Power windows

M

manmerc5519

Junior Member
I have bought another crestline this time a 4 door car a1954 ,it has power windows and power steering I can live with power steering but have always hated power windows is it very hard going back to standard windows, are just getting new motors and wiring for them
 
Are all the parts there for the power window? Are you just looking to remove them and put manual windows in. I’m not quite clear what you’re asking.
 
I would guess that you’ll need all the regulators and interior handles. That was the case when I went from manual to power in my 55 bird. The glass and the channel were the same. Given that Ford tended to use what’s in the parts bin, I’d guess they were similar, at least as far as the motors, switches, relays went.

That would allow you to rewind the motors, etc, as necessary if you can’t find manual units. FWIW, the regulators with out glass, switches relays,etc. for the bird were $1200 15 years ago. I’d think they’d be more than worth the investment to keep the car original, but if you change them out, don’t throw the electrics away.

My door panels had pre stamped locations to allow the fit of either handles or switches. If you change over you may need new door panel.
 
If they work ok, I'd leave them for now and gather up the parts for manual conversion while advertising to see if there is any interest in someone buying them. I agree in that even with newer cars I don't consider electric Windows or anti-lock brakes to be a plus, just something more electrical waiting to malfunction. I'd leave the PS in it though..

Mike
 
Should easily be able to find manual parts, I have a 54 four door parts car for a Skyliner project (no door panels maybe..) and won't need any of that window stuff. But recovering from surgery now, so can't remove them anytime real soon. But, there should still be lots of 54 four door parts cars around yet, probably closer to you..
 
The biggest problem with the old power windows is old grease. It gets stiff and no longer provides lubrication causing the window to bind and the motor to over heat. Power is typically run through the switched and the extra current draw for the motor working extra hard because of the binding causes them to get burned contacts exasperating the over heating problem. Whew....


Fix for reliable early power windows is clean the tracks and re lube with good white grease. Install relays in the feed lines to the motors so the switches only have relay energizing power through them. The 60s Fords and T-Birds I have done this to had a circuit breaker in the ground wire lead of each motor. Keep it if there on your 54, if not and there is an external ground wire, consider installing one. They go a long way protecting the motor from burning up.
 
thanks very much for the input guys and I have found another 4 door only six miles from me that I can buy very reasonable I love this ford barn forum it is the most informative site on old fords that I can find
 
The older window lift motors had brass brush holders that would corrode and lock brushes, causing motor to stop. Removing end cap and cleaning brush holders will fix it. This fix is for power windows in the '60's and up. Don't know about the '54. Worth looking into.
 
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