Power Window Delete

[andycook]

I want to do away with the power windows in my SC and go to manual. Is it as simple as just changing over to manual regulators with cranks?
How hard is it to get the power regulators out of the door? Is there a hole big enough to remove them?

[Joe Bob]

Well...ya gotta remove the door panels...lots of screws. Do you have a Bentley manual?

[andycook]

Mike, No I do not have the Bentley Manual. I realize I have to take the door panels off. I was just wondering if there were design deifferences in the doors that had PW versus manual. I don't want to have to cut the interior door to remove the power window motors.

[Joe Bob]

AFIK...you don't. "I" would call Parts Heaven or dC Automotive and see if the have complete doors with cranks and ask them to take a pic of the guts. Then pull the panel and compare.

You may find that buying two used doors with crank assemblies is the easiest. Not to expensive last I heard.

[andycook]

Thanks Mike. I'll check into it.

[Sameer]

How much weight can one safe by removing the power windows?

[andycook]

Sameer, not sure if that was a directed or rhetorical question. I am not doing it for wieght purposes (that's what I tell myself), I am doing it to eliminate the electrical part. I popped a relay, and it pi**ed me off enough to change them out. I know, $20 relay or $100 change over. I figure it will be one less thing to break.

[Argeo]

I did the same thing for the same reason. The less electrical, the better.

David

[Tim Hancock]

David, what do you want for your power window set-up?

[Argeo]

Sorry Tim, all gone.

If you already have manual, why would you do to power?

David

[island911]

Originally posted by andycook
. .. I figure it will be one less thing to break.

I've had MANY more problems with things breaking on manuals, than with electric.

Those damn window crank handles are generally POS. (always breaking) Though, I have no experience with OE 911 cranks. Maybe, if you get an OE crank it will last a while.

. . maybe even half as long as a power motor.

[Argeo]

Eliminates wires to chase though.

My power windows were so unpredictable, I am hoping this will relieve any more window stuck down surprises. Replacement parts aren't cheap either.

I guess some would say weight is a plus too

We'll see.

David

[island911]

Originally posted by island911
Maybe, if you get an OE crank it will last a while.

Addendum: Pelican has the rollers .. .about 30 bucks. (replaceable knobs; thats a plus. . .. they are likely pretty stout.)

Let us know how it goes.

[carrue529]

well, how much weight are you removing when you make such a change?

[RoninLB]

'74-'79 & '80-'89 regulators and window steel mounting channel are different. The '80-'89 window lifters/regulators were up-graded a few times requiring different mounting hole positions. New regulators are about $150ea. '74-'79 may have the soft metal regulator pivot pins that can be up-graded to a harder pivot.

[JP911]

I replaced my driver side manual regulator and "upgraded" to the 80-89 style. Aside from the hassle of getting the regulator in and out the small opening in the door it wasn't too bad. I did have to drill a new hole in order to mount the newer part, but it was pretty straightforward.

[Mysterytrain]

Funny, I bought all the old style pieces to go from manual to power on my 78. Most of it looks like crap but thats another story. I'm going to need to replace the door panels if and when I do the conversion to power which will mean I will have to make a commitment and live with it. I think the only thing that has stopped me from moving forward is questioning how reliable the power windows have been for you guys. My car is a garage queen. I suspect that cars that live outside might have more issues with the power windows failing. So, what is the weak link here? The hardware, the harness -relay-fuse, the switches or motors? I have to admit my old cranks have served me well for 27 years.

[andycook]

Ron,
I cannot attest to any specific weak link in the power window system. I am just more confortable with the manual option myself. I tried to convince mysefl otherwise, heck, I just bought three brand new switches from our host. I am not good at eletcrical, therefore, I just want to go back to old technolgy that I can work on. (same thign with the upcoming CIS delete)

Thank you all for your input and comments. That is why this board is so great. I will look for the parts I need. If anyone needs any electric window parts. let me know.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by Mysterytrain

So, what is the weak link here?

only imo

- basically the new power window wiring sucks. I'd run in-door relays
- old soft regulator pivots
- old power window sw's do toast interior sw contacts
- old window frame mouldings degrades
- improper window frame alignment tensioning the glass up&down movement.

[RoninLB]

Originally posted by andycook
Ron,
I am just more confortable with the manual option myself.

Island mentioned the manual crank handles being a weak link. There was a thread a long way back about many various strong crank handles available that will fit.