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Power window conversion

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Old May 8, 2007 | 10:25 PM
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Default Power window conversion

As my rather odd 77 was equipped with every luxury option EXCEPT the power windows, converting over from the hand-crank system has been on my list of goals for a while. Tonight, I found two different types of kits on eBay:
The SPAL kit, which looks like it uses a motor and cable to drive the hand-crank system:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SPAL-...spagenameZWDVW

And this setup, which uses GM motors and a track to move the windows:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Heavy...14309399QQrdZ1

It looks to me like the second setup would eliminate the old hand-crank setup and directly act on the window track. I've seen install pics here of the SPAL kit, so I know it will work.

Any suggestions from those who have converted?
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Old May 8, 2007 | 10:51 PM
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i've been looking at this conversion too.....bump...
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Old May 8, 2007 | 11:24 PM
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Funny,I've been wanting to convert from power to manual,tired of screwing with all the crap that goes with power windows.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 07:48 AM
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That looks like the same SPAL kit I used on my 73, and it works great. Not as fast as what I remember OEM windows being, but I am very happy with it. It’s much quieter, smoother, and faster than a conversion I helped a friend with about 10 yrs ago. The P/N of the one I got is 3300-0030, which is the HD Window kit. I had to use the dremel tool to rework the slots on the door crank spindle to get an adaptor to fit, but that may have just been mine. Conversion wasn’t hard, but with a lot interruptions it took me a weekend from start to finish. Without interruptions, I would guess maybe 4 to 6 hrs.

Which ever one you go with, be sure to get the heavy duty motor. The smaller less expensive units are for flat windows. The curved windows require more power.
-Jim
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Old May 9, 2007 | 08:46 AM
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The factory system is very reliable- go w/ it.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 09:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Ganey
The factory system is very reliable- go w/ it.
Which is what I did some 12 years ago....wired directly to main unswitched power, so they work wether engine running or not....

Largest single thing you can do for any window system is take ALL the tracks out, and soak overnight in a pan of gasoline, then clean with a trimmed/stiff paint brush when they are TOTALLY degreased, put it all back together you good to go....I have never greased/oiled the system in this 12 years, and they go up down like a islamic sword....
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Old May 9, 2007 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Ganey
The factory system is very reliable- go w/ it.
Sticker shock...serious sticker shock. I can get the HD Spal kit for $120.

Speaking of which, I've been looking around the archives again. The Spal kit seems to be working well for several people, so I'm probably going to go with it.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Sticker shock...serious sticker shock. I can get the HD Spal kit for $120.

Speaking of which, I've been looking around the archives again. The Spal kit seems to be working well for several people, so I'm probably going to go with it.
add pics of install
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Old May 10, 2007 | 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by comp
add pics of install
Will do. Until then, here's an old thread with pics: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1148377
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