Vixen window winder
Discussion
The door cards on my Vixen S2 are in good condition other than deep circular score marks in the leather cloth caused by the rear of the window winder arms making contact when opening/closing the windows.
Are the window winders exclusive to the Vixen (think I can remember reading this) or are they Ford/Triumph etc? I wonder if a non-original part has been fitted with less clearance.
I am keen to replace/recover the door cards but obviously don't want them to end up going the same way as the originals. The windows are also quite stiff where the end of the winder is making contact.
Are the window winders exclusive to the Vixen (think I can remember reading this) or are they Ford/Triumph etc? I wonder if a non-original part has been fitted with less clearance.
I am keen to replace/recover the door cards but obviously don't want them to end up going the same way as the originals. The windows are also quite stiff where the end of the winder is making contact.
Hi,
I don't know what the differences are between S2 and S3 with regards to this but as far as the S3 goes, I think that the winder mechanism is a modified MG mechanism with an extra few inches welded onto the operating arm.
On my car, the square peg (to which the winder handle fits) is cross drilled for fixing the handle with a roll-pin or similar, but mine has 2 settings. It has been cross drilled at 2 different depths, which means the handle either is mounted too tight to the door card or at a comfortable distance. I don't know if this is standard or a previous mod, but might be worth checking/implementing.
Unfortunately I only had 1 winder handle in my car prior to restoration, so just purchased some aftermarket 'classic look' ish ones to replace, so have no idea where these are from.
Might also be worth checking the door card is being held tight against the door. If the trim clips have corroded then it's possible the card is standing-off the door itself.
Just a couple of ideas.
DK
I am pretty sure that the winder handles on the S2 vixen are wolsley 1500. The winders did change during vixen production but the ones with the square peg fastned by roll pin are definitely wolsley.
A similar new alternative can be sourced via europa.
do a google search for them. they sell all manner of bits and specialise in cobra kit car fittings.
neil.
A similar new alternative can be sourced via europa.
do a google search for them. they sell all manner of bits and specialise in cobra kit car fittings.
neil.
Edited by heightswitch on Friday 23 March 20:56
When I first restored my Vixen I had the same problem.
On dismantling the door I found the following:-
* The felt liner in the frame was causing the window to stick during operation.
* The additional force required to move the window up and down had torn the fibreglass in the door, (where the winder mechanism was bolted to).
* Not enough regiditiy in the door structure.
* Window frame out of alignment.
Solution as I have already carried out:-
* Straighten the frame and fit new frame felt lining channels. If you cant move the glass in the frame freely whilst off the car, dont bother bolting it back on. The strain will rip your door apart and cause the handle not to operate in a normal manner, tearing your leatherete/leather apart.
* Secure the frame to the door - I used a combination of expanding captured screws, mastik, and gavanised plate.
* reduce the thickness of the padding behind the leatherete/leather.
* Add strenght to the door where the mechanism is bolted to (I not only reapired the door, but also riveted a piece of stainless plate in).
Hope this helps
The other Darren
On dismantling the door I found the following:-
* The felt liner in the frame was causing the window to stick during operation.
* The additional force required to move the window up and down had torn the fibreglass in the door, (where the winder mechanism was bolted to).
* Not enough regiditiy in the door structure.
* Window frame out of alignment.
Solution as I have already carried out:-
* Straighten the frame and fit new frame felt lining channels. If you cant move the glass in the frame freely whilst off the car, dont bother bolting it back on. The strain will rip your door apart and cause the handle not to operate in a normal manner, tearing your leatherete/leather apart.
* Secure the frame to the door - I used a combination of expanding captured screws, mastik, and gavanised plate.
* reduce the thickness of the padding behind the leatherete/leather.
* Add strenght to the door where the mechanism is bolted to (I not only reapired the door, but also riveted a piece of stainless plate in).
Hope this helps
The other Darren
Edited by daza on Saturday 24th March 11:38
Edited by daza on Saturday 24th March 11:45
John Upham is a very good source for the "Vixen parts bin" search. Look here..... www.zen11896.zen.co.uk/vixen/parts/index.html and, after a quick google.... www.users.dircon.co.uk/~sandy/wolseley/1500/interior.html would appear to offer the said item.
Remember its always worth calling one of the marque speciallists (some of whom post on this site) at least then you'd be sure you get the right bit from someone who understands the problem.
Phil.
Remember its always worth calling one of the marque speciallists (some of whom post on this site) at least then you'd be sure you get the right bit from someone who understands the problem.
Phil.
I remember digging a pair of mechanisms out of the rear doors of an austin 1100,identical apart from the square spindle having a threaded hole in the centre,think the handleswith a screw in the middle from a hillman imp fitted ok,much easier than refittng the roll pin without damaging the trim panel.Unfortunately this was about 20 years ago cars like that don't exist in scrapyards any more.
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