Where to buy window regulator for '96?

[MrPink]

Hi, guys.

I've been tearing my hair out searching and trying to find a source (other than my dealer and/or junkyard) for a driver's window regulator assembly. I have a problem with the window that looks just like the problem everyone else has, but it actually isn't. My problem is that the joint in the middle of the scissors portion has worn itself out, creating too much play in the assembly and causing the window to de-align about 1/4" toward the front at the last 1" of travel. You can actually grab the window at the front and move it up and down about an inch- nasty.

Well, I can't seem to find anyone that sells anything except 89-94 versions. Anyone else find a decent vendor and price?

Thanks for your help!

-Pink

[Ercouper]

I just bought one for my '96 off of eBay. I paid $15. plus $5. shipping.
I suggest doing a search for Geo Metro window regulator (eBay). If nothing comes up, look for someone parting out a Metro and email them asking if they have one. ....worked for me.

[MrPink]

Yeah, I watch eBay regularly, though I just started looking for this part. Thanks for the suggestion!

I just don't understand why there are no aftermarket regulators for '95 and greater.. makes no sense.

-Pink

[Tominator2000]

If a car manfacturer makes a part in house there is no reason to let a part be made elsewhere. Pure economics.

Ever try and find an aftermarket oem replacement mirror for a '72 to '78 Ford pickup? They do not exist for one of the most widely selling pickups ever! Ford never released the patent and there were never any manfacturers making them under license.

When the patent ran out there was not enough demand to tool up for the part. Same thing applies to most foreign parts and thus the expense.

[MrPink]

That may be true for Ford mirrors, but:

A) Suzuki doesn't make this part in-house and never did.

B) There are several aftermarket window regulators for the '89-'94 models.

I just can't find anything for '95 or better. Thare are zillions of post '94 Metros out there, and the regulator design is essentially exactly the same as the previous one. Since I've seen all sorts of posts about regulator failures, it seems to me that there would be a demand for them across all years, not just '94 and earlier.

Oh, well. I'll watch eBay and head off to Pick-a-Part on some sunny weekend!

-Pink

[chembrad]

Originally Posted by MrPink

B) There are several aftermarket window regulators for the '89-'94 models.
-Pink

Where? I have had a bugger of a time finding one for my '94 2dr...

The OEM is crap. The gears wear out on the gear arc and the plastic slide roller breaks with age. If someone made an after market with gears that didn't wear out with use and a metal roller (best yet a bearing) instead of a plastic one, then it would be worth the $60 (they are asking $113.66 at the GM Dealers, but they always charge at LEAST double what something is worth).

Anyone know the GM p/n for these?

[MrPink]

Originally Posted by chembrad

Where? I have had a bugger of a time finding one for my '94 2dr...

I found several while searching around the other day while at work. They were about $35. When I get to work, I'll figure out where I was and post a link for you.

-Pink

[Tominator2000]

Originally Posted by MrPink

That may be true for Ford mirrors, but:

A) Suzuki doesn't make this part in-house and never did.

B) There are several aftermarket window regulators for the '89-'94 models.

I just can't find anything for '95 or better. Thare are zillions of post '94 Metros out there, and the regulator design is essentially exactly the same as the previous one. Since I've seen all sorts of posts about regulator failures, it seems to me that there would be a demand for them across all years, not just '94 and earlier.

Oh, well. I'll watch eBay and head off to Pick-a-Part on some sunny weekend!

-Pink

They own the patent and depending on the part usually own the machinery that the parts are made on and then only by contract. Not quite 'in house,' but the effect on supply is the same.

I've never seen aftermarket regulators for '89 to '94 Metros. I have seen old stock appear from time to time and when that is sold off they are gone.