Adding Power Windows

Hi I'm new to the forum and I'm looking for some help. I'm new to doing any kind of work on cars but i'm interested and think i may have a first project for myself. I just bought a '99 grand am coupe and my only problem with it is that it doesn't have power windows. From some other threads I was referred to some universal kits that convert manual into power windows but I'm wondering how difficult it will actually be once I get in there.

Also, due to my lack of experience I pretty much have no way of improvising for real technical stuff once I start. With step by step instructions or even just a good diagram I should be fine but I have a feeling there will be some difficulty on getting power to the windows.

My second concern is that my door panel isn't made for power windows so I'll have a big hole in the side of it, and also I'd need to cut out a place for the switch to go into. Anyone know of a good place where I could find a replacement door panel?

I'm far from wealthy at the moment otherwise I'd have it professionally done so I guess i'm looking for the cheapest way to do it. Obviously I'd have to buy all of the parts either way so I'm looking to save a few hundred dollars on labor.

Can anyone help me out?

Thanks,
Aaron

Welcome to AF Aaron.

I have not seen any conversion kits for these models.
I never seen a GA with crank windows either but, that doesnt mean they dont exist.

The easiest way would be to goto a salvage yard and buy the doors!
Or at least the inside panel and the "guts"(regulator and window, wires, switchs).
Its not an easy task and I consider myself a semi-professional modifier , and I wouldnt even attempt it except for replacing the whole door(s) .
Plus you'll need to wire up relays to the fuse panel(s) and wiers for the buttons , and accessing these area are cumbersome. Not to mention the endless hours of labor.

Here is a link to the parts list, it has cut aways and part #'s that might or might not help.
99-03 Grand Am parts : Body & Structure/Doors & Glass/Interior Trim & Components (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=669938)

Good Luck

I would love to go that route but then i have to get both of the doors re-painted, that is if I could actually find the doors that i need in this little city. Painting them won't be a cheap venture I'd assume. I think I'm going to see what some of the shops here can quote me to get it done.

I've been looking and I can't find the universal crank->power kit that I saw. I just assumed it would work with all models though.

If I did happen to come across 2 doors and salvaged all of the guts and the inside panel, how difficult is the process of reattaching all of it to my existing door? Is there a manual somewhere or should i just try to go by what it looks like all assembled in the junk door.

Thanks for the quick reply.
Aaron

My experience with doors is they are all mass produced. I've done a few conversions from manual to power. Hardest part is the electrical, although most newer cars are pre-wired for this sort of thing. Grab the regulators, motors, switches, relays and circuit breakers from a wreck, if you are lucky you will be able to plug in all of the electrical components, and the regulators ~should~ bolt right in.