'Improving' Reproduction Window Regulators.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

In reading a different thread about someone needing Fordor window regulators, it was suggested about them using off-shore manufactured reproduction regulator. I have always found the issue with those repro regulators was that the driven gear was a tad too soft and so the teeth prematurely wear until they eventually strip. Now suppose the driven gear could be removed and the tooth surface heat treated with something like Brownells or Cherry Red / Kasenit surface hardening powder? Does something like this cure the issue?


I would need to give some thought on how to fixture the gear so that it did not warp during the heating & quenching operations, but this may be an option for improving the repro regulators. Other thoughts or suggestions??

[Steve Plucker]

How "HOT" does the item have to be before the quenching to harden it?

Is there a fine line between "HOT" and "TO HOT"?

Remake the gear out of a harder substance????

Pluck

[Kurt in NJ]

Are the gears steel, pressed powdered metal, or cast something ---does a magnet stick
how close is the design to original regulator

to harden steel it as to be correct type, and done in oxygen free enviroment to prevent scale

[midgetracer]

I've been told that the steel needs to have carbon content to be able to be hardened.

[canadian]

Hey Brent ,its me with Fordor window regulator problems. I had to purchase Vintique from Brattons, The cost of the parts are reasonable ,but shipping and Canadian dollar being useless these are still a costly purchase. finding used ones around here and leaning on a Vendors counter both non exsistant. my only hope is that because my windows travel up and down in there tracks with very little resistance that these will work for a little while anyway. weather so piss poor here most of the time I am hoping at they will at least stay up.. oh my

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by midgetracer

I've been told that the steel needs to have carbon content to be able to be hardened.

I kinda thought that too but when you read the claim from the Brownell company, they state plain or low carbon steel is fine. I was chatting with someone else on PMs and we are thinking that if only the wear surfaces of the teeth themselves get hardened, that will be sufficient to increase longevity.


And yes, another great option would be to have a gear cut on a laser or waterjet out of better quality materials. If you are going to do that, then restore the original regulator.