I need to convert from power windows to manual on my 55 Cad. Does anyone have experiece with this or know a company that sells a kit? (I'm doing this becuase i removed the vent windows to give my kustom a cleaner look. The motors are in the way from extending the larger glass to cover where the vent windows were. I prefer to have manual anyway. Less motors and switches and wiring makes my daily driver more reliable.) Thanks.
Well evidently they had manual regulators for four doors Ebay item 290875063624 Probably the best thing is to find someone who has an interchange manual that covers 56 and see if they show parts numbers for manual regulators for the model you have. The other way would be to use a pair of aftermarket conversion regulators like what Specialty Power Windows sells (several outfits make and sell them) and do it that way which might be simpler when you extend the window glass and change the balance of things with no vent post for the glass to be guided by.
I would look for manual regulators from an Olds, Pontiac, or Buick of that general era. My guess is that these cars used a power window set up very close if not the same as the Cad. Therefore, on their manual models, the set up is likely to be a direct bolt in. In any event, you will have to install a front vertical chanel in the door for the longer glass to ride up on. Probably have to go to a vehicle that didn't have vent windows old enough to have flat glass. And you will probably have to either extend the chanel that the window sits in or move your regulator set up further forward in the door in order to center the arms.
you are going to have more problems than the motors. getting one piece door glass that size needs support to roll up and down without flopping in or out. getting it to seal and line up with the A-pillar is fun too! I've done it and it does take on many problems. you might look at after market power window units that drop the motors to the bottom or even mount the motors in a remote location. I use 3/16 tempered glass to reduce weight. laminated glass will not work without a full metal frame around it. I add 1 1/2 inches to the bottom of the glass in the center then another 4-6 inches to both ends to give it enough support to roll up and down . it's a whole can of worms you've opened up. good luck and don't throw away the vent frames till you are satified with the new glass
In 1955 Cadillac did offer a power and manual window regulator. The 1955 Cadillac Window Regulator in the manual version is made up of a worm gear, several spur gears, linkages and a mechanical plate and bar to support the glass. Using a hand crank the driver or passenger can lower or raise the side window. HRP
There is room to keep the original electric windows when you delete the vent windows, but your going to have a few scraped knuckles getting into the door to do the work ... I just deleted the vent windows on my 1954 Cadillac -Series 62, 4 door last summer ... and it has been working very well ... All the SS trim will line up well on the outside, and you have the new SS bead of the channel matching up with the trim on the inside ... No major sheet metal work, although you do have to use spacers/washers on the 4 bolts attaching the original power window regulators to the door ... From the original post below :- I'm getting new front side windows cut for my 54 Caddy tomorrow, having just deleted the vent windows ... Am I just asking for trouble ? I'm using new 1/2" x 1/2" channel & fuzzies ... This will increase the width of the windows by 6.25" so I'm moving the power window regulators ahead 3.5" to clear the motors and better balance the weight of the windows ... I'm just reading about using tempered glass for the 1st time tonight ... I hope they work out OK ... but if there is a problem ... at least i can use the new laminated safety glass as a template if I have to have ones made out of tempered glass ... It has been working Very Well ... Much smoother operation with the new channels and fuzzies than it was before, less strain on the electric motors, less wind noise and better vision than before ... Much easier to hang your arm out the open window, or picking up an XXL Timmy's at the Drive Thru ... ;-) I left the handle for the vent window on, with just a small bolt & washer from the back, so it still turns and looks origional ...
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