Long Awaited - Opel GT Power Window retrofit

[blancojp]

Howdy All!
In the past month or so I have gotten a few emails about adding power windows to a GT. So instead of using a pre-made kit, I will post a step by step procedure for the conversion the Hot Rod way, using standard off the shelf parts and mostly re-using GT window lift components.

In today’s age it is very hard not to notice a vehicle that does not have the convenience of power windows. Power equipment, such as power windows and locks, have been made standard on many vehicles and most of us are used to just press a button to obtain a result. A classic car is no exception, since thousands of dollars have been used to restore and update a vehicle therefore adding a few conveniences should be in order. The Opel GT should be no exception, the car is quite unique and enhancements of this type can make your classic car shine above the rest.

In the next few posts we will be discussing how to remove, re-work and motorize your existing window lift system. The job is simple and the cost is less than $100, however it requires a clear performance plan, a place to work and the necessary parts to complete the job. I will describe each step in the most detail possible therefore making each step easy to follow.

I believe we should create a comments section and I will also create a PDF copy that will be posted in the archive section.

Believe me, it is so easy even a caveman can do it!

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by blancojp Believe me, it is so easy even a caveman can do it!

Here he is.....

[markandson]

Originally Posted by BQS4 Here he is.....

Thank you Gene, I was having a lousy day and I am now smiling .

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by BQS4 Here he is.....

Gene leave it to you to come up with this......

[Lindsay]

Originally Wayne Torman posted files (technical) on classicopels (Yahoo! Groups - Join or create groups, clubs, forums & communities) for power door windows and power vent windows.
Yahoo link is broken. Have to look on my home computer to see if I ever downloaded the files.

Rear power windows would be cool, but more work than I have time for.

[neuropel]

No worries! That article and many others are in the downloads section here at OpelGT.com.

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by neuropel No worries! That article and many others are in the downloads section here at OpelGT.com.

This would be for the Spal kit which is very common. My way is more of a hot rod style conversion using off the shelf items.

However if this type of conversion satistfies everyones needs then there is no need to post any alternatives.

[neuropel]

By all means, please post your conversion details. I only posted that link because Lindsay mentioned he was looking for it on the Yahoo site.

[markandson]

Originally Posted by blancojp This would be for the Spal kit which is very common. My way is more of a hot rod style conversion using off the shelf items. However if this type of conversion satistfies everyones needs then there is no need to post any alternatives.

I used the SPAL system but don't really like it too much. I would like to see what your alternative is so.....please continue with your thread.

[opellane]

Originally Posted by blancojp This would be for the Spal kit which is very common. My way is more of a hot rod style conversion using off the shelf items. However if this type of conversion satistfies everyones needs then there is no need to post any alternatives.

Yes, Please post your Hot Rod Conversion. I am working on my 2nd GT and have the Spal kits on my daily driver GT, and would like to know if there is a better way. With the Spal kits you might have problems re-fitting the interior door panel. As the Spal Kit attaches to the crank splines. It's not bad for the price and easy to Install, but would like to see a better way.

[jerseydave]

I would enjoy seeing this done, and hopefully I can use the information on my Manta windows.

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by jerseydave I would enjoy seeing this done, and hopefully I can use the information on my Manta windows.

The Manta / Ascona window mechanism is totaly different than the GT. The GT is cable driven and the Mant / Ascona are GM style gear drive. The Spal kit will work well with the Manta but leaves alot to be desired on the GT.

The GT being a wire type system requires very little for the conversion. Just replace the hand winder with a motorized unit and you are done. I know this is the simplified version of the install however the truth is always the truth. And as usual, if you set fire to the car when replacing a bulb, please get someone to do it for you.

