I was watching an episode of Two Guys Garage on the Speed Channel yesterday, they were installing an electric window kit from Golden RODtronics, www.goldenrodtronics.com . I never saw a kit with the window switches they were using. Instead of the normal toggle type switch,which looks out of place in a vintage rod IMO, this kit had twisting type switches that you use you old style window crank handles on.



I don't follow the custom car market that closely so these might be old news to you customizers but this is the first time I've seen them and I thought they were pretty cool looking. I wouldn't mind using this kit on one my trucks.

 

Same as the autotronics and Hoffman group unit. Very nice if wanting to keep stealthy. I like um.
Jon

 

Yea, they are pretty sweet. They've been around for several years now. I think its a great idea.

I was going to install power windows in my 49 but the cab is small enough that its nothing to lean over and roll the passenger window down

Bobby

 

seen 'em in one of the catalogs laying 'round here , i think they're cool , or stealthy as ciaf put it .

 

The reason I didn,t use them was because I wanted to be able to roll the passenger window down without leaning across my HUGE cab (bobby). And I don,t think they have that capability.

 

B/B , you are correct, that is the only drawback, ( plus costy ) and that is the only reason I did not use as well, cause I like cool stuff. Somebody told me that I might be able to "make" it work with jumper to add a remote pass switch on the driver door, but that sounds like MM to me and the switch makers should have thought of that. I figure "in" could be driver, and 'out" could be passenger just like the fader on radios.
Oh well,
Jon

 

.........braggart............lol

 

My friend has them in his little willey. he patched, as mentioned an extra toggle on the dash for the passenger window. Very slick, but be sure to heat shrink the wiring in the door as is went haywire the first time he washed it. GL

 

Only downside to the stealth switch is you have to warn everyone before they get into your truck, or the first thing you know someone will grab the crank and give it a whirl to lower or raise the window and there goes your switch.

 

I think it would be very easy to make your own. All it would take is a couple of micro switches mounted on a modified stock crank. Cut all of the mechanicals from the around the crank, weld a couple of small brackets and mount the switches. Also on the Two Guys episode they mentioned the kit have a relay circuit with a swith under the dash that is flipped so the driver's side handle could be used to lower the passenger side window.

 

I never considered that, but you're right. I know I have some heavy handed friends that would be sure to rip the danged thing right off the door....lol

Bobby

 

Y'all might not know it, but Ford used to make a power window kit similar to what's being promoted here in this thread.

The kit worked off the original window regulators = Remove the window handle = = Install the Ford kit which had a built in motor (actuator) that went on first, then the handle went on.

Turn the handle one way...window went up. Turn the handle t'other way...window went down.

This kit came out in the early 1960's.

The above info shows y'all that there's nothing new under the sun.

 

Bill,

Now that you mention it I've seen something similar. I was a self contained motor unit that fit over the window crank post. The application I used to see it was in the late 70's through late 80's conversion vans (back before electric wondows were an option in vans)

Bobby

 

BINGO!! These kits (both genuine and aftermarket) have been around since cars went to electric window motors circa 1951 (Chrysler products, everyone else = 1955).

Originally, window (and power top and seat) motors were operated by electro-hydraulic cylinders using brake fluid.

Who can forget seeing old cars with streaks of brake fluid on the rocker panels caused by leaky hydraulic window cylinders. Brake fluid strips off the paint. I can smell the stuff now, just from the memories.

 

I was thinking the same thing.