Power Window Kit Installation

[EFI-Cuda]

My 1974 Cuda came with manual windows.  I thought about changing it to power windows vs. keeping it stock.  Eventually the power window option won out and I had the power windows installed.

I got a power window kit from Electric-Life.  It is a kit that is specifically made for the E-body cars.  The new power window brackets bolt in the same place as the stock brackets.  I took the Cuda to a local stereo shop that did the installation for $170.00.   They also replaced the door's window seals.    They said that the installation was a pain to do, so I'm glad that I didn't tackle the job myself.

After the kit was installed and the window glass was adjusted properly, I couldn't be happier.    Power windows on a car without air conditioning is a blessing.    After the installation the windows seal really tight against the upper weather stripping which makes the car's interior much quieter on the highway.  

The window kit does take a lot of voltage, so it is not recommended that the windows be operated while the vehicle is not running.   A  while back, I got a smaller diameter alternator pulley from March because I was tired of the Cuda's headlights dimming when the car was ideling at night.   This pulley spins the alternator a little faster than the stock pulley and is a great complement to the power window kit.

If anyone is considering such an installation, I would greatly recommend it.  Just remember the following: 1.) Replace the window seals at the same time.  2.) Make sure that your charging system is up to par

[Carlwalski]

Excellent tips and info mate. I'm glad all worked out for you.
Not a bad price to install might I add, very cool, and now you'll be just as cool/hot. LOL!!  



Cheers,
Carl

[Videomagician]

How much did the kit set you back?

[EFI-Cuda]

I really enjoy my Cuda and I like to drive it often.    My Cuda is not a weekend only car or a special occasion vehicle.    The Cuda will never loose it's old-school, classic muscle-car flavor, but adding something as simple as power windows and the smaller alternator pulley did a lot for making the Cuda feel more like a newer car.

The cost of the power window conversion was not cheap, but the overall benefits to me are worth it.   There is better sealing of the windows, quieter interior at highway speeds and the power window buttons look extra cool at night.   Here is the cost break-down:

Power Window Kit                                 240.00
Power Window Switck Kit                        60.00
Upper Window Seals                               60.00
Door Window Seals                                 50.00
Labor for the installation                       150.00   (I was incorrect when I earlier posted that labor was 170.00)
Smaller Alternator Pully from March         50.00


I told you that it wasn't cheap.

[Rev-It-Up]

Did they have to cut your door panels?  We were thinking about doing that with ours, but the thought of cutting SE door panels was too painful.

[EFI-Cuda]

No.   There was no cutting of the Cuda's door pannels.    The power window switches are mounted over the holes that the window handle came out of.    The power window kit is separate from the power window switch kit.   You see, you can order the type of switches that look best with your particular application.    Mine look like they were some sort of factory option.    

[Rev-It-Up]

Cool!  Can we see some pics?

[73cuda383]

Does this kit include power windows for back as well?

[mustardketchup]

They do not make a kit for the rear windows, only for the front.

Larry

[Katfish]

cuda360,

Where did you buy the window kit.  Can you provide the PN for the switch kit you used?

I only found 1 place that has the kit for the e-bodys and there are 10 different switch kits.  I can't tell from the pictures which one would look good AND cover the stock hole without cutting.

Thanks

[TreeFrog]

I just saw (In a Rod Mag) a kit that allows you to use the original handle you just push (finger touch) the handle up or down and the window opens or shuts.

not sure if it is univ. or for a specific model

[Rev-It-Up]

That sounds pretty cool...you stay looking stock but with a little surprise when you go to roll your window down.  What company makes it?

[miketyler]

ok, thouight I would kick-start this thread again. I just bought the Electric-Life power window set for my 72. Purchased from Summit, kit comes in a large flat box in a blister pak. Mine arrived and looked like a customer return as the plastic was already removed from the carboard. I was also surprised to see that the kit only comes with the regulator units and one page diagram of how to install. There was no hardware included and the instructions don't tell you anything, just shows a photo of the door w/ numbered arrows indicating either pre-existing holes or holes that need to be drilled. No measurements, no sequence or step-by-step install, no nothing. Is pretty pathetic I think for a $250 kit. Summit referred me to Electric Life and when I called them I got a girl that didnt know much more than Summit did. I guess I will just install and see how it goes. I am hoping to use a set of factory power window switches but will have to setup relays as the E/L motors are the newer reverse polarity motors. Anyone been there-done that regarding using factory switches?