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Topic: From manual to power windows

in Forum: C3 Interior


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From manual to power windows (1/19)
 1/6/10 7:43pm
DJordan
Former Member

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Defuniak Springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette Courpe LT1 350/350 hp Munice m21 4 speed Hurst Shifter T-Top red/black Former 1993 Ruby Red Convertible


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 23

How hard would it be to change my 71 manual windows to power windows? I have new door panels that does not have the hole cut out for the window crank. My interior is complely out. Any advice?
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From manual to power windows (2/19)
 1/7/10 11:06am
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Not that you can't do it, but it's probably not cost effective, unless you simply want to do it for its own sake.  You'll need all the guts inside the doors...window regulators, springs, motors, wiring harnesses, switches, circuit breakers, etc.  You would need to find a parts car with power windows and get every last part included...even the console with the holes cut for the switches.

While power windows are nice, I think you'll get into it and begin wishing you didn't.  

Basically, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  Too many time have I followed the corollary to that...if it ain't brake, fix it 'til it is.  
From manual to power windows (3/19)
 1/7/10 12:08pm
DJordan
Former Member

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Defuniak Springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette Courpe LT1 350/350 hp Munice m21 4 speed Hurst Shifter T-Top red/black Former 1993 Ruby Red Convertible


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 23

Takes Gunslinger for the great advice. My wife said to stay with the manual when she saw the parts list. Of coruse I'm still undecided. Dave
From manual to power windows (4/19)
 1/7/10 12:24pm
VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

We disassemble several Corvettes every year.  We take all the guts out of each door, but could put together whole kits of used.  We never save wiring due to fire liabilty, but that is not a huge cost. If you send me a parts list, I would be glad to check used stock.

Larry
From manual to power windows (5/19)
 1/7/10 5:04pm
sundevil74
Former Member

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Leavenworth, KS - USA

Vette(s):
MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes. Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14


Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426

What about going the other way (from power to manual??). 
 
You know what I mean when the cold temps cause that window motor to S-L-O-W down.  Don't dare roll it down for fear of getting frostbite when it refuses to go back up! Besides, my car is so basic and rough that power windows just sissyfy it!  Who needs comfort in a chrome bumper BBC?
 
How much trouble can it be to go back to manual?  So what if you end up with extra switches in the console that do nothing?  I seem to have lots of those already!  Rolling On The Floor Laughing Like my clock.
 
Anyone tried this?  How tuff can it be?
 
Hope this doesn't highjack Dave's thread . . . .  Just need one expert who has done this.  Besides, I may have all the power stuff Dave needs for his swap.  Mike


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From manual to power windows (6/19)
 1/7/10 8:48pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

It a lot easier to go to manual.  Hey, maybe you guys can trade parts LOL
 
But if you put new motors in place and lube the tracks, you may find the windows work fine.  Slow windows can also be due to poor contact at the switches.
From manual to power windows (7/19)
 1/8/10 1:05pm
VetteSpecialties
Former Member

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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

How can you live in Kansas and complain about cold???  

The most common reason for slow power windows is just dirty grease.  If you clean the rollers and tracks, and lubricate them with white lube, they will probably work like new.  It is unusual for motors to work slowly.  They either work or don't.

Larry
From manual to power windows (8/19)
 1/8/10 1:23pm
DJordan
Former Member

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Defuniak Springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette Courpe LT1 350/350 hp Munice m21 4 speed Hurst Shifter T-Top red/black Former 1993 Ruby Red Convertible


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 23

Mike thanks for your honesty. As for frostbite I live in Florida. LOL When I saw the picture of your 71 Vette I thought I was looking at mine in the near furture!!! I am going to post a photo soon, but where did you get your sidepipes?
Dave
 
From manual to power windows (9/19)
 1/9/10 12:38pm
VetteSpecialties
Former Member

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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

You gave us a good idea.  We are currently disassembling a C3, so we will put everything together in a "power window conversion kit"  of all used.  Next time someone asks , we will be ready.

Larry
From manual to power windows (10/19)
 1/9/10 1:33pm
sundevil74
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Leavenworth, KS - USA

Vette(s):
MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes. Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14


Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426

Larry -- Now just because you guys in Minne-SOH-ta have cornered the market on the cold, it has still been AWFUL cold in the Land of Ahs lately (sent down from our brothers to the North, including you).  Lows have been in double digits BELOW Zero lately.  Now, to me, that's cold!!!!! Now the cold doesn't bother me so much as the 15 inches of snow that won't leave.  Can't drive Penny on that white stuff (might dirty up the chassis you know), so I'm going thru withdrawal.  I'm used to driving pretty much all winter (when the roads are clear).  This truly sucks!
 
