Power Window Conversion - Success!
05-21-14, 09:03 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Power Window Conversion - Success!
Hello
Last weekend I completed my conversion from manual to power windows. While researching, I saw a decent number of questions and comments about the conversion, so I wanted to post up a few things that might be helpful to those that want to try the same conversion.
First, I owe a lot to FCinWV thread "Montego Blue Build" in the build threads, here 85 Montego Blue Build - RX7Club.com. In addition to an awesome project, he has great descriptions and pictures of the power window conversion.
My car: I have a 1985 12A, G spec as far as I can tell. No power options were installed, no sunroof, no rear hatch light. I previously installed the power hatch release and the switch for power mirrors. Power mirrors were installed along with the windows. My advice is based on this model RX-7. YMMV
Time: half day to a full day from tear down to completion, assuming you have all parts available. I consider myself a mildly competent wrencher with an above average stash of tools.
Parts: power window motors, regulators, window switches for center console, new wire harness under driver seat, jumper wires to go between doors and cabin. Power mirror conversion is also recommended since the wires for it are part of the door jumper, but not necessary. Power window door panels are also recommended, but not absolutely necessary.
Tips: TEST AS YOU GO!!!
I can't stress that enough. Each step of the way, test the electrics and function of your components. This saved me a ton of time because I found a bad wire while bench testing the previous weekend. Also be sure to thoroughly clean and properly grease the regulator slides. Proper greasing will ensure smooth operation. Also test the switches to make sure they power the motors up AND down. I found I had a faulty switch before final installation, and it saved a lot of headache.
Existing wires: one of the more frequent questions/assertions I saw in my searches was whether the vehicle was already pre-wired for this conversion. Mine was NOT. I suspect that no G models have the wiring. GS models might, but I doubt it. The easiest way to truly confirm this is to remove the driver seat and check the harness plug found there. The harness will be clear white. If both sides of the plug have equal wires in and out, your vehicle should be wired for windows. If, like mine, the wires do not fully match up, you will need to hunt down all required wiring (power switch jumper harness and the door jumper). You can also look for a thick wire (many wires wrapped in electrical tape) in your door jams. This would be part of the door jumper, which I also didn't have. My car was, however, pre-wired for the power hatch release. So I had that going for me.
Glass: I completely removed the window glass. I don't see how you could really get around this and be safe. I suggest having a buddy help you, and just go slow. If you can, pick up extra 10mm screws and a few of the white plastic window clips.
I apologize for lack of pics so far. I will try to snap some to better show where some of the interest points are. Honestly, for the actual install, the pics from FCinWV can't be beat.
Best of luck if you try this. I would rate it as moderately difficult for the novice wrencher. I will do my best to answer questions if there are any.
Last weekend I completed my conversion from manual to power windows. While researching, I saw a decent number of questions and comments about the conversion, so I wanted to post up a few things that might be helpful to those that want to try the same conversion.
First, I owe a lot to FCinWV thread "Montego Blue Build" in the build threads, here 85 Montego Blue Build - RX7Club.com. In addition to an awesome project, he has great descriptions and pictures of the power window conversion.
My car: I have a 1985 12A, G spec as far as I can tell. No power options were installed, no sunroof, no rear hatch light. I previously installed the power hatch release and the switch for power mirrors. Power mirrors were installed along with the windows. My advice is based on this model RX-7. YMMV
Time: half day to a full day from tear down to completion, assuming you have all parts available. I consider myself a mildly competent wrencher with an above average stash of tools.
Parts: power window motors, regulators, window switches for center console, new wire harness under driver seat, jumper wires to go between doors and cabin. Power mirror conversion is also recommended since the wires for it are part of the door jumper, but not necessary. Power window door panels are also recommended, but not absolutely necessary.
Tips: TEST AS YOU GO!!!
I can't stress that enough. Each step of the way, test the electrics and function of your components. This saved me a ton of time because I found a bad wire while bench testing the previous weekend. Also be sure to thoroughly clean and properly grease the regulator slides. Proper greasing will ensure smooth operation. Also test the switches to make sure they power the motors up AND down. I found I had a faulty switch before final installation, and it saved a lot of headache.
Existing wires: one of the more frequent questions/assertions I saw in my searches was whether the vehicle was already pre-wired for this conversion. Mine was NOT. I suspect that no G models have the wiring. GS models might, but I doubt it. The easiest way to truly confirm this is to remove the driver seat and check the harness plug found there. The harness will be clear white. If both sides of the plug have equal wires in and out, your vehicle should be wired for windows. If, like mine, the wires do not fully match up, you will need to hunt down all required wiring (power switch jumper harness and the door jumper). You can also look for a thick wire (many wires wrapped in electrical tape) in your door jams. This would be part of the door jumper, which I also didn't have. My car was, however, pre-wired for the power hatch release. So I had that going for me.
Glass: I completely removed the window glass. I don't see how you could really get around this and be safe. I suggest having a buddy help you, and just go slow. If you can, pick up extra 10mm screws and a few of the white plastic window clips.
I apologize for lack of pics so far. I will try to snap some to better show where some of the interest points are. Honestly, for the actual install, the pics from FCinWV can't be beat.
Best of luck if you try this. I would rate it as moderately difficult for the novice wrencher. I will do my best to answer questions if there are any.
05-21-14, 09:23 PM
#2
emissions r teh sux
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Stockton Ca
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also did this not too long ago on my 85 gs. I will take some pics when i get a moment and try to contribute to this. I was gonna do a write-up but have been struggling for time. Send me a pm and maybe we can get a good collaboration going for this.
05-22-14, 07:51 AM
#3
Impractical
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well done! It's funny that you wanted to go manual --> power, since many of us want to go the other way (especially those tall first-gen drivers like myself who could use the extra knee room between the door card and the wheel). 
Are you going to do the power window relay mod?
Are you going to do the power window relay mod?
05-22-14, 04:24 PM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No plans to do the relay mod at this time.
Yeah, I've seen a lot of people preferring to go from power to manual, but I preferred to go with power. In my opinion, the door panels that are standard in powered models are nicer looking. This is what triggered the mod, because my original panels were ripped and I scored a set of near mint power window panels cheap. 2nd, my manual regulator was flimsy on the driver side with no way to easily repair.
And I'm sufficiently short, so no worries on the space issue
Yeah, I've seen a lot of people preferring to go from power to manual, but I preferred to go with power. In my opinion, the door panels that are standard in powered models are nicer looking. This is what triggered the mod, because my original panels were ripped and I scored a set of near mint power window panels cheap. 2nd, my manual regulator was flimsy on the driver side with no way to easily repair.
And I'm sufficiently short, so no worries on the space issue