How to: Electric windows

[Swamprat33]

Hi, I have seen several threads discussing problems with electric windows, but have found no info on how to go about fitting them.
Can anyone give me advise on how to go about this, and which is the best donor gear to go for, or should I go for a new, after market kit.

Diagrams or photos would also be great.

Cheers

Tim

[CorseChris]

Hi Tim,

Only just spotted this for some reason.....

Well, funny you should ask. I'm also contemplating the same. My only idea to date is to retain the existing handle/guide/lock as it is, attach a couple of pulleys to a frame at the top and bottom of the travel, use a cable-type window lift motor (probably ex-164 as I have 8 of them - the rear door ones look favorite) attached to a frame carried on the door hinge bolts (so the loads are on the hinge itself) and finally, attach the cable to the window at a convenient point near the handle.

Sounds simple enough(!) but I've yet to even offer a motor/gearbox into the hole left after everything else is in the door. I figured a wire & pulley system would be best as it's most flexible (pun intended). The split-tube & rack type would likely be tricky to persuade into the available space and even more tricky to persuade into the curve required, although there are some benefits to that type. I reckon the wire & pulley type would work pretty well if the pulleys are placed carefully.

Doesn't answer your question directly of course, but at least there are now 2 of us trying to achieve this on a Corse so maybe we can pool ideas. I've already wired the car for the switches etc. but getting them motorised is a low priority at the moment.

[Swamprat33]

Hi Chris, many thanks for answering my prayer.

I also have this as a low(ish) priority, but would like to get it done over winter.

I will remove my door card, so I can better visualize your master plan.

Keep me informed with your progress and I may have a need for two 164 motors if it works out.

I do have a window set with motors, switches and mechanisms of unknown origin, but could not figure out how I could get it working.

Cheers

Tim

[John]

Chris,
do you think it would be possible ( if anyone wanted to do it) to get away from the pivot window and put in a fully "parallel" sliding mechanism to take the window fully down? Is there enough room at the rear and front of the door innards to do this?
I would like to work on this if anyone has a scrap door available to conduct experiments on please let me know.

[SUSIT]

Chris,

I would like to work on this if anyone has a scrap door available to conduct experiments on please let me know.

Can I suggest you send David Watson a pm he may have a scrap door available! Might be slightly different to a Hawk Item not sure.

[CorseChris]

I think it would ceratinly be possible - I even gave it brief consideration myself....but decided I already had enough on my plate :)

It wouldn't be simple and would almost certainly require adding a frame for the window. Framless has too many variables I think..

[Chris J]

Doesn't Chris/Jane Smith have electric windows?

[guy mayers]

You could always ask Lancia how they did it! I guess it must have been with traditional channels and wires/winders!
Check out the Nigel Trow book, Page 64, which clearly shows the early periscope Marlborough car with the left side window lowered evenly half way down, not pivoted at the rear. The next page shows the same car but with the window fully up......

Guy

[chris.richard]

Eagle eyed anorak! :p

[guy mayers]

Guilty as charged M'Lud. But I'll bet you went and got the book to check didn't you Chris!
Guy

[chris.richard]

Guilty as charged M'Lud. But I'll bet you went and got the book to check didn't you Chris!
Guy
Guilty as charged M'Lud!