How To Restore B-Body Door Hinges, Latches & Windows -The Devil's In The Details - The Paddock Project Charger

Now we're going to refinish the window lift mechanisms. If the window lifts aren't badly rusted, Mike completely restores them with this acid-based "wire and mag wheel cleaner." Similar products are available at any auto parts store. Make sure you get an acid-based cleaner, to help remove any rust from the parts, in addition to all the old lubricant and dirt. Also be sure to wear heavy rubber gloves when using any type of cleaner like this, and don't breathe the fumes.

Mike begins by soaking the part with the wire wheel cleaner. Make sure to cover the part completely, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. Trust us on this-make sure your back is to the wind.

Here's the refurbished piece next to an untouched one. Looks brand new, doesn't it? Even if you have to buy carb cleaner and spray grease, the cost for perfectly working door mechanisms is still less than $30.

Then hose off the part. Mike's got a power washer, but any pressure nozzle will do. Be sure to rinse the part completely, because you don't want any un-neutralized acid left to corrode the part, break down the new lubricant or get to the back side of your interior panels.

After you rinse off the lift, wipe off any old lubricant the acid might have missed, and dry the part completely.

Generously coat all the moving parts with white spray lubricant. Put the window crank handle on and run the lift up and down completely to make sure all contact areas are coated.

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the window lifts, before and after. The acid solution didn't damage the factory galvanized coating on the lift mechanism, either. If your lifts have more than light surface rust, however, you'll need to bead blast them. This process doesn't seem to hurt any plastic parts on the lifts, either. The restored piece actually looked a little worse than the unrestored example before Mike started.The action of the restored window lift is flawless, which makes cranking the windows up and down almost effortless, so there's one less thing to detract from your driving enjoyment. You won't even notice that all the restored components work perfectly, but that's the point, isn't it?