making power windows work with a car that had manual windows

Status
Not open for further replies.

Melissasinave

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Apr 9, 2021
18
2
3
hey everyone, so a while back I got new doors for my cutlass, the ones I recently had were manual and the new ones are power. reason behind why I had to get different ones is because the whole door on passenger and driver side with damaged beyond repair. now I have no idea how I would make these power windows work in my car. is there already wiring that I could use or would I have to wire something up? I really don't want to have to change regulators my car is an 88 cutlass supreme 2 door if that matters. any help is appreciated, thanks
 

Ribbedroof

Comic Book Super Hero
Supporting Member
Jan 4, 2009
4,865
6,892
113
Wellston, OK
Changing regulators is way easier than putting all the OE wiring in...which involves pulling the dash.

I suppose it could be hacked together, but I prefer a system that has been time-tested.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: 1 users

Melissasinave

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Apr 9, 2021
18
2
3
Changing regulators is way easier than putting all the OE wiring in...which involves pulling the dash.

I suppose it could be hacked together, but I prefer a system that has been time-tested.
Have you previously changed any regulators? Are they hard to change and expensive to buy
 

64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
5,660
1
12,061
113
Upstate NY
It's really not that hard to handle if you have complete doors with door wiring harnesses and window switches. If you're interested then say so. Trying to add the wires in the factory location is insane nuts unless you already plan to pull both the dash and the factory dash harness. I just did this including removing the factory harness to install an aftermarket harness in the factory location, so I have a good idea of where they all go.

You only need four wires - power, ground and the two for the passenger side that run from the driver side harness.
 

64nailhead

Goat Herder
Dec 1, 2014
5,660
1
12,061
113
Upstate NY
Have you previously changed any regulators? Are they hard to change and expensive to buy
And yes, replacing the regulators sucks weinie - ALOT. You have t drill out the rivets to remove the power mechanism, then bolt in the manual regulators in a different location. Personally, I'd run the 4 wires because it would be easier if you have complete doors.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

Ribbedroof

Comic Book Super Hero
Supporting Member
Jan 4, 2009
4,865
6,892
113
Wellston, OK
I guess it depends on your perspective. Riveted regulators are a daily occourrence at work, so it's not a big deal to me. Now, stuff that's been added and hardwired with no thought as to ever having to service or remove a component sucks (every police car, ever). Wiring snaked through the whole car and through/around stuff with no disconnect points.

But, either way will work.
 

Ribbedroof

Comic Book Super Hero
Supporting Member
Jan 4, 2009
4,865
6,892
113
Wellston, OK
Have you previously changed any regulators? Are they hard to change and expensive to buy
Yes, on several G bodies, as well as just about anything on the road today.

I assumed you still had the old doors to remove the manual regulators from...no idea what it would cost to buy replacements
 

303'505rollin

G-Body Guru
Sep 4, 2020
700
587
93
Colorado2newmexico
On my monte I had to replace my driver's side door and the parts car was power so I swapped the one door and now have to swap the passenger side to power from the other door and its been on the bottom of the list for awhile because I dont want that cramped hand contorting stress mess yet it has to be done but not right now so I'll be watching this
 

L92 OLDS

Comic Book Super Hero
Mar 30, 2012
2,872
3,050
113
West Michigan
In my opinion the best way is to use factory wiring from a donor vehicle. If memory serves me the harness plugs into the white terminal strip on the upper left below the IP as do the power locks. I’m pretty sure I have an unmolested, uncut harness from a 1987 Supreme at the shop but would have to check
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor