power window

[Phil@Can]

I am having trouble with my drivers side window on my 1988 spider. The poer motor works fine but the cable is snaped in two. I am having a heck of a time trying to replace it. any assistance would be appreciated.

[jamieandthemagi]

I had the same problem & had to buy the complete Wire + attachment + fixing system. Basicly the whole lot except the motor & window pane...........expensive.

The cable is not available on its own, alothough you could get funky with some joining, depending on where the snap is (ie it does not need to go through the motor)

[Paradiso]

Phil:
Here is a site that has some nice pictures of someone repairing their power window cable and motor.

http://home.wanadoo.nl/hans.siemensma/en-ar-repair.htm

HTH
John

[67GTV]

Window regulators (cable & winding mechanism) can often be found on eBay. I bought a pair for my Spider but only needed the driver's side. D/S gets the most workout. I just sold the P/S for $41 which I think was a good deal for the buyer. I've seen them go for up to $70 each.

Wish I woulda known about that site John. Replacing my regulator was a pain. It was like cable & pulley spaghetti in that door.

[jamieandthemagi]

if you decided to replace the cable DIY style, then go to a bicycle shop & ask for a Tandem gear or brake cable as these are REALLY long & should do the job.

[minton2001]

Thre are two Milano power window assemblies being being sold right now on Ebay. Good Luck! Morgan

[B. Morgan]

[url]http://home.wanadoo.nl/hans.siemensma/en-ar-repair.htm

I used this method to repair both my windows and so far they are working great. Hans has created a great web site and provided a great service to Alfa owners. I’d like to pass along a couple of tips that may be helpful .(1) Be sure to notice how the cables are routed in regards to the bracket and also direction of the rotation of the drum to raise the window before you disassemble the assembly. (2) You need to wind the “pull down” cable onto the drum in the opposite direction of the drum rotation to raise the window. Wind the cable onto the drum about 4 turns as tightly as possible and secure it with a heavy rubber band. (3) When you raise the widow the first time, do so by pulsing the switch and be sure to maintain tension on the “pull down” cable as it spools off the drum. ( 4) In order to attach the “pull down” cable, pulse the down switch as you simultaneously push down on the window and maintain tension on the “pull down” cable. It’s crucial that both the cables are taunt so you will have to make several adjustments after you intitially attach the cables to the window. Push down on the window as you lower it about halfway and then loosen the clamp bolt to adjust the cable to eliminate slack. Raise the window again and repeat the process as needed.
I used the plastic cap from a can of spray paint to fabricate the spacer. Simply cut the cap to the approximate thickness, cut a hole in the center to fit around the bushing and then use coarse sandpaper on a flat surface to achieve the correct thickness.

Good Luck

[ninjzx998]

Some great advice here. a aCouple of things I would like to add to help out people from my 5 hours experience
1. Dont' be afraid to pull on the sheet metal to give yourself some clearance to remove the motor assembly.
2. The zip tie approach when the drum is wound works great do not attempt to install without a zip tie or rubber band.
3. When installed correctly the cable is taught. my last piece of advice is to loosen the bracket at the bottom pulley to give yourself some play and then tighten it into place with the nut (also spray paint or otherwise mark the location of the washer as it relates to the bracket)

And now off to adjust the height of the windows!