converting roll-ups to power windows
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Regulators have to be changed out and you will need the complete power window set up if you want to make the stock conversion. Purchase the 74 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and take a look at the factory installation of the optional power windows. The AIM has diagrams of how the PW were installed on the assembly line, lists the original part numbers, shows wiring and switches, etc.
Reminder: after the conversion, your existing door trim panels will have the holes for the window cranks.
Reminder: after the conversion, your existing door trim panels will have the holes for the window cranks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,502
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
If you're phsyically unable to crank the windows because of arthritis, etc, that's one thing- but it's not going to be easy or inexpensive to do and there's no return-on-investment.
Unless you absolutely need to do it to safely operate the car, I think you'll be better off leaving it as it is for now and get power windows on your next one.
Unless you absolutely need to do it to safely operate the car, I think you'll be better off leaving it as it is for now and get power windows on your next one.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 224
Likes: 2
From: St. Charles Missouri
Wind: To turn (a crank, for example) in a series of circular motions.
I can't let this one get by without explaining a misuse of words. .... Hand cranked windows do not 'roll' up. They 'wind' up. For example, do you 'roll' your old time keeping piece? No, you 'wind' it. Conversely, does one 'wind' a throw carpet in order to move it? No, you 'roll' it.
Phew, now that I have that off my chest, I vote to not even attempt to convert manual windows to power windows on a C3 that wasn't equipped with such silly things as power windows that did all the 'rolling' for you.
I know, my opinion is stoopid. I just can't help myself.
I can't let this one get by without explaining a misuse of words. .... Hand cranked windows do not 'roll' up. They 'wind' up. For example, do you 'roll' your old time keeping piece? No, you 'wind' it. Conversely, does one 'wind' a throw carpet in order to move it? No, you 'roll' it.
Phew, now that I have that off my chest, I vote to not even attempt to convert manual windows to power windows on a C3 that wasn't equipped with such silly things as power windows that did all the 'rolling' for you.
I know, my opinion is stoopid. I just can't help myself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
I made this conversion and if you're relatively mechanically inclined it really wasn't difficult. The PW window regulators are pretty easy to find used and I bought the harness used, although I think you can purchase this through Lectric Limited, M&H, or some of the electrical harness suppliers. Since I was replacing my door panels anyway, the holes for the crank handles weren't an issue. The only other hard thing was to string the harness and drill two holes in the front edges of the doors with a hole saw for the flexible conduit. This involved removing the doors to accomplish. I was in the middle of the restoration at the time so they were off anyway.
I'm glad I made the conversion since my car is a convertible and I don't like reaching over to crank the window down. All totalled, I'd estimate the conversion cost me $250 and time shopping around for parts.
Use the AIM as a guide as Easy Mike suggests.
I'm glad I made the conversion since my car is a convertible and I don't like reaching over to crank the window down. All totalled, I'd estimate the conversion cost me $250 and time shopping around for parts.
Use the AIM as a guide as Easy Mike suggests.
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 did the conversion, with parts from a donor car, door panel parts,
and the electrical harness for PWR WIN. bought a switch and a relay.
hardest part is feeding the harness in place,
also be sure to add a good 12 gauge wire for; Gnd to each door.
Glad i did the upgrade;
and the electrical harness for PWR WIN. bought a switch and a relay.
hardest part is feeding the harness in place,
also be sure to add a good 12 gauge wire for; Gnd to each door.
Glad i did the upgrade;
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Very easy conversion as PW was an afterthought on the C3. The harness is completely self contained and does not impact any other wiring. 3 hookups: Power feed from horn relay, ACC power from fusebox and ground.
I bought the harness new. I was replacing the door panels anyway. Got the regulators from ebay for $20. Add in switches, circuit breaker and motors and I guess I have about $500 into it with everything new except regulators.
I already had wiring conduits from body to the doors for keyless entry.
I bought the harness new. I was replacing the door panels anyway. Got the regulators from ebay for $20. Add in switches, circuit breaker and motors and I guess I have about $500 into it with everything new except regulators.
I already had wiring conduits from body to the doors for keyless entry.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Personally I like crank ups. I've had so many cars where the switches and motors go bad. My 81 electrics are good so far. I've had door panels off more than any human should have to. 4 doors, don't even mention it. Thank God I have this great glass man and he's reasonable.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 1
From: Winston-Salem NC
These guys are about 15 miles down the road from me, have been planning on going by there. They have a good rep from what I've heard, lots of pleased customers.
http://www.shop.nu-relics.com/1968-1...rvette_c94.htm
http://www.shop.nu-relics.com/1968-1...rvette_c94.htm
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Very easy conversion as PW was an afterthought on the C3. The harness is completely self contained and does not impact any other wiring. 3 hookups: Power feed from horn relay, ACC power from fusebox and ground.
I bought the harness new. I was replacing the door panels anyway. Got the regulators from ebay for $20. Add in switches, circuit breaker and motors and I guess I have about $500 into it with everything new except regulators.
I already had wiring conduits from body to the doors for keyless entry.
I bought the harness new. I was replacing the door panels anyway. Got the regulators from ebay for $20. Add in switches, circuit breaker and motors and I guess I have about $500 into it with everything new except regulators.
I already had wiring conduits from body to the doors for keyless entry.
so just the other day I had the driver door apart because I forgot to securely plug the damn motor electric in place.....
oh well, took off like a bandit.....reason it was not secure.....the damn coil spring that counterbalances glass weight, that thing looking like a electric range element.....had broken, so replaced for 5 bux.....
that 5 bux secret will cost you 20 bux for me to spill the beans....
