Sunbird Power Window Motor & Regulator Safety Question

[bluesmokennoise]

As I have stated in my previous posts I am a beginner and have really been grateful for the help that Doug in PR and others have sent my way. My learning curve is steep but I am really enjoying this new hobby. So here's my question: I need to replace the power window motor on my 1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE convertible. I got the old motor and regulator out and (as you will agree I am sure) the regulator needs lots of steel brushing and clean up. However I ordered new motors and they came with a bracket that does not fit the orientation of the gearing of my original. So my thinking is if I were to remove the old bracket (there are only 3 rivets that hold it to the old motor) I could reattach it either with rivets or bolts and it would fit. HOWEVER I am concerned about the high tension spring that exists on the regulator. I know how dangerous old Victorola phonograph springs and garage door opener springs can be and do not want to inflict any damage to myself by doing something stupid. Can I remove the 3 rivets from the regulator (as shown in the photo) and the spring stay intact or will either the spring fly off to parts unknown and/or the two bars of the regulator snap shut and possibly injure a finger or hand? I considered buying a regulator with the motors already attached but none of them seem to be pictured with the two bars of my original regulator so I thought just substituting the motor might be a better way to go. Thanks to this forum for its help.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

My guess would to be drill a hole in it somewhere that doesn't effect anything, bolt it so it doesn't move, install new motor , remove said bolt....

Doug in P.R.

 

[bluesmokennoise]

Thanks Doug. I did exactly that after vice-gripping the old regulator. After drilling out the three rivits and bolting them I loosened the bolts just enough to wiggle the old motor to see if anything else was getting ready to "cut loose." Nothing did. So I removed the bolts, installed the new motor and I am a happy automotive tenderfoot. Really appreciate you jumping in there for me again.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Just suggested that first, after looking up stuff on the Cavalier sister posts later on, nothing was mentioned of it springing ...

Doug in P.R.