Well, I thought the power switches went into the holes where the window cranks are located. If that isn't correct, as you have said, i'am not going to buy new door panels, that's for sure. There is another option, I could go with the newer power window switch that uses the crank as the micro switch activator. Looks like I will have to go that route. Unless you have a better idea besides buying new front and rear panels and also hoping the color matches the existing interior. Most likely it won't. I'am open to any other good ideas/options you may have. Please advise and thanks. Vet
Cutlass, I don't know if you have read Cjay's response to my proposal to mount the power window electrical window switches in the same locations as the window cranks. He says the power window switches from the factory are in a difference location. Right now, I'm very confused. I want the power window switches to look factory installed. If Cjay is correct, this will not be possible to accomplish. The pics you sent me, are these factory installed power window switches? Question - What method is correct??? Mounting switches at the locations of the crank handles or is there another different location? Vet
This sounds like a 2 year project?, according to what 1972 Stage1 mentioned is needed to do.. Please take no offence VET.. It seems like you haven't driven your car much since you bought it 4 years ago?? maby i'm wrong. Its YOUR car that you worked hard for, I understand that. Drive her, she's a beauty and its a shame..
I bought my car in May of 2021. So it's not been 3 years yet, but close. It's not a 2 year project. You are correct, I have not driven it much because it's been in the shop for 2 years getting a lot of mechanical work done and a lot of upgrades done also. It took 9 months just for the interior to arrive and 6 months for the bucket seats to arrive. A lot of time spent waiting for parts. Having power windows installed was part of the overall plan. I'm in for the long haul. Vet
Do you have the parts needed yet or the majority? Its getting warmer so maby you can drive her till mostly everything comes in.
I completed a power window conversion on my GS about 35 years ago and it was a fairly involved but straight forward process. I installed the switches in the same location as the holes for the manual window cranks. If those are not the correct locations, then they are close enough that no one will ever notice the switches being out of place. The switches will completely cover the manual crank holes in the door panels. One useful tip when removing the doors to drill the wire boot holes - Do not unbolt the doors from their hinges. Instead drive the hinge pins out (and if your bushings need to be replaced, now would be the time to do it). Driving the pins out is not only faster, but it should also eliminate the need for readjusting the doors once they are reinstalled.
That is exactly what I plan on doing. My friend's shop will be ordering all the required power windows parts from Todd as soon as we can determine the correct locations to mount the power window electrical switches. Cjay's post says putting the electrical switches where the window cranks are, is NOT the correct location, BUT I have other posts that say this is the correct location. Very confusing. I looked at a 1970 Buick GS with power windows last night and it has the power window switches located where the window cranks are. But the article does not say if the power windows were factory optional order. So, I'm still researching this issue. Vet
Hello VET, I can not say for sure - my thought was, that if I have enough pictures and they show, that all switches are on the same location, then most likely the location for cranks and switches should be the same. When I had removed the door panels and looked at the sheet metal of the door I did not see many more options to place a switch, anyway. But, I am far away of being an expert regarding what was factory or not, so please follow the advice of other members here, who have restored many more cars than me.
Smartin, THANK YOU very much. Really appreciate your input and your vast knowledge on Buicks. Now I can proceed with my power windows upgrade. Just so everyone reading my posts maybe wondering why I'm going this rout. It's for my wife, she wanted power windows. She is NOT a fan of my expensive hobby. When I asked her if there is anything I could upgrade on the Buick she may like, she said power windows. That's all she wanted. I said OK, will do. Personally, I don't need or really care about power windows, but, if it makes life a little easier to live with my wife, so be it. She doesn't complain about my Buick, she just thinks I've regressed to my teen years and can't see the value in owning a great car like a 70 Buick GS. I can understand her outlook and I would have liked this car 50 years earlier but NO extra $$$$ available. Lol Vet PS, thanks to everyone for the help, this forum has amazing people in it......
Cutless, I believe the question has been resolved now and you were right all along. I did see indents on the backside of my original base door panels, they were for the power DOOR locks. That confused me at first. Power door locks never occurred to me. Thank you for all your help and pics, that really helped me out. I did my own research and came up with the same types of pics you found, and I also found a video that did a great job of showing the locations of the power window switches. Great job you did. Vet (Navy)
That might be, but at least she knows one part of the Buick is for her and I do care about her and love her and respect her. She loves quilting and don't care for it at all, have no interest in this craft, but I don't tell her stop quilting and sell her sewing machine. Happy wife, happy life, 45 years and counting. Vet
...figured we'd eventually agree on switch locations. GM stamped openings in inner door panels for window/lock switches. As for rectangular master switch opening in rt door, think right-hand drive...
I stand corrected! I'm all for adding options to a car, but I wouldn't start taking doors off and sawing holes in an already restored car. Not worth it. Is it really going to make your wife want to ride in the car more or take an interest in it. I honestly don't think she has a real understanding of what's involved. No offense to your wife
Here's where I'm putting my power door lock switch. I didn't care for where the factory put them in the doors. I like the cleaner look. Easy access to the switch for the driver and the passenger. Also added power windows and 6-way power bucket seats (both driver/psg.) with reclining passenger seat. 69 Console and more. It's my own ideas on a Skylark convertible to build it as a GS. A GS by Eric ... instead of GM's version.
I'am sure she has no clue what it takes to add power windows to a car. But then I wouldn't expect her to know. As for taking doors off, the plan is not to do that. There are ways to drill holes without taking the doors off. I have to admit Cjay, I felt like you were respecting my wife. Thank you for clarifying you were not. I appreciate that. I have a lot of respect for your automotive knowledge, but there are times you get to aggressive in your opinions and advise. When that happens, I shut down because I really don't like confrontations and the forum is not about that type of emotions. I joined this forum as a learning experience about Buick's that I have little knowledge about. All the help I get from forum members has been very beneficial to me. I've met and made some very good friends here. Regards Vet (Navy)
Eric, that's an interesting location for your switch. I like it, very cool. I have a concealed engine cut-off switch under my dash. Vet
