I second that "Don't help the window up and down"  I did so and ended up with a hopelessly tangled cable.

When I ultimately replaced the track, I installed nuts and bolts rather than the cheesy pop rivets.

Todd
'88 Westy

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
>    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
> >