Converting to Power Window/Lock/Antenna?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: Denville NJ
Converting to Power Window/Lock/Antenna?
Is it easy to convert from manual to power? I saw AutoLoc had some universal kits, are those good? Does anyone have experience with this, what works/what doesn't?
Also, who makes good alarms? The ones at autoloc have a feature for t-tops called a radar unit, if it detects motion inside the car, the alarm goes off. That would put my mind at ease a little bit when I walk away with the tops off.
Also, who makes good alarms? The ones at autoloc have a feature for t-tops called a radar unit, if it detects motion inside the car, the alarm goes off. That would put my mind at ease a little bit when I walk away with the tops off.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Converting to Power Window/Lock/Antenna? (Bifkin)
Personally, I would stay away from anything universal. Universals are meant for metal bodied automobiles and will probably use the body as a ground. You can't do that on a Corvette. If it were me, I would purchase the Assembly Manual for my model year and jot down the part numbers for the factory alarm system, power windows, power locks, and the power antenna. I would order the parts from the aftermarket providers or shop the swap meets. I would make factory installations for all four systems. The factory alarm system on my '80 includes a circuit for the t-tops.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 487
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, OR, USA
Re: Converting to Power Window/Lock/Antenna? (Bifkin)
I did my 73. I got the antenna from an Autozone type place. I got the window regulators and motors at swap meets and ebay. You can get the locks at such places too. I wired the doors myself with some 12 ga. ribbon cable. I bought the rubber conduits to the doors from Corvette Central, as well as the switches, the switch connectors, and the connectors to go to the motors in the doors. I put in some aftermarket lockes since there were none available on 73 cars. Good luck, lots of fun! :yesnod:
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 487
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, OR, USA
Re: Converting to Power Window/Lock/Antenna? (Bifkin)
Hmmm, never really totaled it up. I think the aftermarket locks were about $30 or so from Radioshack online. The window motors with regulators were around $50 each if I remember right. Switches were $25.00. If you get the switches from Corvette Central, take a hammer and gently bend the back case over the circuit board before installing. Otherwise, you will have to do it after installing. :confused: Connectors for door switches and for motors and wire chanels for the doors you can get prices from one of the corvette parts web sites (Corvette Central, Zip, Ecklers, etc. I got mine from Corvette Central). It is kind of like buying diamonds for the wife -- you gotta spend money on the vette to show her that you love her :yesnod:
