Removable tracks with springs for non-tilt wooden windows circa 1973

Question

Hi, I am a home improvement contractor, doing repairs to 1970s non-tilt windows. In order to remove the windows, the Wood trim must be removed from the sides, and the windows and tracks can then be pulled out freely.

There are 3-1/4" wide aluminum tracks on each side that have wound springs behind them. The springs Live inside the top portion of the track? they hook to the window at one end, and usually hook to the top end of the round portion of the track at the other end.

This is usually a fail point, and one spring flops around inside while the other one does all the work. Occasionally they both come unhooked and the window slams down. I have looked for these a few years back, and were told they are obsolete and unavailable.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated!

Best regards, Laurie

Paul · Accepted Answer

Hello, Laurie. In this situation, I recommend that you contact a local millwork and see if they can supply you with all new jamb liners. I don't think you would be able to successfully install any of our balances to work in this window; it would be very difficult, time consuming, and at the end of the day there still wouldn't be a guarantee.