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Old 11-04-2025, 11:17 AM
bluesmokennoise bluesmokennoise is offline
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Default 1991 Sunbird Convertible window doesn't go all the way up

New member here so if I am somehow breaching any forum's protocols please forgive me.

I've been restoring a 1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE convertible. Replaced much of it including both doors. The passenger door window (electric power window) goes up but leaves approximately a 1/2-inch gap between the top of the window glass and the bottom of the convertible top. My first thought was the door seal but I am also wondering if the mechanical window stop can be moved to allow the window to raise a little higher?

I've also considered maybe my regulator is old and tired because I did replace it with the one from the original door although I also replaced the power window motor.

If anyone has any ideas please share 'em because I am interested in getting this thing fixed.

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Old 11-12-2025, 11:48 AM
bbnotop bbnotop is offline
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Can't speak specifically to Sunbird, but generally all convertible windows I've seen have adjustable stops to limit travel. Also just went through a big hassle with windows on my '64 convertible. The replacement door window seals, inner and outer, had a rolled metal bead running the length of the seals, covered in rubber. These caught the lower window channel and would not allow the widow to roll up the last 1/2 inch. Had to remove the seals and hammer down flat these beads. Hassle, but the windows roll up now.

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Old 11-12-2025, 06:50 PM
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Rachelsdad Rachelsdad is offline
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Hi...

Being familiar (regarding Sunbird convertibles from American Sunroof) with 1987, and how those windows worked, I would say that if it is a hard stop vs a creep-creep to the last little bit that it will raise, the hard stop is likely being caused by a hard obstruction (window stop improperly installed/positioned) whereas the latter case would point me to either a weakening motor, stiff regulator, or misalignment of the door/glass against the weatherstrip along the rear edge of the glass. Of course, if the window stops in the same place with the door open, that would point to either a front weatherstrip (unlikely, in my experience) or something internal (motor or regulator).

One other thought which just occurred to me is the angle of the glass as it sits in the regulator. This can cause binding, so if you have a reference window (i.e., the other door), perhaps take some measurements partway up at the forward part of the glass vs the rear insofar as height from the top of the door.

Wish I could give you more specifics. Best would be to take the inner panel off and observe the window through an access panel with the door open. Otherwise, you'll likely be guessing, too.

Oh, and welcome to the best Pontiac-focused forums on the known Internet.

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