Power windows, without a donor car

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Sat Mar 23, 2013 9:48 pm

Once again the MCM guys have shown me another interesting idea. This time it's electric windows in a kit. I want to have power windows when my car is done but getting the bits out of a donor car might be tricky, and then installing them and making the wiring work, having to use the power window center console with the switches on it etc. These after market power windows just drive your manual window spline, and replace the winder handle with a switch.

Anyone tried anything like this? I think it's a neat idea, would be cool if it works nicely on our older subi's because at $200 for a set of 4 with all switches I think that's a pretty good deal.

Link to the kit: http://www.rapidelectronics.com.au/prod ... ndows.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1AxO6Bt-kk

60766244 · Post by **60766244** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:30 am

I installed that exact kit in my Brumby. Works perfectly and once you get your head around it, it's easy to install.

I mounted my switches in the doors as the kit suggests but now I've done it I think i should have mounted them in the center console. If I ever get around to it I'll do that instead. Just from a useability perspective.

The only physical problem with the install I had was that I needed to move my speakers back to a different spot in the door to keep it all looking tidy.

I highly recommend the kits and they come with a full compliment of instructions on the site. I think I put some photos of the kit install in my car thread, otherwise I can post them here if you'd like to see them.

RSR 555 · Post by **RSR 555** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:46 pm

Looks easier enough. I'd just put the switches in the centre console and keep the door cards clean.

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:52 pm

60766244 wrote: I highly recommend the kits and they come with a full compliment of instructions on the site. I think I put some photos of the kit install in my car thread, otherwise I can post them here if you'd like to see them.

Please do!

You're right the switches might be better in the center, I was thinking more of covering up the old winder stub in the door and the hole in the door card. I like the idea of having them in the arm rest somehow but the MY arm rests don't really lend themselves to this very well. And the rear "arm rests" for me are just plastic handles

In any case these look alot easier than installing the stock power windows and their associated mechanics.

60766244 · Post by **60766244** » Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:37 pm

Silverbullet wrote:Please do!

Alrighty, not to hi-jack but heres a few photos from my install:
The box, as it came in the post.

The box opened up.

Door, showing where the existing speaker was.

Gutters make a nifty instructions holder.

Showing exactly that the motor is in the way of the speaker (dremelled out and moved the speaker further back in the door)

All bolted in.

1/2

60766244 · Post by **60766244** » Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:38 pm

2/2

Close up of the sprocket setup.

Switches

Silverbullet wrote:...I was thinking more of covering up the old winder stub in the door and the hole in the door card...

They come with a full compliment of fittings to fill in and hide the old stub as shown in the piccy.

60766244 · Post by **60766244** » Mon Mar 25, 2013 8:47 pm

Forgot to post the final result:

I keep meaning to paint that wooden panel.

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Tue Mar 26, 2013 8:47 pm

Great thanks for the pics. Where you put the motor is where I was thinking would be the best. Also nice to know they have a spline adapter to fit our old subies. $195 for the 4 door kit sounds like great value and a heck of alot easier than removing/installing factory power windows. Maybe I should buy them now before the price goes up (RRP $399???)

Cliff R · Post by **Cliff R** » Tue Mar 26, 2013 9:08 pm

Looks neater to what we had in the 1980's which was a box with the motor and switch built into it.
You removed the manual winder handle and simply slipped the boxes output socket over the now bare winder stub, screwed the box physically onto the door and ran the power wires.
Easier that the installation shown here but not as cosmetically good.

60766244 · Post by **60766244** » Tue Mar 26, 2013 9:16 pm

I think I got my 2-Door kit for about $120 delivered to my door.

If you're doing four doors I'd dedicate a full day to it and a case of your favourite refreshment.

Keen to see your photos!

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:51 pm

Hehe, I couldn't resist. Half price and free postage (for a 10kg box!) 17 in stock...I needed no more convincing

This kit will be going in my wagon when it's on the way back up (a long time from now

) so this box will be going into storage for a few months...maybe 12 or so haha. Will definitely post pics when I get to doing it, probably in one of my build threads.