converting crank windows to power windows
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
converting crank windows to power windows
Hi im the new kid on the block-i recently bought a 73 bb car with crank windows & wanted to know if its worth changing to power ones & if anyone knows about how much it might cost? Thanks for any info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
Pretty straight forward swap. Window hardware and elecrics up till about 76 will work for you sometime in 77 or 78 they started to change some of the parts. Wiring harness is stand alone and if you want correct style harness (there are some changes from year to year but any of the 70-76 era will work if your not particular about being NCRS correct.) Lectric Limited can sell you the exact harness if you need one. Power window motors are same for all GM car from the 60's through the mid 70's so they aren't hard to deal with. When assembling regulators, remember the motor case is grounded and the 2 terminals on the motor go to positive voltage one terminal is to run the motor in up direction, the other down. Just be ready to get into some tight spaces and possibly draw a little blood in the changeover process. You will also have to swap door panels as the regulator hole for your present manual cranks will no longer be required. I might have a set-up around my garage, would want around $350 for it and I know the harness isn't in great shape. IM me if your interested.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I recently swapped, from manual to Power windows,
find a OEM harness, then buy the rest of the parts you need.
pretty easy to do, hardest thing is feeding the harness thru door hinge area.
Honestly, I think adding power door locks was a better Mod.
that way the alarm remote can handle the doors locking and unlocking.
keeping my car locked down.
find a OEM harness, then buy the rest of the parts you need.
pretty easy to do, hardest thing is feeding the harness thru door hinge area.
Honestly, I think adding power door locks was a better Mod.
that way the alarm remote can handle the doors locking and unlocking.
keeping my car locked down.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Purchase the 73 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and take a look at the optional factory installation. AIM shows all the original GM parts, part numbers.
All the parts are available.
All the parts are available.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
This is by far the easiest way to do it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ion-bubba.html
Rick B.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...ion-bubba.html
Rick B.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: Gotham City CA
Here's one from my favorite bubba, the Canadian Red Green.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgMheL7dGu0
BTW I did the change to power using a set up from a wrecking yard and am very happy. Just do it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgMheL7dGu0
BTW I did the change to power using a set up from a wrecking yard and am very happy. Just do it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 12
From: Massapequa Park NY
Just did this on my 70. The regulators weren't hard to swap out. The power regulators use a different set of holes than the manual regulators. Getting the wires to the doors through the sleeves is a whole other story 
Was tempted to cut & splice the harness.
I bought a complete setup from another forum member from a 77. Only difference was wiring colors & one connector.
Install was something like this
1 - remove felt window guides
2 - remove window stops at top
3 - unbolt track at bottom of window
4 - remove window
5 - remove regulator
6 - install power regulator
It's also a good time to remove the front & rear tracks, clean up all the dried up grease and apply fresh grease.
Jim
Was tempted to cut & splice the harness.I bought a complete setup from another forum member from a 77. Only difference was wiring colors & one connector.
Install was something like this
1 - remove felt window guides
2 - remove window stops at top
3 - unbolt track at bottom of window
4 - remove window
5 - remove regulator
6 - install power regulator
It's also a good time to remove the front & rear tracks, clean up all the dried up grease and apply fresh grease.
Jim
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
This thread really came in handy! I bought a driver door with electric windows and had to roll the window down to line the holes up and secure the motor. Didn't have any wiring harness or leads since my windows are manual. Clipped a black jumper cable from the battery to the door, and the positive to the motor leads till we found out which went down and which up. Worked like a champ!
