Opinions? Go electric or leave manual on rear window

[sappy76]

I've finally assembled all the parts needed to convert my rear window to electric. Now I'm having second thoughts.

Is it a bad idea? I wanted power so I could run the window down a couple of inches while driving around and then run it up when I stop.

If I do put in the electric window, do I put in the safety switch? If so, does someone have pictures/measurements on where to drill the hole in the side of the tailgate to put this in?

[yankeedog]

I will take armstrong widows over electrics every time

[addicted]

I would keep it manual but if you do change it out I would not put in the safety switch unless you want it perfect for a correct factory resto type thing.

[Charlie_B]

My safety switch was broken when I got my rig. I just bypassed it. And come to think of it...havent touched it since. I have actually had a need to roll the window up with the tailgate down before. Just cant remember off hand why though.

Id stay manual, but mine isnt in good condition. If it was, Id probably prefer it.

[Gambler68]

No way! Electrics fail. After a long time looking, I just nabbed a 10 out 10 perfect full manual tailgate (local, to boot), and even got a copy of the key to lock it. Can't wait to install it. The factory wiring for the electric sucks, when it fails it'll drain your battery and likely kill it..the way it pinches when the gate is closed it plain stupid. If you hook it up, I'd drill 2 holes and use some braided hose as a sleeve at least. If you're going to want to cruise with the window down, be sure to install a rear air deflector, or prepare to suck exhaust. I've run it both ways (down with deflector, and without) and there's no comparison.

[2003 mcs]

Leave it manual, how many times would you roll down the window while driving? Simple is good, spend the time you would converting to electric on something else.

[sappy76]

Is there anyone out there that likes the electric window?

[loganvilledude]

Originally Posted by sappy76

Is there anyone out there that likes the electric window?

Well I have an electric one that works fine, but I would prefer a manual myself. I can just imagine a monsoon coming along about the time I need to roll it up and that will probably be the day it will die.

[2003 mcs]

Originally Posted by loganvilledude

Well I have an electric one that works fine, but I would prefer a manual myself. I can just imagine a monsoon coming along about the time I need to roll it up and that will probably be the day it will die.

X2

I have it, I like it, but if I didn't I would not take the time to convert it to electric. For example, I have a newer car with power windows, I noticed driver side goes up and down slower than the other windows. Now when I have to swipe parking pass at work I open door. All it takes is one time when the window stops working when you need it most!

[RubiconMike]

I have an electric that works from both the dash switch and tailgate switch and I love it. I used to run install shops so electric windows and power door locks are are no mystery to me. I have six vehicles and five of them have power windows and locks, and every one of them work. I'm just waiting for the kit to convert the sixth.

Now if you think 12V electrics are difficult to figure out and you have to pay someone to fix them, or if you beat on your rig hard off-road, the manual might be a better choice. Or maybe you just like manual stuff better (I like manual transmissions better than automatics), personal choice.

If you do convert, I'd put in the safety switch. YOU might know it's not there, but what about your wife or friend or someone who borrows your rig? One time trying to roll the window up when the tailgate is down, and you're looking for a new rear window.

[sappy76]

Originally Posted by RubiconMike

If you do convert, I'd put in the safety switch. YOU might know it's not there, but what about your wife or friend or someone who borrows your rig? One time trying to roll the window up when the tailgate is down, and you're looking for a new rear window.

Thanks, I'm certainly not afraid of 12 volt electronics, if I was, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing.

Can you take some detail pictures of the location of the safety switch? I'm sure if I get it in the wrong place I'll regret it.

[TooRisky]

I tore out the electric for a manual...What it takes all a 1/2 minute to stop put up or down....Also electric only give you problems when you need to roll up cause of rain, sleet, snow...and what happens when it doesnt go up....

Steve...

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by sappy76

Thanks, I'm certainly not afraid of 12 volt electronics, if I was, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing.

Can you take some detail pictures of the location of the safety switch? I'm sure if I get it in the wrong place I'll regret it.

There is also a post in the tailgate jamb to trip the safety switch. At least there is on the 80-83s. I don't know if yours has one already or not.

Now that I have my tailgate working completely (knock on woodgrain), I love it. But it is wrapped up for body work and I can't get pics. RubiconMike will help you out.

A real good idea is to tap a couple of 12 gauge wires directly off the motor wires, and run them with the other wires out the bottom of the tailgate and under the cargo area behind the bumper. Leave about 6' of wire coiled up and unstripped, then ziptie the coil to the frame or crossmember so it will be hidden. If your tailgate window ever fails in the up position, you can use a long hotwire from you battery to those wires to power the motor and get the window down to fix a bad switch or something in the tailgate.
[i]Hot jumper to one wire in the coil and ground the other. If the window tries to go up, put the hot jumper on the other wire and ground the first one. Then the window should go down. If that makes sense. -- This is a super handy way to get the stuck window down and the tailgate open so you can check/find/fix/bypass the prob.