1991 Sunbird LE various issues.. *sigh*

[Hotketchup]

So I have this 1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE convertible that is being used as my daily driver. It is in really decent shape except for a few things that are bugging the hell out of me. I have some experience working on cars but I am a bit paranoid about pulling stuff apart and not being able to reassemble it

So here are the issues, maybe a few of you could shed some light on it.

1) The top is starting to get tears. I was going to use Tear-aid to patch it but I am not sure if it is a canvas top or a vinyl top.

2) The switch to put the top down or up is intermittent. I know there is a break in the wire on the backside of it in the trunk. I just can't get to it other than to wiggle it to get the connection back. Is it difficult to take the motor out or will I damage something?

3) Ok, this drives me freaking NUTS! The back triangle windows barely work at all. I want to get to the motors because I think they are all gunked up, but for the life of me I can not figure out how to get there. I took off the interior panels and was presented with the frame blocking everything. Does anyone have an instruction sheet on how to get to them?

4) The seals around the top and the windows need to be replaced. I have no idea how to do this or which ones to order.

5) The driver's side window rattles.

That's the first part of my list, LOL. I greatly appreciate any help anyone can give me.

Thanks!

 

[EaOutlaw]

Your top should be canvas.

If you have a bad connection near the motor you should find the bad connection and repair it.

The back window motors come out with the glass and the regulator.

The motors are probably OK the track and regulator may just need to be lubricated.

Your drivers windows rattles most likely because of the outer window seal and inner rub felts are likely dry rotted and have fallen apart.

Many of these weather strips may not be available.

The Sunbird is not a car that warranted many reproduction parts.

I have one that I have given up on because of the lack of parts.

Mine is a 1985 yours being newer you may get lucky and source some NOS parts.

When my back is feeling better I will take some pictures of the window motors and regulator assembly, so you will know what to lubricate. you may be able to lubricate these parts with the window up and one bracket removed.

If your going to keep and service the car, buy a service manual. it should be cheap for your car even for a factory service manual.

 

[EaOutlaw]

here are a few pictures or the entire window regulator and motor assembly.

The long slotted track on your car, like mine needs to be soaked down with penetrating oil.

Work the window up and down to loosen up the track, then use spray white lithium grease and work it up and down again.

You can remove the entire assembly if you want to, however it is easier to do with the window in the up position.

Yet I feel you can get it working good without all that hassle.

 

[Hotketchup]

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. I have a Chilton's but it doesn't talk much about the convertibles. I am just having an issue getting to the motors in the back themselves. I did fix the top with a good aftermarket canvas tape though.