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Side View - 71 Camaro Door Glass and Hardware Replacement with All Chevy Performance

Side View - 71 Camaro Door Glass and Hardware Replacement with All Chevy Performance

Side View - 71 Camaro Door Glass and Hardware Replacement with All Chevy Performance

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Camaro Firebird

BY NICK LICATA Images BY THE AUTHOR 

How to Replace Window Glass and Regulator Hardware in a 1971 Camaro


Look, the 1971 Camaro is over 50 years old now. Expecting factory parts to maintain their original strength and function after five decades of use? That's asking a lot. This goes double for internal components that live hidden inside door panels—parts like window regulators, tracks, and adjustment hardware that deal with constant motion, summer heat, and freezing winters year after year. Eventually, something's got to give.

Years ago, we put "Orange Krate"—our 1971 Camaro—through a complete restoration. New side glass was part of that build, but the window hardware and internal mechanical components? Those were all original. At the time, they fell under the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule, so we left them in place and moved on.

Fast forward to recently: the windows weren't operating smoothly anymore. There was noticeable slop in the regulators causing an annoying rattle, especially when the windows weren't rolled all the way up. It sounded like the glass didn't want to be part of the car anymore—super irritating and definitely not the vibe you want from a restored classic.

I originally took the car over to Jason Scudellari at HB Hot Rod in Huntington Beach to address some minor issues that had popped up over time. While Scudellari was out on a test drive, he hit a hard corner combined with a dip in the road, and the driver-side window just... shattered. Completely unexpected. The combination of vintage hardware that had seen better days and the car's aggressive track-inspired suspension was enough to cause the window to violently exit the regulator, leaving a pile of broken glass on the carpet.

So yeah, when it came time to replace the windows, it was obvious we needed new hardware to do the job right. We reached out to Auto Metal Direct (AMD) for fresh glass, new window regulators, and all-new window hardware.

If you've never tackled a window install like this, fair warning: it's a lot easier with a helper to hold the glass while you guide it into the tracks. You'll also need patience—these windows have numerous adjustment points, and getting everything dialed in takes trial and error. But once you get it right? Smooth operation, proper seals between the window and weatherstrip, and no more annoying rattles.

Follow along as we walk through the installation process for new glass and hardware in a 1971 Camaro. Pro tip: take plenty of photos during disassembly of the original door glass hardware. Trust me, it'll make reassembly a hell of a lot easier.

1. To get started on replacing the window and hardware on our 1971 Camaro, we hit up Auto Metal Direct (AMD) for new clear door glass (green tint also available), window regulators, and (PN W-033) 1970-81 F-body Complete Door Glass Roller and hardware kit. The 38-piece set includes rear roller assemblies, sash mount studs, and guide bearings designed for a smooth operation.

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.

4. The glass is held in by four attachment points. We started by removing the one in the middle of the door that is hidden behind the door handle bezel.

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.

6. Time to remove the glass mounting track channel in the front, which will allow us to finally remove the glass.

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

8. From there, loosen the bolt to remove the glass stop.

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

10. Finally! Scudellari carefully pulls out the old door glass.

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.

12. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, Scudellari installed the rear window guide also with a little Loctite. Once again snug but do not overtighten.

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.

14. It takes a little convincing to maneuver the regulator in just the right position before the door becomes willing to give it up.

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

16. Before installing the old channel on the new window regulator, Scudellari cleaned it up and gave it a thin layer of grease.

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

18. Next, it was time to install the new regulator with the original cleaned-up window channels installed.

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.

20. The arrows in this image illustrate the four attachment points of the regulator.

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

22. A great tip is to use these rubber wedges Scudellari found on Amazon. They hold the window in place as you line up the window channels. These are super useful if you get stuck doing this job without a helper.

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.

24. The front and rear window studs go through the channel on the regulator. Here you can see the rear stud prior to being bolted on.

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

26. There are two glass adjustment points in the door: (A) (in middle of door) adjusts the window tilt from back to front and (B) adjusts the window front to back.

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.

28-29. With that, Scudellari reassembles the door panel and tops it off with new window cranks from AMD.

 HB Hot Rod
(714) 476-0629
hbhotrods.com

 

Parts Used in this project: 

70-81 Camaro Firebird Door Glass LH & RH

Door Window Regulator - Manual - 70-81 Chevy Camaro Pontiac

Window Crank Handle - Black Knob - 67-81 Camaro

Door Glass Roller Kit with Hardware - Mounts LH & RH Door Glass - 70-81 Camaro Firebird

Front Door Panel Retainer Plate - 70-78 Camaro Firebird

Door Glass Guide - Center or Rear - 70-79 Camaro Firebird

Door Opening Rod Assemblies - 70-81 Camaro Firebird

Door Bumper Kit - 4pcs - 70-81 Camaro Firebird7

Door Glass Stop - LH or RH - 70-81 Camaro Firebird

Interior Door Handle - 70-74 Camaro Firebird

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