Power Window Conversion

[Donald T.]

When I stripped the paint on my 65 a few years ago I found patched holes in both doors and jams. The patches were consistent with the size and shape of holes for power windows. I'm assuming the car originally came with PW, and was converted to standard with the replacement of the door panels and console. At the time, I didn't want to expand the scope of the project so I just left it. Now I'm considering changing it back to PW. I don't want to hack up a very nice original console, so I had this PW console on my ebay watch list, but $2500 - no way! Can anyone comment on the correctness of the repro consoles sold by Paragon? Also, ZIP sells a PW conversion, any comments on that as well?

Thanks!




ebay console

[Joe R.]

Re: Power Window Conversion

Hi Don:

Wow, I can't believe the $2500 price.

I recently bought a NOS automatic console for $360 on ebay. I've been watching consoles on ebay for a while (mostly automatics) and I had formed the impression that $300-$600 is the general range for one in nice condition.

Maybe the 4-speeds have higher values, but this price seems unusually high. Perhaps the price had something to do with it being a PW console.

From examining the console casting and the PW switch construction, I *think* that a non-PW console can be converted to a PW console by carefully cutting the correct size hole for the PW switch. The bosses for the PW switch mounting are present in all castings.

I'm sure that others on the board will correct me if I'm wrong about the conversion option. However, if a non-PW console can be converted to a PW console, the pool of candidates for your conversion becomes much larger and the price may be more reasonable.

[Louis F.]

Re: Power Window Conversion

Don, a few years ago i sent a non power window console to Paragon vintage. They offered a service to cut out the area for the switch. They did a great job. To me the cut was undectable and the fit was perfect.I can't remember how much they charged, but it wasn't a crazy price.Give them a call and make sure you ask how much.I've sent them some items to restore over the years and although the workmanship was very nice, the prices will spin your head.

[Donald T.]

Re: Power Window Conversion

Thanks for the advice. I know my existing console could be converted, but I just can't bring myself to cut up a very nice original console. My plan was to buy a PW console on ebay and sell my existing one on ebay. I figured the price would be a wash. But I'm not risking $2500!

Thanks!

[Joe R.]

Re: Power Window Conversion

Hi Don:

If you suspect that your car was delivered with power windows, another place to check is under the console where the switch would have been mounted. A hole has to be cut in the tunnel to clear the switch, and a mounting bracket and "bucket" are installed to protect the underside of the switch.

If your car had factory PW, you should find the hole and possibly the hardware, and whatever you find should look like it was done by the factory, not Bubba.

You might also find remnants of the PW harness if you look in the right places.

Both the tunnel cutout and the harness are shown pretty clearly in the AIM section for the PW option.

[Donald T.]

Re: Power Window Conversion

Thanks Joe! That's some really good information. It's been quite a while since I've pulled the console, but I don't recall seeing the cutout in the tunnel. I'll have to pull it this weekend and check it out.

Thanks!