Anyone ever installed power windows on a car that never had them?
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John Larkin
Sublime Master of Turbology
- Joined
- May 25, 2001
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- 5,012
I have done it, Lee. It's not that bad. You need the harness from another car though. This was on an '81 ElCamino. I swapped the power windows out of an '80 Grand Am.
There is a wiring harness that goes across the dashboard. It plugs into a gang box, white in color as high up in the dash as you can get, above the fuse box mounted to the underside of the dash. You will likely have to drop the steering column and unbolt the bottom of the dash, swinging it up as much as possible to run the harness.
Then it comes down the kick panels on both sides and out to the doors. I think that it tied into the dome light switches in the hinge pillars also; these are probably the ground points. The pillars will likely already have plugs but the doors should have knock-outs that have to be removed. Then you install the flexible "gators" for the door wiring. I used small bolts on everything motor and track-wise since it is riveted from the factory. Install your switches and you are done. It's not a small job, but doing it in steps helps.
There is a wiring harness that goes across the dashboard. It plugs into a gang box, white in color as high up in the dash as you can get, above the fuse box mounted to the underside of the dash. You will likely have to drop the steering column and unbolt the bottom of the dash, swinging it up as much as possible to run the harness.
Then it comes down the kick panels on both sides and out to the doors. I think that it tied into the dome light switches in the hinge pillars also; these are probably the ground points. The pillars will likely already have plugs but the doors should have knock-outs that have to be removed. Then you install the flexible "gators" for the door wiring. I used small bolts on everything motor and track-wise since it is riveted from the factory. Install your switches and you are done. It's not a small job, but doing it in steps helps.
John, I am planning to do it to my 78 Malibu. I found a loaded 78 Monte in a local junk yard and grabbed a lot of the accessories off of it already (lighted vanity mirror, gauge package, power trunk release, 4 speaker stereo, cruise control, etc)
I want to get the power windows and locks out of it as well.
Should I just grab the whole body harness from front to rear?)
I want to get the power windows and locks out of it as well.
Should I just grab the whole body harness from front to rear?)
John Larkin
Sublime Master of Turbology
- Joined
- May 25, 2001
- Messages
- 5,012
You could I guess. The piece you really need is the harness that runs across the dash. It was in a black rectangular wire protector, about 36" long with orange and white wires. This is what plugs into that gang box up high in the dash, which should already be there on yours. If not, grab that too; it's fed from the fuse box I think. This stuff is a PIA to get out so go on a cool day, unless you're like Kendall and are into "junkyard destruction". You should see him rip cars apart! 
Outside of that, go with your best judgement at the time on peripheral wiring to take. I don't think there's alot aft of the dash worth much. However, those window motors and power lock actuators are plug and play so be gentle inside the doors. They're usually plugged in on the back side of the motor too which is fun trying to figure out how to loosen the plug without seeing it. You'd almost be better off taking your cordless drill and drilling out the motor/actuator rivets, letting 'em fall first.
Outside of that, go with your best judgement at the time on peripheral wiring to take. I don't think there's alot aft of the dash worth much. However, those window motors and power lock actuators are plug and play so be gentle inside the doors. They're usually plugged in on the back side of the motor too which is fun trying to figure out how to loosen the plug without seeing it. You'd almost be better off taking your cordless drill and drilling out the motor/actuator rivets, letting 'em fall first.
I already removed the dash and steering column the last time I was out there. So getting at the wiring is easy now.
I might just grab the entire harness just incase. But as far as the window motors and door lock actuators go, I was planning to bring to cordless drill to get them out of the doors. Thanks again John!
I might just grab the entire harness just incase. But as far as the window motors and door lock actuators go, I was planning to bring to cordless drill to get them out of the doors. Thanks again John!
