I’m installing power windows in my 69 Olds Cutlass. I got tinted quarter glass from oldspackrat. Upon disassembly, I noticed the spring on the front roller on the drivers side quarter glass missing. The passenger side spring is intact. However, I’m questioning if this is correct. The spring applies tension to the roller. Why would you want added tension on the roller, seems like that would tend to prevent the roller from turning. So what’s the purpose of the spring?? I haven’t found a decent illustration in either the body or service manual.

Anyone in readerland have a good drivers roller spring???

Is this the correct orientation?

This is my intact passenger roller. I’m assuming the drivers is similar but backwards.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-pc-1968-1...UAAOSwtphc3ESx

 

I don't get the link. Doesn't answer the question asked. I think he was asking a direct question. Be cool if someone could help with an answer.

 

I believe he was asking if anyone has a spring because he is missing one " Anyone in readerland have a good drivers roller spring???". The link I posted is for a new roller spring.

 

The spring is supposed to be there. The roller can move a bit because the quarter window does that funky shimmy on the way down. The spring keeps the window in the correct alignment.
I don't remember how, exactly, the spring is supposed to be installed though. I bet some searching around here (with google!) will get it.

 

I have a 72 CS and my rear windows came from the factory without the tang to put the spring on. Still have not gotten an answer as to why.

 

It might be a 72 thing, as my 72 holiday coupe does not have them either. No spring and no tab to mount a spring.

 

I have no clue how long the drivers side spring has been missing. The passenger a d drivers side quarter windows seemed to work the same. I assume Olds wouldn’t have put the spring there if it wasn’t needed. Or maybe they decided the windows worked ok without it, and eliminated the spring on the later models.

 

I have even asked Joe and have not gotten a response....... maybe a stumper?

 

If Joe doesn’t have the answer, it will forever remain a mystery.

 

The pic isn't the best you have it half right the straight part of it goes inside the roller

 

That’s kinda how I figured it was supposed to fit. Just doesn’t make sense, why would you want to apply pressure to a roller to prevent it from turning? Seems counterproductive.

 

It doesn’t prevent it from rolling it keeps tight on the track.

 

You have to remember that cars are built by the thousands. These quarter windows, channels, etc. were used by BOP and Chevy on the A-bodies so we're talking hundreds of thousands of units. Now consider the tolerances involved. Some could be tight and others could be really loose. The spring applies a pre-load to keep the roller engaged on the track. Remember also that those Delrin rollers wear. The spring takes up the slack.
The fact that you don't have one on one side and it seems OK going down might mean your car's regulator is near the nominal on dimensions and/or the roller has little wear. I'd install the spring as intended but it's up to you.
I have both a convertible and Holiday coupe '69 and have had the quarter windows out on both for various reasons. The convertible windows were almost a pleasure to reinstall. The coupe? I hope I never have to relive that nightmare again!