Adding Power Windows and Locks

[brubakes]

Who has added power windows and locks to their J-Series pickup? What kit did you buy? Are you happen with it? Writeup on the install? Pics?

[mark j]

The J truck Doors and Wagoneer doors are the same (dimension wise). Just get the power windows and locks from a Wagoneer and swap them out. This would include the bracket for the power window motor and the flexible drive track. I have the panel off a spare Grand Wagoneer door and will post a pic of the setup when my wife comes home with my digital camera this weekend. I imagine you will need to drill a few holes and find a place to mount the window and door switches. I don't think the inner door steel stamping is that much different if at all. Depending on the trim you have on your J Truck it may be just as easy to swap the entire door and paint to match. I'm sure someone else on this site has gone electric and can chime in. Unfortunately my '72 with manual windows is at my inlaws 100 miles away or I'd take pics of both door setups for you to compare. Good luck.

[sappy76]

Just added them to my '76 Chief from a Wagoneer. Good thing I got the whole door to use as a guide.

Windows.
There's about 9 screws that hold the flex track to the inner door panel. I used a large piece of paper as a pattern for the hole location. The windows were different as well. The Wagoneer windows had larger glass with a hole that accepts the roller wheel for the flex track (no more lower metal channel.)

Locks.
Again I used the wagoneer door as the pattern for the location of the actuator. It uses two rivets to hold the bracket to the inner door panel. Also, the guide bracket for the U-rod that connects the lock to the pull up/push down button was different and needed to be relocated. The old bracket was mounted to the inner door panel whereas the wagoneer has the bracket mounted to the end panel.

Wiring
I got the wiring harness and switches from a wagoneer. I removed the plastic connector on the back of the switches and soldered the wires directly to the switch. (This should make the connection much more reliable.) I then used RTV over the entire backside to protect the connections from moisture. I ran the wiring harness under the dash from one side to the other and used plastic tubing in the door jams to protect/guide wires as the door opens. (The wagoneer used large plastic channels and my doors/jams were not designed for the plastic channel and I didn't want to cut up my doors/jams to make it fit.)

Needless to say it was a lot of work and I'm wondering if it was worth it. (Only time will tell.) As a positive note, I now can use an aftermarket remote start/keyfob to remotely lock/unlock my doors.

[Subic Jeep]

I was thinking of using AutoLoc power windows universal kit, anybody installed these?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff267/SubicJeep/Cherokee/4a5703f2.jpg

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autoloc/product.lasso?prodinc=powerwindows



Universal Power Windows
Stop Cranking! Autoloc™ Series of Universal Power Window Conversion Kits allow you to convert your manual windows to power-operated windows. The installation is easy because the motors connect directly to your existing window crankshaft. Unlike other “universal” kits, we offer heavy-duty motors, which meet or exceed factory standards. Because of their high-torque motors and custom mounting brackets, Autoloc™ Universal Power Windows are great for all cars that do not have power windows. With the deluxe kit, you get switches; switch frames and mounting cases to give your vehicle an OEM look. You can upgrade to remote operation by using any of Autoloc™ keyless entry units and window controllers. Kits include detailed instructions and a Limited Lifetime Warranty.All Kits Feature

Custom Mounting Brackets
Works w/ Factory Windows
Dependable Operation
Multi-Position Brackets
Worm Drive Transmission
Durable Motors
Includes Hardware
Detailed Instructions
Limited Lifetime Warranty

[brubakes]

I was thinking of using AutoLoc power windows universal kit, anybody installed these?

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autoloc/product.lasso?prodinc=powerwindows

I've never been a big fan of "universal kits", but sometimes that the only option. The kit seems far enough. I like they have an option to use the factory manual cranks to function as the switches for the power windows. Kinda cool to keep the old cranks but add power.

I've seen a lot of generic lock kits on EBay for pretty cheap, but I wonder how well they actually work.

[Jayrodoh]

This kit works pretty well ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o58VjrM2KM

[brubakes]

This kit works pretty well ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o58VjrM2KM

I love Red Green. My boss actually used a drill for his windows when the crank broke.