VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum Roll up windshield mechanisms

My 31 Chevy Independence has the crank open windshield. The lever is up high on the driver window frame. It takes significant effort to get it to move up or down. I can feel the internal gears slip when I exert pressure. Looked to see if I could remove the lever to lubricate the assembly but do not find any set screws to allow it's removal. What is the correct procedure to service the mechanism?

The regulator is attached to the header board from the back side thus it needs to be removed as a unit. You can then lubricate, clean and repair if necessary. While it is removed check to be sure the windshield does not bind in the side tracks. I believe the control handle is held to the shaft with a clip same as the door regulator handles but not entirely sure as my car is a 32. I do have a handle for a 31 and will check if I can find it. Be careful removing the handle as it's pot metal and is easy to break. Learned that the hard way. The regulator board has two screws on each end that hold it in place. Not sure but I believe the upholstery is attached to the board and also the wiper motor is attached. Hopefully someone with a 31 can verify that the above is correct for the 31 . The service manual I have shows how to lubricate the mechanism when removed but not how to remove it.

Thanks Steve. Plan is to address the situation this coming weekend. So happens the wiper doesn't function either so if located in same proximity may address it at the same time. I will respond with the end result.

Ted

The wiper motor control wire goes above the header board. There is a small metal plate that thewire goes through. On the end of the wire is a knob that screws on. The knob has to be removed. Nothing else with the wiper motor need be touched.

As Steve wrote, remove the windshield crank handle (it's held on with a c-clip the same as the door handles). There are two screws on each side of the header board. The board should then come off.

I believe that the gears are pot metal so it is imperative that the windshield moves smoothly - no binding - for the crank to raise and lower it.

Thank you both for the assist. Plan is to address this over the coming weekend. I will recap the end result when concluded.

Here’s my 31’s. As stated, 2 screws each side and handle is held with a c clip.


And the c clip tool(or you can use a thin flathead screw driver or a rag but they call them grasshopper clips for a reason):