Can I swap from manual to power windows with the same regulator?

[Luis Rocha]

Hi Guys, Can I swap from manual to power windows with the same regulator?

My 79 Monte had manual windows, antually they were not working becausse the knob was lose. I removed the window and the regulator to clean it and bought a pair of new motors.

But ht power and manual regulator seems to be different, can I use the same manual regulators with a set of motors or do I need to get a g body power window regulator too????

 

[Jeff L]

Hi Luis.

It is a difficult conversion. You need the motors(which you have) regulators, switches, wiring, etc. From other past posts on this forum, the easiest way is getting some donor doors already set up for electric. One person I know who did it was someone restoring a car with the door skins off and easy to access the inner part of the door. But that was frame off restoration and changing things was easier. I just cannot see trying to do this working through just the door openings, aligning glass, adding all the switches and wiring. It could be done, but not sure if it is worth ths hassle?

 

[fleming442]

You can add a kit like this: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIyLno1_n_2AIVQlgNCh3ymgv9EAQYASABEgIf1PD_BwE
OR- this is even better: https://www.electric-life.com/produ...s-2-complete-regulators-with-motors-attached/
BUT, I don't know that you can add a motor to where the crank was....

 

[Luis Rocha]

You can add a kit like this: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MIyLno1_n_2AIVQlgNCh3ymgv9EAQYASABEgIf1PD_BwE
OR- this is even better: https://www.electric-life.com/produ...s-2-complete-regulators-with-motors-attached/
BUT, I don't know that you can add a motor to where the crank was....

I have always hated those universal manual to power kits. But it seems that it could be the only way to go, thanks.

 

[Luis Rocha]

Hi Luis.

It is a difficult conversion. You need the motors(which you have) regulators, switches, wiring, etc. From other past posts on this forum, the easiest way is getting some donor doors already set up for electric. One person I know who did it was someone restoring a car with the door skins off and easy to access the inner part of the door. But that was frame off restoration and changing things was easier. I just cannot see trying to do this working through just the door openings, aligning glass, adding all the switches and wiring. It could be done, but not sure if it is worth ths hassle?

I already have the pigtails, the switches are cheap, the wiring can be redone from zero (How hard could it be to wire two window motors), I dont feel like thats its imposible, but finding a power regulator could be very hard and they seem to be too expensive anyway. In my country they are no junkyards as in the US so donnor cars is not an option. Everything must be bought new in the US and imported to my country. Maybe I should consider using those ugly universal manual to power kits. 🙁

 

[Jeff L]

I already have the pigtails, the switches are cheap, the wiring can be redone from zero (How hard could it be to wire two window motors), I dont feel like thats its imposible, but finding a power regulator could be very hard and they seem to be too expensive anyway. In my country they are no junkyards as in the US so donnor cars is not an option. Everything must be bought new in the US and imported to my country. Maybe I should consider using those ugly universal manual to power kits. 🙁

That was why I was concerned because of your location. I did not know how available used parts were from, for example, a local scrap car yard. Then I figured anything you bought from the US was going to cost you a bunch in shipping. My view was the cost was not worth it because of your location.

Sure it would not be hard to wire the window motors, but getting the windows and regulators aligned, mounted properly, and making sure all the hardware is secured, especially the motors, can be difficult depending on how much space the door has for you to work in.

In my opinion I just felt you would be better off in both cost and time to try to fix and replace the manual system because of what it would cost you to ship the stuff you need.

Hope it works out ok.

Good luck.

 

[fleming442]

The 2nd link is direct fit, not universal....

I have always hated those universal manual to power kits. But it seems that it could be the only way to go, thanks.

 

[Luis Rocha]

Jeff, There are not used parts here in my country, everything must be bought new i the US. SHIpping costs are about 12 usd per pound. I have already have imported an edelbrock carburetor, the window motors and some other stuff. Small parts can be send via regular mail. I thought that restoring a GM car would be cheap but as I search I find they are expensive parts. So I think I will began to request used parts in the forum. 😉

I was planing to buy a 3d printer to build a custom interior trim but as long as I am paying for a terrain and building a house I runned out of money. So no expensive parts by 2018.

 

[Longroof79]

Luis,
I'm sure between your home construction project and your car project, you're stretched thin.
Shipping parts to other countries can get expensive. It's too bad you're unable to find good used parts in your country. I'm sure your Monte is a rare bird down there.

 

[pontiacgp]

can parts for other GM vehicles be used?. I know the windows are different but I wonder if the motor and regulator could be used.