On the GT you perform these basic steps:
1) Remove the door panels and so on to gain access to the door pockets and window.
2) Lower the window, mark the low point on the window lift and secure the window fixed in that position.
3) Remove the cable lock and remove the hand crank assembly with cable.
4) On the lower front of the door there is a triangle cut out with round corners. Trace the cut out on a piece of cardboard and allow an extra 1/2" throughout the perimeter.
5) Insert the carboard cut out on the triangle and make sure it fits the hole and sits properly in the opening. Use this template to cut a piece of 22 gauge sheet metal and fitted to the triangle opening. Trim as required but it must sit tightly on the door opening. Drill three holes and secure in place with small sheet metal screws.
6) Buy a window regulator assembly from a Honda Accord front door. These are all over Ebay for about $35 each. Remove the motor and hand wind until the window craddle is at the center of it's travel. Cut the wire and remove the winder assembly from the window track. Throw window track away since it will not be used.
7) At this time, you should have the winder mechanism in your hand with both cables hanging. Pull and remove the cables from both sides and set aside for now.
8) With a marker, trace the inner outline of the door triangle onto the sheet metal part made. Remove the three sheet metal screws and remove the part made from the door. You now know what the motor winder mounting perimeter is.
9) Place the motor back on the winder and place the assembly on the inside of the marked perimeter with the motor pointing to the 7 or 8 o'clock position.
10) Verify there is no interference and mark the three winder assembly mounting holes. Verify several times since you do not want to make another sheet metal triangle.
11) Drill mounting holes and secure assembly to the sheet metal triangle with three 10mm bolts. I believe I used the same ones I took off the hand crank. Verify fit once again and remove the three mounting bolts to release the winder from the sheet metal triangle.
12) Remove the motor, locate the both wire guide pin holes. There will be one on the inside and one on the outside. Place one of the removed wires on the inside guide pin and wind by hand until you have about 6" of wire left. 13) Place the second removed wire on the outer guide pin and pull on the first wire to wind the second in. When you have both wires the same length, stop and secure the wires so they will not come off the track.
14) Install the winder onto the sheet metal triangle and then install the motor onto the winder. Install the complete assembly onto the triangle door cut out and secure with the three sheet metal screws.
15) Route the outside wire over the top of the window lift pulley and down to the wire lock plate. Route the inner wire through the lower window lift pulley and up to the wire lock plate. Remove the slop on both wires, making sure they are tight but not streched. Lock the wires in place by tightening both 10mm bolts located on the wire locking plate.

You are now ready to test the operation and adjust the travel as required. If you cut the wires correctly, there should be three inches of wire hanging from the top and bottom of the wire locking plate. Remember that if you release 1" from the top wire, you must take up 1" from the bottom wire.

The motor has two conductors attached to a connector, one is red (+) and the other black (-). Be very carefull on this step since you have little or no electrical protection to stop the window at the end of the travel.

Make sure the temporary connections are fused and pay close attention to what you are doing:

A) If you apply +12V to the RED wire and ground to the BLACK wire, the window will go DOWN.
B) If you apply +12V to the BLACK wire and ground to the RED wire, the window will go UP.
C) If you don't pay attention while the window is moving, you will either blow a fuse, shatter the window going up or damage the window lift going down.
D) If you damage your window because you failed to perform step "C" above, everyone on this site will make fun of your efforts and you will receive the "Don't let this happen to you" award.

I will post a picture of the components and electrical schematics when I return home. The first door will take you two hours give or take. The second door you will probably get it done in less than one hour. The electrical installation and wire routing should take you another hour. So you can have power windows on your GT in one afternoon if you plan it right.

[neuropel]

Which year Honda Accord?

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by neuropel Which year Honda Accord?

Any '90 through 2002 Accord two door will do. Use the front door units only.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by blancojp The Manta / Ascona window mechanism is totaly different than the GT. The GT is cable driven and the Mant / Ascona are GM style gear drive. The Spal kit will work well with the Manta but leaves alot to be desired on the GT.

Just for future reference, the Ascona 4-door uses cable regulators in the rear windows almost like a GT, but uses similar Manta/Ascona gear-type regulators up front. Don't know why they split the difference this way, but they did.

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Just for future reference, the Ascona 4-door uses cable regulators in the rear windows almost like a GT, but uses similar Manta/Ascona gear-type regulators up front. Don't know why they split the difference this way, but they did.

Answer is simple, the Manta door is an Ascona door with the frame cut off per say. The rear door was just some of the additional tooling required for the car.

[Redskinsjbs]

HEY! THIS IS GREAT! I got my radiator from my Dad's civic and now I can get power windows from my Mom's Accord! Is there anything that I can put on a GT from a '04 Subaru Forester?

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by Redskinsjbs HEY! THIS IS GREAT! I got my radiator from my Dad's civic and now I can get power windows from my Mom's Accord! Is there anything that I can put on a GT from a '04 Subaru Forester?

Air freshener perhaps?