Power Windows Question
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New User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 16
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From: Queen Creek, AZ
Power Windows Question
Hello, I have a 53 F100 and my window regulators are in bad shape. I am thinking I will convert to power windows. I am leaning towards the Electric Life power regulators since they are direct bolt in. Does any one have these in their truck and if so are they a good set up or should i go with a universal kit?
By the way, this is a great forum. I have been a member for a while but this is my first post.
By the way, this is a great forum. I have been a member for a while but this is my first post.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 2
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
I too have been thinking of running power windows in my 48 F-68 and am looking forward to seeing what others have done. Rather than using rocker switches I was thinking of using a switch that would use the stock handle rather tham the rocker switch. I can't remember the brand but I have seen them in one of the hot rod mags I buy.
I'm sure someone on here will have some experience with this.
I'm sure someone on here will have some experience with this.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I used the universal type that looks like a sliding T square with a tail. Installation was easy: pull out the old regulator and glass, shorten the track for length, drill a couple mounting holes and add a strap iron lower mount, reinstall the glass in the new regulator, mount and wire switches, hook up the power and there you go.
There are a few pix in my making changes gallery.
There are a few pix in my making changes gallery.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City area
You might want to do a search on this site for power windows in a '53. Although I don't currently have a 53 I recall there is a need to do some metal trimming at the bottom window opening on the door that you don't have to do on a 56. Classic Trucks magazine also did a tech article on a power window install in the F100 so you might check the tech articles on their website also. If you decide to use the ElectraLife direct bolt-ins let us know how they are. I'm thinking of them for my 56. Good luck.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by LEckart
You might want to do a search on this site for power windows in a '53. Although I don't currently have a 53 I recall there is a need to do some metal trimming at the bottom window opening on the door that you don't have to do on a 56. Classic Trucks magazine also did a tech article on a power window install in the F100 so you might check the tech articles on their website also. If you decide to use the ElectraLife direct bolt-ins let us know how they are. I'm thinking of them for my 56. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield, Iowa
Thinking of electric windows for my '57. Anyone done a set of them? Since the window frame is on an angle, do you mount the motor and track parallel to the tracks or the bottom window opening? Looks like you would have to mount parallel to the window tracks to get everything to work, am I missing something?
Thanks,
SPark
Thanks,
SPark
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Does the glass move at an angle or straight up with the side edges cut at an angle?
I'd expect you would mount it perpendicular to the bottom of the glass so the glass moves in the same direction it moves with the manual regulator.
I'd expect you would mount it perpendicular to the bottom of the glass so the glass moves in the same direction it moves with the manual regulator.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City area
Ax, you may be correct on the ventless window opening only needing modification. It may not be necessary for the window with the vent. I just rememver there was an issue with the 53 and I'm too old to remember much more.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
In the 53-55 the (roll down) door glass and the vent glass are not in a straight line when viewed from above. To replace both with one piece of flat glass you need to straighten the channel in the top of the door, or else you must use a specially bent piece of glass that matches the angle of the channel. I believe there are aftermarket suppliers for both systems, but obviously the bent glass is much more expensive. On the 56 the door and vent windows are in a straight line.
