Power windows and locks switch location
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 61
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Power windows and locks switch location
Well I am in the process of installing power windows and lock in my 1986 f250. I have got the drivers side door done. the only problem I am having is I am not sure were to install the switches I am thinking were the crank handle was. Does anyone have any ideas were a good location would be. I am using switches out of the 87 to 91 trucks. any input or pictures would be great.
Also I noticed when the windows roll up the door kind of has a little flex. is that normal for it. or is there alittle more support in the power window door compared to the non power window doors
Also what is a good thing to replace the heavy duty paper that lines the door.
Also I noticed when the windows roll up the door kind of has a little flex. is that normal for it. or is there alittle more support in the power window door compared to the non power window doors
Also what is a good thing to replace the heavy duty paper that lines the door.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The switches went roughly where the shaft came through for the handle. I can take pictures tomorrow of the non-power door panel and a power door panel if you want.
And, the doors do flex. As for replacing the paper, use plastic sheeting or a large trash bag.
And, the doors do flex. As for replacing the paper, use plastic sheeting or a large trash bag.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Here's a pic of a non-power and a power trim panel, followed by a pic of one over the other so you can see where the hole is cut for the switches - right on top of where the crank would have been.
As for the door flexing, I hope to brace mine somehow, but haven't worked out how.
As for the door flexing, I hope to brace mine somehow, but haven't worked out how.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The size of the hole doesn't really matter since there's a big trim piece that covers that whole area.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 26
From: Connecticut
Not in All cases, My '86 has a "small" rectangular hole for PW where the chrome Bezel mounts to the plastic.
Also the power door locks are located about 2" higher than the interior door handle.
It is just an XL. Maybe XLT had the big square trim like in your photo???
Also the power door locks are located about 2" higher than the interior door handle.
It is just an XL. Maybe XLT had the big square trim like in your photo???
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 65
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From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
I did the exact same thing you are doing. My door panel did not have the trim piece as in Gary's photos. Putting the power window switch in the exact same location as the crank handle is the way to go. That allows the back side of the switch to fit into the opening in the door. No problem, nice fit. Cutting out the hole in the plastic door panel needs to be precise so the switch can snap into place. I used another door panel as a template to cut the hole for the switch. I like having the power windows after so many years with the cranks!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
So, did the higher-end trim trucks have both the electric locks and window switches in the large trim panel, and the others have locks by the door handle as on Trav's truck, and the window switches where the crank would have gone?
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 553
Likes: 6
From: North Western New Jersey
for what it's worth, here's a shot of my (old) door panel from my DIY power window conversion. Since I could find factory power window switches I used a set of GM power window switches since they have the bezel integrated into the switch.
