Difficulty Level to Replace Power Window Wiring Harness?

[Randy M.]

I have a 67 A/C Roadster and it has power windows, but I don't think they are factory. The reasons I believe this is that A31 is not listed on my tank sticker, there is no relay installed, and the red power wire of the existing harness is plugged directly into the lower fuse block plug labeled "Power Windows" instead of the correct ACC plug as was done in 1967. Thus the windows operate with no ignition key turned on.

I would like make my car correct and replace the existing wiring harness with the correct harness that includes the relay and the piggyback plug to the radio capacitor lead as specified in the AIM.

Can the power window wiring harness be replaced without removing or pulling out the instrument console? What about the glove box? Mainly I would like to know what is the minimum disassembly of dash components (e.g. glove box) necessary in order to properly replace the PW wiring harness? I understand I need to remove door panels to get to the regulators, but what about the dash area?

[Greg H.]

Re: Difficulty Level to Replace Power Window Wiring Harness?

Hi Randy,
I want to believe your existing components are original. So lets spend some time looking at all of the exposed clues. Please post some photos of the door jams at the hinge intersections, the factory cuts for the window wiring was a standard long cut with radius ends, What do your cutouts look like and what do your have for the wiring raceway tubes that are attached to the doors? Also, if you pull back the top of the kick panel you will expose the location where the wiring leaves the cab and enters the hinge cavity. The harness wrap will hang down like ribbon at that location and if you see that ribbon, you have the correct harness.

[Randy M.]

Re: Difficulty Level to Replace Power Window Wiring Harness?

I took off the kick panels and here are some pictures of both sides. Looks like a non-factory wiring harness to me. The grommets do not look original and aren't seated properly. The right side grommet won't even reach unless I can slide the grommet on the wire harness which doesn't seem to be possible (i.e it is stuck and will not slide).

Now that it appears as though my pw harness is non-original, can someone answer my original questions about difficulty level of replacing the harness with one that at least is correct for 67 (i.e. has wiring for the relay and the piggyback plug for the radio capacitor)?

[Greg H.]

Re: Difficulty Level to Replace Power Window Wiring Harness?

Randy,
As illustrated in the AM the window harness is lying on the top of the door hinge brace and clip attached at 5 locations. This harness is below all other standard electrical wires.

The glove box must be removed to get access to the door hinge brace that the window harness is attached.

You will need to remove your steering column.

The dash cluster is positioned on top of the brace and it is blocking your access to the window harness. If you remove and replace the cluster screws with long extension screws like in the attached photo, pull the cluster away from the maze of standard harness wires your task will be not as difficult. This will make the attachment of the new harness less stressful as well
.
Your biggest challenge and task will be how do you connect the new wires to your existing motor concealed inside your doors. This service bulletin will help.

/www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article/1967-corvette-service-news-corvette-electric-window-motor-replacement-846.html