Topic: From manual to power windows
in Forum: C3 Interior
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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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Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
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.
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
Former Member
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
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
Larry
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Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
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! 
Like my clock.
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
Lifetime MemberIt a lot easier to go to manual. Hey, maybe you guys can trade parts 
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.
Former Member
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
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
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
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
Former Member
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
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
Larry
Former Member
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Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
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
in Forum: C3 Interior
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