I want to convert to Power Windows in my 71 Coupe, Is it better to use the factory set-up or has someone used an Aftermarket system that worked well? What is the best way to go? Obviously, I want it to look correct but since it is inside the door its better if it works right. I have seen many complaints about the factory set up so I was curious if there was an alternative?
Thanks

 

I just so happened to take on a project like this about a year ago but not on any of my Vettes. I purchased a new Ford E350 Van for my business on the car lot with manual windows a year ago December. The manuel windows was the only thing I didn't like about the Van. I was kicking it around to sending it out to have power windows installed or just do the job myself. I hunted all over the internet to see what was available. I ended up buying a power widow kit on Ebay. The manufacturer is SPAL. The whole kit with light up switches and shipping cost me around $125 to my door. I installed them in my Van and I have to tell you that this was the best $125 I ever spent. It is really a quality product what SPAL puts out. I am sure this same kit will work in your Corvette. You could email the seller before you purchase one also to make sure but the kit is pretty universal and comes with everything you need plus the wiring harness. You may want to use the original GM Corvette power window switches instead so no one will know and no one would if you changed the door panels but if you don't the kit comes with a cap to cap that area of the door panel and you could paint the cap to match. They come in the color black and I left mine black in a gray interior. Doesn't look bad at all in the Van. Here's the link to the same seller and the same exact kit that I purchased on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

 

I have a complete conversion for a 70-77 Vette including regulators/motors, and a really nice wiring harness. $250 and it's all yours. Email me for photos.

 

I just completed this on my 71 vert. My advice is to use the factory parts. Aftermarket kits for this dont work well for our cars. Also be careful using used regulators and motors. These parts dont age well.

I also suggest you rebuild the window tracks and clean everything really well while you are in there. If you have everything , it will take you a weekend to complete the job. The biggest thing I ran into is adjusting the windows. That can take you a good part of the day to get it correct.

All in all its not a bad job and its a great add to the car.

- Ron

 

Ron,
Just curious, what doesn't work well with the aftermarket kit on a Corvette? I am the one who suggested this aftermarket kit if he didn't want to go with original equipment. I felt he really had a choice here. I found the kit to be top notch. I have been in the auto parts business now in my 27th year. I looked this kit over and I feel it is made very well. I wouldn't of used it in my new Van if I didn't think it was any good. It is made by a company in Italy. I have seen some shoddy auto parts over the last 27 years but I will say it again SPAL makes one heck of a nice power window kit.

Does anyone know what it would cost for everything you need using GM factory parts to do this job? I would like to know the cost involved for everything including the wiring harness.

Took my Van to some of the repair shops that I sell auto parts to and showed them my Van with the new power window set up when I finished the job last year. They told me that it looked, sounded and operated like the factory setup all for around $125 out of pocket expense. Some of the guys were shaking there heads thinking I was bullsh_ _ting them. They really thought it was the factory set up. I would have no problem putting this set in one of my Vettes thats how well it works. Seeing is believing I guess.

Fred