Glass binding in new rubber channel

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   I'm refreshing the doors on my Ambassador. Removed the glass, power window mechanism, latch etc, then cleaned, regreased, replaced.  I purchased new window channel from one of the AMC vendors and carefully installed it in the aluminum frame. I was sort of proud of myself on how well it went in and how even it looked.
After reinstalling everything, the glass binds in the channel. Even loosening the mounting bolts to give everything a little play did not help. The glass without the frame goes up and down smoothly.

I have attached a picture of the profiles of the old channel (left) and the new channel (right). The new channel appears to be thicker than the old. I think this may be the cause, but if so, there should be others having the same issue.

Are all the replacement channels from the different vendors the same? I assume they all order from the same source.

Has anyone else had this problem? Am I overlooking some basic adjustment? I tried to match the previous bolt locations when reinstalling, but to get the glass into the upper channel (just barely), I had to assist the power window with a crow bar!

Many thanks for any comments.

Adolph John Rydzewski
Newark, Delaware

Edited by JohnRyd - Apr/20/2021 at 12:49pm

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JohnRyd Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Aug/18/2013 Location: Newark, DE Status: Offline Points: 336	Post Options Post Reply Quote JohnRyd Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Glass binding in new rubber channel Posted: Apr/20/2021 at 12:31pm
	I'm refreshing the doors on my Ambassador. Removed the glass, power window mechanism, latch etc, then cleaned, regreased, replaced. I purchased new window channel from one of the AMC vendors and carefully installed it in the aluminum frame. I was sort of proud of myself on how well it went in and how even it looked. After reinstalling everything, the glass binds in the channel. Even loosening the mounting bolts to give everything a little play did not help. The glass without the frame goes up and down smoothly. I have attached a picture of the profiles of the old channel (left) and the new channel (right). The new channel appears to be thicker than the old. I think this may be the cause, but if so, there should be others having the same issue. Are all the replacement channels from the different vendors the same? I assume they all order from the same source. Has anyone else had this problem? Am I overlooking some basic adjustment? I tried to match the previous bolt locations when reinstalling, but to get the glass into the upper channel (just barely), I had to assist the power window with a crow bar! Many thanks for any comments. Adolph John Rydzewski Newark, Delaware Edited by JohnRyd - Apr/20/2021 at 12:49pm
	Adolph John Rydzewski Newark, Delaware 1972 Ambassador 4dr Brougham, 360/2BBL/727 purchased new 1968 AMX 390/Auto 1957 Hudson Hollywood 327/Auto 1975 Cadillac Eldorado 1992 Lumina Z34 5 speed

1ManGang Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Feb/01/2018 Location: Norfolk, VA Status: Offline Points: 248	Post Options Post Reply Quote 1ManGang Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Apr/25/2021 at 12:05am
	John, I hope you get an answer. The profiles of the original and the replacement definitely appear to be significantly different. I have been having the same problem with a Jeep Window. In my case, the new weatherstripping is not from a vendor. I tried an as close as I could get at Carlisle match. I don't really have a good one from the door that I am working on since it is all dry and crumbly. I can go back a few years to some parts doors but who knows if there were any design changes from year to year in the door or the channel gasket. I have seen lots of cars that have nice paint and interior but terrible weatherstripping. I think you and I are finding out why. I even have a 68 Ambassador that was a driver restoration. It has fuzzies in the window channels not anything rubber. I think the restorer, who was a glass man, might have had the same problem. Someday I may need to visit him and take a closer look at a few of his other AMCs and see what is in the window channel. VR, Dave Norfolk, VA