? on power window install

[brans72]

I was wondering if I want to install power windows on a non powe window car should I do before or after painting car? I am leaning toward Electric Life but looking a budget and time frame for buying/installing. Brandon

[XcYZ]

I installed my Electric Life stuff after the car was painted. It was cake... but they sure are wimpy. If I could have run manual windows, I would have, but the cranks wouldn't clear the Marquez door panels.

[GregWeld]

It's no problem installing power windows after paint.

I've done it a couple of times - and there's nothing with the paint on the exterior -- EXCEPT the door looms... but even then - you can run the loom without messing up the paint. It's just easier of course - to have the holes for the looms done with the door off the car.

[skatinjay27]

Originally Posted by XcYZ

I installed my Electric Life stuff after the car was painted. It was cake... but they sure are wimpy. If I could have run manual windows, I would have, but the cranks wouldn't clear the Marquez door panels.

damn scott that scares me to try them for my car since the 2nd gen windows are quite larger... is there any other companys with better motors out there?

[brans72]

You trying to get me to think twice Scott? I have stock manual window still in the garage. I figured power would be nice but maybe we should poll this ? Brandon

[GregWeld]

I'd be checking the grounds.. they should NOT be "wimpy".

I have power windows in 3 different hot rods -- and they work GREAT.

[camcojb]

I removed the power windows in my Chevelle for the same reason Scott mentioned. If you open the door they were fine to roll up, but with the door shut the motors are set to stop way before they compress the rubber glass seals at the top and sides............. (speaking of the built in torque limits of the motors, not the actual height the window goes which is adjustable).

You know how on these older cars with manual window cranks you need to roll the window up into the rubber seal and give it just a little "oommph"..... the electric life units won't do that, as soon as they meet "X" amount of resistance the motors stop. If that was adjustable you could probably solve the issue. I know Scott just opens his door when the window is going all the way up, but to be correct you shouldn't have to do that. Had the same issue with the rear 1/4 windows, as they rub the rubber channel on the top and rear as they go up. If I sprayed Windex on the rubber the windows would go all the way up................ as soon as it dried again they would not go to the top. I removed and sold mine, went back to manual.

Jody

[GregWeld]

Shoulda just used some rubber seal dressing.... even a bit of Armorall...


It's like putting new seals on the doors etc.... I always rub them with a bit of vaseline - and shut the door / trunk etc - the vaseline allows the rubber to move against the paint - until it takes a set. And it cleans off. I'm not talking about gooping it on there like a boxers face.... either.

[HRBS]

x2 on the wimpiness.
We installed an EL set in the 69 Mustang vert project and they are very weak. You can actually hear the motors strain.
But to answer your original question, if you are going to install them, do it after paint. The window felts can not be installed untill after paint if you want a clean paint job and if the glass is installed without those you risk shattering the glass during transit. The installation is very easy and you wont have a problem doing it after the car is already painted.

[slenning]

x 3 on the wimp factor. I cannot roll the windows on my Camaro up going down the road. You have to open the door , pull them up, and then shut the door.