Adding Power Windows

[Theessence]

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

[xeroinfinity]

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

Good Luck

[Theessence]

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

[skibum1111]

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.