Hello:

For the second time (other door), my power window regulator has
collapsed.  Same situation:  midway through raising/lowering, it
started making noise and acting up, and shortly after, the sound of
plastic bits falling was heard and then the window would not raise
fully.  To temporarily "close" it, I had to pop off the panel and do
some creative ziptie placement.

When this last happened 2 years ago, I remember looking into it and
deciding it was mechanically too complex for me to replace alone.  I
think I spent about $250 having it done (I was on a roadtrip at the
time).  Now that I have a -little- more time, I am wondering how
involved it is.  I see that the regulator mechanism without hte motor
is $150.  What is the complexity of this job?  Does the whole door
need to come off?  is it documented anywhere?  I am a mechanical
novice but willing to give it a try if its possible.  I worry about
things like the need to tension cables, deal with the wiring
harnesses, or get myself screwed to a point where I can't even drive
to a mechanic.

Also:  is it possible to convert to manual handles?  I like not having
to reach over to the passenger side, but I really don't want this to
keep happening.  The plastic cam/pulley thing seems like a huge
liability, why isn't it metal?  I really don't want this happening in
the middle of nowhere again.

Thanks for any general words about this operation.

Rob Campbell
87 Westy GL
Los Angeles (formerly Long Beach, for those playing along at home)