Windshield Regulators
The windshield regulator has been called by some: a windshield crank mechanism, windscreen, or window crank.
Before automobiles had air conditioning, drivers needed a way to get cool air into the vehicles. The windshield would crank out allowing air to flow into the cab of the moving car or truck.
The location of windshield regulators varies according to the year and model of the vehicle. They are located either within the dashboard or above the windshield. The windshield regulators were found in cars dating as far back as the 1920s and as late as the 1960s.
Building Legacy
Today classic car owners enjoy the cool air that functioning regulators bring into their vehicles. Guests, even children, get a kick out of seeing the windshield open and closed when the windshield regulator is cranked.
Components of a Windshield Regulator
- Crank
- Mounting Swivel Bracket
- Housing
- Tape
- Axle
- Sprocket Shaft
How Windshield Regulators Function
The windshield handle fits on the crank shaft. When turned, the crank shaft within the housing engages the sprocket shaft. The sprocket shaft which spins on an axel feeds the tape. The tape feeds through the housing up through the dash. At the end of the tape is the swivel mounting bracket which fastens to the windshield frame.
How do I remove it?
W hen removing the unit from under the dash, care must be taken not to drop the unit, as it consists of pot metal which is very brittle and can easily shatter with impact. These units are mounted under the dash with 2 to 4 bolts, depending on the make and model. The crank shaft fits through a designated hole in the dash. A handle then slips over the end of the crank shaft.
The swivel bracket end of the tape mounts onto the base of the windshield frame with 2 bolts. Close inspection of the unit shows it is not an overly complicated machine. But don’t let the first impression fool you.
There are many different kinds of windshield regulator units to fit different makes, models, and years. The individual components often vary depending on the make, model and year of the vehicle. These variations often make it impossible to use a unit with the wrong vehicle. Here are a few examples of variations: right and left-hand crank shafts, right and left-handed sprocket shafts, and mounting brackets that fit single or split windshields.
This also makes it next to impossible for interchangeable parts. If a unit is missing a few components, it may not be worth the risk of piecemealing a somewhat functional unit together. (We have seen folks disappointed while trying to rebuild their original unit with mismatched parts or new parts with worn parts.)
Options for Replacing Windshield Regulator
You want to replace your windshield regulator, but you don’t know what your options are and which is the best fit for your needs? You have three options for replacing your windshield regulator:
Most often folks start by searching for a used windshield regulator or a rebuilt regulator. Some used parts can be found, but there’s a risk they may not be the correct part for your regulator, or they may be worn more than pics show and then do not function properly within the unit.
01.
Buy a Used Windshield Regulator, as seen on eBay
When searching on places like eBay, you are likely to discover that used regulators in good condition are in short supply. You also may find that if you buy a used one, the seller is giving you no guarantees and they often inaccurately identify the correct year and model of the windshield regulators. This is understandable considering the age and pot metal (also known as die-cast, or monkey metal) that the housings were made out of.
In addition to the housing being brittle, the gears are often more worn than noted in pics, causing slippage in feeding the tape through the unit.
02.
Rebuild / Rebuilt a Windshield Regulator
Y our next option is to have a used windshield regulator rebuilt. This was the best option folks had up to a few years ago. After many hours searching the internet, we found most of the older posts suggest this approach.
Credit: PicClick
We have had folks come to us in disappointment with their new rebuilt regulator not functioning up to expectations. Unfortunately, rebuilding a windshield regulator is not without risk. The quality of the rebuild is largely based on the quality of the unit OR the workmanship invested. Making sure the parts are functioning together well within the housing is of utmost importance.
If you choose this route, people are willing to rebuild it for about the cost of new units. If you decide to do it yourself, you may need replacement components such as a crank shaft, sprocket shaft, or tape. The problem that is encountered sometimes is new parts that are installed when engaged with older worn parts can cause binding between the gears and can cause damage to the housing and or new part.
03.
Buy an Aftermarket (newly manufactured) Windshield Regulator
T he final option is to buy a newly manufactured windshield regulator. There are not many people manufacturing these parts. “This Ole’ Coupe” is the leading expert on windshield regulators. We seldom rebuild because of the fragile pot metal housings. We stand behind our machine parts if we do decide to take on a rebuild job. Our senior machinist has over 40 years in the industry and has learned the lost trade secrets of machining these classic car parts.
Over the years we have acquired a collection of many makes and models of windshield regulators in which we meticulously studied the original designs which allowed us to recreate quality replicas. We even respectfully made a few improvements to the original designs.
Our new windshield regulators are manufactured with cast aluminum housings, quality steel, and stainless steel parts. They are hand machined to ensure our guarantee of superior workmanship.
How Much Does a Windshield Regulator Cost?
There are three options to buy a windshield regulator.
The first option is to buy a used windshield regulator. The typical cost for a used original windshield regulator can range anywhere from $300 to $800 dollars depending on the seller and condition of the regulator. If it is in poor condition, you may need to have it rebuilt.
Now you are thinking, ” Why would I need to rebuild a used regulator?”
That is a great question. It is not easy to find an original windshield regulator in excellent condition and the odds of finding one at what may seem a reasonable price are few and far in between.
The second option is to buy a rebuilt windshield regulator. The cost to rebuild a regulator can run between $300 to $700 depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Unfortunately, there can be unforeseen inherent problems when some original parts are utilized in the rebuild, such as wallowed bores of the original pot metal housings that can cause the gears to bind.
Custom – Built Windshield Regulator
The third option is to buy a newly manufactured windshield regulator. One of the leading experts in custom-built windshield regulators is “This Ole Coupe.” We carry a legacy of handcrafting each part to custom-build windshield regulators for vintage cars or trucks. We stand behind our windshield regulators assuring that each customer is completely satisfied with their purchase. The cost for each new quality handcrafted windshield regulator is $425.00. A purchase from “This Ole’ Coupe,” is a guaranteed high quality, fully functioning, aftermarket replica.
Satisfaction Guaranteed!
THIS OLE COUPE
Contact us to get started
We’d love to hear from you and custom build your next dream project. Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
This Ole Coupe
Lancaster, PA 17601
Email: ThisOleCoupe@yahoo.com
Phone: 717-808-6612