My driver's window was a little stiff and then the mechanism eventually broken (I had to press down on the window while turning the handle to open the window after that). This will result in a fail on the car's NCT (National Car Test) which I have to take in a few weeks, so I thought I would have a go at fixing it.
The car is a 1990 Toyota Starlet, so pretty much not worth spending alot to get it fixed.
Anyway, I tried to have a look at the mechanism to see if I could fix it. The problem was the the metal bar that is attached to the bottom of the glass had become disconnected at one side.
I managed to fix it, but not as good as originally. The connection new connection was glued to the window.
Anyway, then I opened the window fully and heard a click. I think the window jumped out of its guide on the side nearest the hinge of the door. It now won't close.
Anyway, now on to the questions:
I have managed to remove most of the cover to see the mechanism of the window, but I can't remove the handle that opens the window. Is there a trick to removing it ? This is the only piece that is preventing me from removing the entire cover. Atm I have to rotate the cover to see into the window mechanism.
If I have to get it fixed, do I need to replace the entire door, or is there some way to replace a window without replacing the entire door? It looks to me like the door is welded together after the window is put in place.
Is there an easy way to "pop" the window back into the guide rail?
My plan is (was) to just keep using this car until it doesn't drive anymore. However, if I can't fix the window, then it will fail the NCT and it is illegal to drive.