914 power windows, using a universal kit 101 Options

[Dr Evil]

Hey all,
I just recieved my power window kit today and figured that I would post pics of my install/trial so you all could make up your mind if you wanted to get the inexpensive universal kits from ebay. If this install and action is successful I will have one kit available for sale with everything you need, but lets see how it works first. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

(I am not at my home computer so I can not post the pics yet...I will post one of the install tonight when I get home)

[jim_hoyland]

Good idea.

[736conver]

I saw a cool idea in a hot rod magazine last night. They used the window crank as the switch for the electric window. Nice stock look and you still get power windows with no obvious switches.

[Dr Evil]

The handle activated would be neat.


Here is a pick of the motor assembly:

[Dr Evil]

Here is one of the illuminated switches that comes with it:

[Dr Evil]

Here is the unit almost all of the way installed. Note- I will be trimming mounting tabs at the red lines and may need to cut the door at the green lines to keep the profile down. I will see about the last part when I trial fit my new door panels.

[Dr Evil]

If there is anything in particular you want to know, want close ups of, etc post your questions here. I will be happy to accomodate. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/rocking nana.gif)

I am going to bed now, early day tomarrow.

[Grimstead]

Thanks for posting this Mike. I’ve wanted to add power windows to my 914 for many years.

My main concern (and I’m sure you’ll be able to answer this when they’re done) is that I hear most of these kits wind the windows pretty s..l..o..w..l..y.


PS, post Lots–O-Pics!
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/popcorn[1].gif)

[tyler]

The other issue is ho easy do the windows have to operate manually to be able to be powered. I know mine are really hard to roll up even after cleaning and greasing. Do you think the motor will power through the range?

[Dr Evil]

Tyler,
that is a good question. You can also adjust your vent window channel to help ease your window movement. There are many adjustments to do to get it nice and smooth. Look into it as your window should not be hard to roll up and leaving it that way will cause premature fatigue of your parts.

[914fan]

how does this interface with the crank gear? Is there a picture of what is not needed from the original set up? Does this just go over there the crank handle goes? I guess I want to know hoe it works overall.

Will this work for later doors or earlier doors or both?

[Dr Evil]

Theoretically it should work on old as well, but I have no proof as of yet.

I will take some pics of the interface tonight to give you more clarity.

[Dr Evil]

I thought that I would add some contrast in kits and prices. All ofthe universal kits come with the same adaptors and such. the main difference is the design adn in some kits the possibly the power.

If you do a search for SPAL kits on the net or ebay you will get many hits with varried prices and extras like switches and such.

Here is one with two motor options and without switches:
http://www.commandoalarms.com/itmidx3.htm

And another of the same variety:
http://www.autodax.com/products/powerwindow/spal-2.htm

These are by no means the cheapest suppliers of these kits as I have seen them for less. Just to let you know that they are out there.

Other brands may go for less (like the one I bought). SPAL is the name brand in power window conversion kits so they are usually more. I have heard no complaints about the SPAL, but lets see what the competition has to offer (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

[Flat VW]

Wow, pretty simple looking, sweet parts.

I did not look at the links, Mike, but how much added weight?

It can't be much.

John

[Dr Evil]

Hey John,
I don't know exact added weight, but i woudl. assume 10-20# to be a good range. I am being generous in my guess as weight was not an issue to me. I may be able to weigh it when I get home if I can find my scale (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smoke.gif)

[Dr Evil]

Time for some answers:

John,
I was wayyy off with the weight thing. I am not good at guessing weight. I weighed one assembly and switch and it was a little over 1 lb. So figure 3 lbs.

914fan,
If you look at the above pic you will see how the unit fits onto the crank. For your question I took some pics of the pieces for clarification, though.

This first one is a close up of the end of the drive unit. Notice the toothed inside:

[Dr Evil]

The toothed interior piece fits over the adaptor pictured here:

[Dr Evil]

The toothed inside of the adaptor fits onto the toothed out side of the crank adaptor. The insode of the crank adaptor fits onto the crank:

[Dr Evil]

This thread may take a while since I am back in school, but I will be including wiring info as well.

[TINCAN914]

Mike,

I assume that the toothed adapter, mounts to the teeth on manual crank handle. Any thoughts on the life of the plastic teeth? ANy stress on those teeth and it looks as though they could crack. I wonder how hard if yould be to find them machined..? I bet a bit more cash.. Just a thought..