95 Grand AM Power Window, thinking of going Manual.

Hello all, new to the board...

After doing a search on this forum, I've found that many people here have Power Window problems... is this normal?

Anyway, I have replaced my power windows twice in the past 5 years, and I only roll them down, or rather, put them to full use 6 months out of every year, yet, they seem to just wear out in no time. Now that inspection is near, I am seriouly thinking of making this thing manual, but I have no luck finding a site that offers such.

Is there a way to switch my Power Windows to Manual?

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum.

You have changed the window motor / regulator twice in the last 5 years? The reason that our windows wear out so fast is that they usually end up being ruined / corroded inside by water. The window motor / regulator itself is actually tough as hell, but our cars end up with leak issues up on the weatherstripping at the bottom of the glass where the glass goes into the door. This allows water to seep down in the door cavity and rusts the shit out of our motors. By the way, I'm not sure if you tested them, but don't forget that the relay or switch could be causing the problem too, not just the motor. Yes, it's actually rather normal to have power window problems in a grand am. My advice to you (since as far as I know, it'd be very difficult to switch to manual) is to replace the window motor/regulator (if that's what is actually causing the problem) and to possibly buy and install a new weatherstrip at the bottom of the glass. This would help to guard against future leaks / failure.

I agree with Ride, I think the only way you could go to manual would be to go to a salvage yard and find all the door guts from a manual and swap out the power parts. You will also have to get the trim parts for the interior to cover the area of the window switches, you will also have to cut a hole for the window crank shaft and make sure to get the crank handles.
I don't think that any one makes a kit to go to manual windows, I may be wrong but I just don't see any $$$ in it for a manufacturer.

Welcome to the forum.

Bah... No, I have not tested the relay/switch... I will do that.

As for manual, damn... Call me lazy, but, that seems to be a crap load of work. And quite frankly, I don't want to "replace" it to the point that it ends up being "destroyed"... and cause me more money to get it back together. Ah well...

Thanks for all the help.

Converting to manual...easiest way would probably be to just find an identical parts car with manual windows and steal the doors off of it. My 2 cents.

Marc

Hell Marc, If he's going to steal the doors he might as well take the rest of the car, who knows...extra parts come in handy. :naughty: :evillol:

Dan

I would highly suggest if you are positive you want to go manual windows, boneyard manual doors and install them. Then get them painted. The $$$ actually works out similar, considering the time and hassle saved. 'Sides, you may be able to resell the power doors back to the boneyard for a price-break.

Here's something to think about. I have a 1971 chevy pickup. I also have a DEAD 94 Grand Am that's been sitting in my driveway for 4 years. I just took the power motor.regulator out and the arm lengths, gears are in the same location. The differences are Grand Am uses rectangular sliders for the slide tracks while the chevy uses rollers. The motor mount centers up exactly with the manual handle hole in the chevy door. You may be able to get a chevy regulator swap out the guides and it should work. You will need to use the lower inner cross track with the new regulator. The rollers may even work. I know the rectangular ones don't work in my tracks