I had a similar problem and was able to get mine working again.  Never
attempt to 'help' the glass up or down; this is what results, and may be
what caused yours to tangle and kink.  I un-tangled, un-kinked and rewound
the cable properly on drum, then tested it by 'jumping' it up and down with
leads and a 12V battery.  I then re-assembled it and all's well (for now, at
least.......).
  Yes, it ultimately needs to be replaced as a complete unit.  List vendors
do carry it for a reasonable price.

YMMV,

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Arlene K Sondergaard" <asonder@USGS.GOV>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 1:24 PM
Subject: electric window cable

> my elcectric window stopped working.
> the archives showed how to open it up and find the problem.
> the rivet was popped--a common problem i guess. my  husband
> replaced it with a beefier rivet.
> but, the cable was tangled in the reel part and kinked in many places.
>
> so it looks like we need the whole setup gear drive, cable, and lift
> bracket (all one piece)
> is the dealership the only place to get a new one?
>
> arlene sondergaard
> 87 vanagon
>