Rear Window Track Replacement

[nhl77]

I have finally broke down and got a new track for the rear window. The motor works fine but the metal was rotted out. I looked through the Haynes Manual and also the Service Guides but there is no step by step way to do it. I searched the threads and couldn't find anything on the track itself. Has anyone changed theirs? Any suggestions? Steps they followed?

Thanks
Jon

[Marc_01]

I replaced mine about two years ago.

The rubber strip that "suppose" to keep the window in the track is junk IMO. So i used seam sealer, you can get this at auto paint supply stores, its the black stuff used to seal and bond your front windsheild.

With the new track, i laid a bead of seem sealer into the track, installed window, before it dried, i placed a 2x4 between the window and truck, raised until the window sandwitched the 2x4. Made adjustments to insure the window was aligned with the top grove.

Btw, because i used seem sealer, the 2x4 was used so the track wouldn't bond to anything like the weather trips at the top of the tailgate.

[Ralph]

If you're talking about the metal tracks along the inside of the tailgate, there are two screws on each side that hold them in place. It's an easy swap, but probably easier with the tailgate glass removed.

[infincool]

where d'ya get a track an how much? My '87 could benefit from that. BTW my '91 has a different seal ( better) to prevent water from running down the window into the gate I would guess you if you could buy that seal you could put it on older Wags too. It works much better IMO.

[joe]

Look in the Tech Library section. There are articles there on rebuilding the tailgate.

[The Preacher]

I went to a glass shop and they sold me one of their tubes of the stuff for $10. That way I knew I had the "the right stuff"! :D

Well, don't know the name of all the parts but... You should only need to get a couple of those little e clamp thingies that will hold the tray that the glass sits in to keep it connected to the end of the "arms" that raise an lower the glass.

The expert advice I received from the glass shop was to install the track first and then install the glass while it is in the door. He even suggested that I set the glass in the track and raise the glass once (unsealed-no glue yet) to insure proper alignment and make some kind of mark to remember the correct position.

Then, with your tailgate slightly open, raise the window as far as it will go, take the glass back out put your bead of glue in the track and set the glass back in the spot you had previously marked.

If it will take more glue you may make one more pass at the bottom but mine was already being squished out so I didn't give it any more.

Then, just lower the window enough to close the door and raise it back up all the way for a day or so till it dries.

The hardest part of the job for me was getting those clamps on. I had to do mine from the inside of the door. It takes small limber hands. Make sure you buy a few extra clamps in case you bend one or lose some inside the door.

Good Luck!! smile.gif