Thanks for the insight on the slow motors.  One more thing to open up and tinker with.  Goes against the sage old saying, "If it ain't broke, . . . ."  Another chance to break somefin. 
 
Dave -- As I recall, I bought the pipes off the web on one of the "other" Corvette sites (CF methinks).  Got a great deal and am very happy with them.  Initially went with Spiral Turbo Baffles ,but went back to the Hooker glass packs to quiet them down a bit. 
 
As you can see, our cars are brothers, but mine is the "big" brother with the LS5.  MMR paint instead of Ruby red, too.  I'm about to add white Motion-like stripes down the middle and across the rear.  Somethin' different until I re-paint the whole car.
 
Good luck with yours!  Mike


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From manual to power windows (11/19)
 1/9/10 1:35pm
sundevil74
Former Member

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Leavenworth, KS - USA

Vette(s):
MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes. Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14


Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426

Sorry, Dave.  Now I see that your "former vette, (the '93) was Ruby red.  I assume then that your '71 is MMR like mine.  Thumbs Up

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From manual to power windows (12/19)
 1/9/10 3:57pm
tuxblacrayLifetime Member
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Greensburg, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188

Shucks.... whuts all of the fuss bout? Thar ain't mooch ta havin Powered Winderz in yer manual winder Vette.....    

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Tuxblacray: She's Back In Black! Check out my pics @ My Link


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From manual to power windows (13/19)
 1/9/10 8:55pm
sundevil74
Former Member

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Leavenworth, KS - USA

Vette(s):
MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes. Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14


Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426

Now why didn't I think of that?!  Wouldn't want to look lower midle class, now would we?  Yer a hoot!  Rolling On The Floor Laughing

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From manual to power windows (14/19)
 1/10/10 11:03am
TargaBlue72Lifetime Member
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Lodi, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1972 Targa Blue, T-Top, Saddle leather, 350 auto,numbers match, all original except '69 factory side exhaust. Previously owned: 1969 427, 390hp, 4sp, Riverside Gold coupe, factory side exhaust


Joined: 9/25/2007
Posts: 340

That was GREAT Tux.LOL   I think I'll go for that conversion!!Thumbs Up

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From manual to power windows (15/19)
 1/10/10 3:43pm
DJordan
Former Member

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Defuniak Springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette Courpe LT1 350/350 hp Munice m21 4 speed Hurst Shifter T-Top red/black Former 1993 Ruby Red Convertible


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 23

Mike I'll be on the look out for Hooker glass pipes. My Vette is Viper Red. Will have photo soon.
From manual to power windows (16/19)
 1/13/10 1:16pm
DJordan
Former Member

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Defuniak Springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette Courpe LT1 350/350 hp Munice m21 4 speed Hurst Shifter T-Top red/black Former 1993 Ruby Red Convertible


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 23

Just wanted to post a photo.
From manual to power windows (17/19)
 1/13/10 1:22pm
DJordan
Former Member

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Defuniak Springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette Courpe LT1 350/350 hp Munice m21 4 speed Hurst Shifter T-Top red/black Former 1993 Ruby Red Convertible


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 23

Maybe this time
From manual to power windows (18/19)
 1/15/10 11:37am
OH6ALifetime Member
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Cadiz, KY - USA

Vette(s):
74 Convertible


Joined: 8/26/2002
Posts: 249

I have done the power to manual several times and the change has always worked well.  My guess is that one set of manual cranks and handles is less than one electric motor.  My choice is always the manual ones because they have no electric gremlins and they always work.  My recommendation is to keep the manual windows because your car is not wired for the electric ones.  My 2 cents.

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From manual to power windows (19/19)
 1/15/10 12:08pm
DJordan
Former Member

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Defuniak Springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1971 Corvette Courpe LT1 350/350 hp Munice m21 4 speed Hurst Shifter T-Top red/black Former 1993 Ruby Red Convertible


Joined: 1/4/2010
Posts: 23

Thamks for all the 2-cents. At this time I am going to remain manual. I have enough things to put together for now.
 
Thanks all, Dave
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