming through it, but i guess I'll have to take a closer look.

 

[srercrcr]

It's not generic at all, it covers all body styles.....good buy.