1941 Ford Tudor sedan window regulator issues

Question:

I’m working on a 1941 Ford Tudor sedan and I’m trying to get some of the smaller parts/mechanisms cleaned and rebuilt in between working on the major components. The latest problem is the rear window mechanisms. The handle shaft and small gear for raising and lowering the windows are broken. I have seen several places that sell the replacement parts. But the problem is reinstalling them as they are riveted on. And so far these parts shops haven't been very helpful in explaining how to install the components.

There are three rivets, and only one is accessible. The other two are underneath the large round gear. So that means I have to remove the gear first. A stem that on one side holds the end of a coil spring holds on the gear. The stem goes through the mounting plate, then through the large gear and was peened over to hold everything in place. Seems simple, but once the peening is ground off, how do you reattach the gear? This is not a part that I can find for sale anywhere. Anyone have a solution for this one?

Answer:

Go ahead and grind off the peening and disassemble the mechanism. And then when you get your new parts, merely MIG weld a blob on the end of the old stem. The resulting metal will be malleable enough to peen over and finish the job. Place the assembly on a hard, flat surface and use a body hammer to tap the end into the shape necessary to hold the parts together. Finish by squeezing a little white grease between the moving paris.