Cabby power window to manual conversion ?

Hey!

My 1990 Cabby has some typical power window issues and I was wondering if anyone has any idea if it'd be possible to modify the power window regulator to accommodate a manual winder.

Feels like a long shot after a Google, but would love to hear if anyone else has thought of / tried this.

Cheers,
Rich

Typical power window issues?

I've not seen anyone trying to convert from power to manual - you may be the first person who's ever wanted too.

I believe there is an issue using a non-power door with power windows. Not sure if that's the case in the other direction.

Picture suggests they are based on a similar mechanism:

You can convert them, and yes you need the whole mech from a non-power window.

You have to modify a powered door to a non-power door, by drilling a new bolt hole.

The door from a 89 being converted for a 93.

The blue marks are where the mods needed to be made
to convert it.

Thanks crew – feels like more hassle than I'd hoped. Probably best for me to stick with the elec windows and figure out my missing switch issue.

I've got myself a Passat switch which has similar styling, but can't suss out the wiring for it or if it'd be compatible. Looks like it expects some kind of plug rather than a hard solder job.

Can anyone help me / point me in the right direction to help fit this?

Centre switch on the last image is the power hood fyi! Left is the gap for the missing switch, and right is the working(ish, with a bit of pressure) switch for my left window.

Wel my 90 Cabriolet had Factory power windows, which were in the Knee-Bar with a coiny tray between them and not in a plate.  

The ones I am used to have a plug, and the Passat switch is a direct fit save for the fact that it is a different rocker cover and you have to swap it over.

Everything I know about power windows (OEM) on a 90-93 cabriolet is here.
A1 Cabbie Power Window Problems | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum

How I converted a 89 Cabriolet door to a 93 with steps is here: https://www.volkswagenownersclub.com/threads/how-to-use-a-non-powered-window-door-in-a-later-cabriolet.32199/

The switches themselves are itty-bitty and have a connector that fits at a 90 degree angle to the switch, as they have to scoot through the knee-bar.  I personally have never seen a plate used for the switches.  I do know that there are aftermarket units available, but have never seen them.  So I would ask is the window controller oem or after market.

Thanks for those links!

Interesting! In this case, perhaps it was an aftermarket fit then… or perhaps hauled out of the knee bar and refitted to the plate just above the shifter.

Going to potter about and see if there's life in the motor before I go any further…

…but I've just spotted the wiring and old switch is there, it's missing the casing and likely goosed… maybe I can fix it without refitting the switch.

richcahill said

. or perhaps hauled out of the knee bar and refitted to the plate just above the shifter.

I think centre console is the standard place for Euro cars.

Looks like my issue matches this thread:
https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=technical%2Felectrics_2%2Felectric-window-switch_2

Seems to be an aftermarket Electric Life kit with an Ansor switch:
https://www.electric-life.com/product/4910-10-201-illuminated-rocker-switch/

I have a Mk2 switch which supposedly works in the same way. I'll give it a bodge and see if I can get it working.