W124 window regulator popping cheap fix

[Guyton Buzz]

Typical problem, won't roll up that last 3/4 of an inch, gear stripped. Popping sound as motor continues to chew gear. Pix of inspection hole in door, and small "mending plate" repair from hardware aisle at Lowe's (note: do not allow SWMBO to wander by the new washer/dryers). Plates attach with 1/4 - 20 and nylock nuts (new hardware) and what came with regulator. Raises window to where bad gear area is not reached. Smooth operation, do not have to remove regulator, which saves drilling out rivits. Just reach thru door openings. Do not have to remove speaker.

Window of course does not go down 100%, but certainly enough for ATM and burger drive thru.

I did try a regulator I got from bone yard, it had broken spot welds from gear to bracket, previous owner had drilled in a single self tapping screw to hold window up always. I decided that repair to salvage part and drilling out door rivits was too much for one evening and went with the mending plates.