power windows
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 9
From: So Cal where the OC/LA/SB counties meet
what will I need for retrofit?
A plug for where the window crank is now, and the wiring harness running from your main harness, through your shifter well, to underneath the center console for your switch's to plug into.
Actually, this is one of the easiest retrofits there is. Just remember that 1st Gen power windows move slowwwwwww. Also, be sure and grease up the runners on the window regulators before you install. A good molly grease works well.
I'm assuming your retrofitting into a '81 or later. Earlier versions need a bit of wiring fabrication into the doors as well.
Actually, this is one of the easiest retrofits there is. Just remember that 1st Gen power windows move slowwwwwww. Also, be sure and grease up the runners on the window regulators before you install. A good molly grease works well.
I'm assuming your retrofitting into a '81 or later. Earlier versions need a bit of wiring fabrication into the doors as well.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
From: Fort Branch, Indiana
I wired my own up in my 80 and 85 Rx's. All I did was go to the junkyard and get power windows outta any 1st gen car. They bolt right up, even the HOLES ARE THERE in the same places as the later 81-85 models. For a cap on the door panel, I used the old center cap and spacer off the window crank just glued it in 
Now on wiring, thats a different story. Im a car audio installer and it wasnt a problem, I just used 2 50 cent mini rockers configured for negative triggered. Sent the (-) signal to relays under the seat. Total of 4 relays, 1 for up per door and 1 for down per door. I havent a clue on how to explain how to wire these (been doing this over 12 years and w/o going into a 3 month discussion on relays and electronics basics), so Id just say get some switches from a junk car if your lucky enough to find some that actually still work or havent been rained in.
I opted for the relay/switch setup cuz #1 I had all the parts at my shop FREE! and #2 The window switches I found were either crappy and didnt work or were intermident at best. Besides the factory switches new from a dealer are EXPENSIVE!!! Good luck!
By the way my 80 was the same exact thing inside the door as my 85... Except for the bolts holes that hold the armrest....
Now on wiring, thats a different story. Im a car audio installer and it wasnt a problem, I just used 2 50 cent mini rockers configured for negative triggered. Sent the (-) signal to relays under the seat. Total of 4 relays, 1 for up per door and 1 for down per door.
I havent a clue on how to explain how to wire these (been doing this over 12 years and w/o going into a 3 month discussion on relays and electronics basics), so Id just say get some switches from a junk car if your lucky enough to find some that actually still work or havent been rained in.I opted for the relay/switch setup cuz #1 I had all the parts at my shop
FREE! and #2 The window switches I found were either crappy and didnt work or were intermident at best. Besides the factory switches new from a dealer are EXPENSIVE!!! Good luck!By the way my 80 was the same exact thing inside the door as my 85... Except for the bolts holes that hold the armrest....
Last edited by MIKE-P-28; Dec 21, 2001 at 08:18 PM.
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 9
From: So Cal where the OC/LA/SB counties meet
welllllllll
If you ask me nice and say pretty please, promise to cover shipping, and maybe a few buck so my kids can have shoes for the winter, I'll ship you my entire wiring set up out of my '79 Lmt Ed. that is (sniff) destined for the wrecking yard early next year.
No relays needed in the stock set up. As to the stock switch's, mine are good. But, if you get wrecking yard switch's, typically you'd need to open them up and clean the contacts. Not that hard so long as you have a realllllyyy small screw driver, a little patience, a small fine grit file, and a bit of mechanical reasoning. The GSL-SE switch's won't fit the center console plate that otherwise fits your '80 I don't think.
Alternatively to all this, I'm always interested in parts swapping. I need a few things from the wrecking yard for restoring a couple '91 Verts I'm working on for instance.
The center plug from the window crank is a good idea to plug the hole. What I did was mount a set of tweeters tapped off the kick panel speakers wires to fill mine. Looked good, improved my tunes, and no one whe wiser that the hole was for anything else.
No relays needed in the stock set up. As to the stock switch's, mine are good. But, if you get wrecking yard switch's, typically you'd need to open them up and clean the contacts. Not that hard so long as you have a realllllyyy small screw driver, a little patience, a small fine grit file, and a bit of mechanical reasoning. The GSL-SE switch's won't fit the center console plate that otherwise fits your '80 I don't think.
Alternatively to all this, I'm always interested in parts swapping. I need a few things from the wrecking yard for restoring a couple '91 Verts I'm working on for instance.
The center plug from the window crank is a good idea to plug the hole. What I did was mount a set of tweeters tapped off the kick panel speakers wires to fill mine. Looked good, improved my tunes, and no one whe wiser that the hole was for anything else.
Last edited by HOZZMANRX7; Dec 21, 2001 at 08:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Full Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: willow grove, pa
ive been installing car audio for over 10 yrs for side cash so the wiring is not really a prob. specially since i snatched a good set of working power window switches out of an 84 gsl-se i found in a junk yard. there is 1 motor on the drivers door in this car as well i just need to find a passenger side motor. everything in the door will work with the motor? i dont need any additional linkage or anything? let me know so i can get it from the junk yard before someone else does.
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 9
From: So Cal where the OC/LA/SB counties meet
Merry Christmas!!
Check your PM's. Been looking for ways to share my baby's treasures before shipping her off to the bone yard. Too bad you don't have a '79. Then we could be talking about a glass moon roof too. 
Check your PM's
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
From: Fort Branch, Indiana
Smile , Smile Smile, I got a 79 Moonroof
Want it, email me mikep28@bellsouth.net
Duh, just re read the post, you were saying you had one, not wanting to buy one LOL
Want it, email me mikep28@bellsouth.net
Duh, just re read the post, you were saying you had one, not wanting to buy one
LOL