Power Window Conversion

GatorFan · February 16, 2008

I didn't know which area to put this in so I decided here would be a good place to start. I tried searching the forum and couldn't find anything so any info or comments would be welcome.

My truck already had power locks but I am interested in possibly converting my manual windows to power. I was trying to get that factory look so I want to pursue that route if possible.

The first question I had was the fuse block that came in my truck. Would there be a circuit already in place without the wiring?

Second, would I just have to purchase the door panels and factory regulators then swap them out?

Third, would the BCM have to be reprogrammed to identify the windows for them to work properly?

Lastly, would it just be easier to buy an aftermarket kit? The main thing I want in the end is for the interior to look as factory as possible. I have seen trucks with after market power windows/switch kits and they stood out like a sore thumb. In the end, I really would at least like to use the factory switches and door panels.

Thanks ahead of time.

Wingnut · February 16, 2008

I kind of want to do the same thing, and when I talked to the guy at the salvage yard, he told me that it's pretty plug and play. All the parts added up to about $400-$500 though. That's door panels, switches, regulators, everything.

Wingnut · February 16, 2008

He also said the BCM didn't need any changes on my model year. Not sure if I believe that though.

Maybe I'll try this soon. I really don't like rolling windows down myself.

<<<---------Lazy

jrrod2004 · February 16, 2008

unless i missed something...it should be plug and play

Wingnut · February 16, 2008

unless i missed something...it should be plug and play

This is good news.

Wingnut · February 16, 2008

What about power seats? That's just switched 12v right? I can just put them in, plug them up, and bzzzzt back and forth right?

GatorFan · February 16, 2008

unless i missed something...it should be plug and play

This is good news.

This is good news for sure. I am like you...LAZYAZZ but 7 years ago when I bought my truck, that wasn't a thought. Who would've known that I would grow lazy in my old age!

GatorFan · February 16, 2008

unless i missed something...it should be plug and play

Plug and play... Where do the power wires from the window switches plug into? I didn't remember seeing a pig tail off the power door locks when I last had my door panel off but that was about 8 months ago and I am getting old and senile . I know it appears as if the fuse block on the passenger side might take a factory plug but what about the driver's side? I am like Wingnut concerning the BCM. I know when I added the factory fog lights and switch I had to get the BCM flashed from the dealer in order for them to work. It seems logical that power windows shouldn't require flashing the BCM but stranger things have happened.

Can you elaborate a little into this subject?

Thanks

GatorFan · February 17, 2008

I'm bumping my own post to see if anyone out there has done this mod yet.

Silverado4x4 · February 17, 2008

How about doing it this way, really cheap to do. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd876iqGdT4

Edited February 17, 2008 by 96vette

Zembonez · February 17, 2008

What about power seats? That's just switched 12v right? I can just put them in, plug them up, and bzzzzt back and forth right?

Power seats require you to do some electrical work. All they really need is a "direct to battery" power lead, 2 relays , ground to the seat and you can use the factory power controls. We've done it many times in the Tahoe / Suburban twins. It looks and works like a factory install...

I'm bumping my own post to see if anyone out there has done this mod yet.

You'll need the harnesses out of the donor doors. They should plug into your existing fuse panel. You'll need regulators with motors, door panels with switches, door wiring harnesses, and likely the control relays from the donor truck.

Another way I've seen it done is to get just the regulators with motors, install them and wire through relays to a central left/right window switch point (like the unused area where the passenger airbag key slot is). Both windows would be controlled from the center of the dash like they are on many sports cars. It would be custom but require you to know quite a bit about wiring, relays, etc. Then surface mount a pair of tweeters where the old window crank was... BINGO! Powerful Winders.

Edited February 17, 2008 by Zembonez

Zembonez · February 17, 2008

How about doing it this way, really cheap to do. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd876iqGdT4

That's funny. I like the speaker in the door... take a close look at it!

Trav_13 · February 18, 2008

from what I understand I am not exactly for sure if it is plug and play. I mean everything will plug, but they probably won't exactly play...and before I get into this too much do you have a Work Truck or SL Package Truck?? The reason that I ask is because from what I have found in the past the Chevy Silverado Trim Level and the GMC SL Trim Level sometimes don't have an extra wire or two that is needed for the conversion....now granted not every truck has been the same, but I have been dismantling these trucks on the side for about 5 years now, and when I go to offer a Power Window and Power Door Lock Kit on my Ebay Auctions, I make sure that I also include the dash harness for my customers that way everything is complete. I don't think this has anything to do with the BCM either. But you would need the door wiring harness's, window regulators, door panels, switches, and may or may not need the dash wiring, I am not 100% for sure, it really just depends upon your truck, I just choose to include it because one it really doesn't have that much extra value to me if all of the other wiring is gone, and also it makes it easier for the customer to complete their conversion.

GatorFan · February 18, 2008

from what I understand I am not exactly for sure if it is plug and play. I mean everything will plug, but they probably won't exactly play...and before I get into this too much do you have a Work Truck or SL Package Truck?? The reason that I ask is because from what I have found in the past the Chevy Silverado Trim Level and the GMC SL Trim Level sometimes don't have an extra wire or two that is needed for the conversion....now granted not every truck has been the same, but I have been dismantling these trucks on the side for about 5 years now, and when I go to offer a Power Window and Power Door Lock Kit on my Ebay Auctions, I make sure that I also include the dash harness for my customers that way everything is complete. I don't think this has anything to do with the BCM either. But you would need the door wiring harness's, window regulators, door panels, switches, and may or may not need the dash wiring, I am not 100% for sure, it really just depends upon your truck, I just choose to include it because one it really doesn't have that much extra value to me if all of the other wiring is gone, and also it makes it easier for the customer to complete their conversion.

Mine has the SL package. I defninitely will need all of the hardware for it to work. What comes in the kits you mentioned in your post (that you sell)? To answer another question which may come up (and the fact you sell kits) is my interior is the dark graphite (or black).

Thanks for the info. Let me know when you are selling some of the kits.