Power & Crank windows

[GrndNatnl]

How difficult would it be to convert power windows to crank windows? Would need non-p/w door panels, which could be pricey. I have power locks too, which I wish to keep, but was thinking of maybe someday converting to crank windows.

Second question, for the time being or if I decide just to stick with p/w's, what can I do to tune up the windows a little without spending too much money on the kit that makes them faster. Havent had the door panel off yet. Wasnt sure if there are any tracs or anything that could be adjusted or cleaned. The windows go down kinda shakey at times, and go up pretty slow.

 

[JToups386]

Welcome to the world of GM G-body power windows...
I believe you could use your same door panels, and just leave the switches there, while cutting a hole to attach the crank window. I can't imagine why you'd want to do this, other than the minor weight reduction. I've heard of the kits to bump the speed on the motors, but don't know who sells 'em. I know you can clean the existing ones up, (as a mechanic friend of mine used to do), and it will help to an extent, but not cure the problem. They are slow in general, by nature. And yes, there are tracks within the door.

Just FYI, below is some info from AutoZone.com, on replacement motor costs. It seems affordable and worth it!

AutoZone
WINDOW LIFT MOTOR for a
1987 BUICK REGAL

SIEMENS_NEW WL42000 LLT $42.99
FITS EITHER SIDE

A-1 42-19 LLT $15.00 $54.99
FITS EITHER SIDE

 

[Roger]

Some earlier G bodies ('70s) have more powerful window motors.
Kirban sells the window go faster wiring kit & I don't remember it being real expensive.

 

[tim87tr]

Silicone spray up and down the window tracks helps them move easier.

 

[turboman38]

Windows are slow because with the passing of time the ground gets dirty. Clean up the ground, lube the window tracks and lube the power window motor.

 

[GrndNatnl]

I'll try to clean the ground up and lube everything nicely.

The reasoning is... I like power windows, but I'm just not -that- fond of them. I fear the day one goes on me while its halfway up and starts raining. They can just be completely unreliable. And I'm just not into spending any money on power window parts. I may end up upgrading them though at some point, just for the hell of it. So they work better/faster and hopefully wont really need to be bothered with again. Just figured crank windows would be nice and simple.

 

[Hyper]

Hummm.. My 87 GN has manual windows, door locks, seats, oh I guess it's because I special order it that way. I use to race old dodges and I all ways though that the manual stuff is lighter, But I forgot I am getting heavier so I guess it doesnt matter anymore.

 

[JToups386]

Originally posted by GrndNatnl
I'll try to clean the ground up and lube everything nicely.

The reasoning is... I like power windows, but I'm just not -that- fond of them. I fear the day one goes on me while its halfway up and starts raining. They can just be completely unreliable. And I'm just not into spending any money on power window parts. I may end up upgrading them though at some point, just for the hell of it. So they work better/faster and hopefully wont really need to be bothered with again. Just figured crank windows would be nice and simple.

I suppose that makes sense, if you were talking about a large investment cost to fix yours, but when you can replace both for $100, it seems to be worth it, vs. the money, time, and effort you'll spend converting them to a crank style. I guess it's just a matter of opinion. As for their reliability, I've owned 4 GM G-body cars over the past 15 years, and my 1983 Cutlass was the only one that ever had a power window stop working completely. Point being, they're plenty reliable...
If you're dead set on changing them though, I've seen plenty of ads on gnttype.org Turbo Trader, of guys selling door panels and many other interior parts. This way you won't have to hack yours up. But then again,,, it will cost more to do that, than it would to just buy the A1-Cardone remans from AutoZone... Well, best wishes on whatever you choose...