[LouieLaguna]

Hello,

Adding to my Elise project list...
Would love to ditch the power windows in favor or roll-ups. Anyone have a turn key solution...someone sell a conversion kit?

Thanks!
LL

 

[...m...]

...i prefer the manual cranks as well, but just so you know - the power windows are lighter...

 

[Demonized]

They're heavier, from what I hear.. FYI

 

[tmr]

I love my crank windows, but I understand that they're no longer offered on the base cars. Seems like I heard the supplier went out of business, thus all the cars now come with electric windows. As a result, you may need to contact junkyards to find a wreck that had them. I cannot imagine the cost to buy them from the dealer, but I bet it would be expensive.

 

[RoadDad]

...i prefer the manual cranks as well, but just so you know - the power windows are lighter...

They're heavier, from what I hear.. FYI

The power window gadgetry itself is lighter than the cranks. The rest of the stuff that comes with the power windows makes it a heavier option (carpeting, sound insulation, etc.).

 

[Gizmo3000]

Adding to my Elise project list...
Would love to ditch the power windows in favor or roll-ups. Anyone have a turn key solution...someone sell a conversion kit?

I can't quite see the benefit when you compare the pro's and cons between having manual or electric windows.

For the performance minded person, I've heard many times here that manual windows are heavier.
and for the Luxury minded, it's a no brainer.

Being able to roll the windows down without having to insert the key can be handy I suppose, the only perk I can see about having roll ups.
but with electric, being able to easily roll the passenger window down while driving (without a passenger) is also handy.

and electric windows LOOK much better!

 

[Green Ghost]

I would spend my money/effort on something else. Plus the electric window is lighter.

 

[MNlotus]

...i prefer the manual cranks as well, but just so you know - the power windows are lighter...

+1

 

[darkSol]

I didn't get the "leccy" windows because you have to lean over to the passenger seat to push the button anyway... why not just turn the winder while you're at it?

The metal manual window winders look soooo classic compared to the buttons, IMHO....

 

[Chris Mackey]

The metal manual window winders look soooo classic compared to the buttons, IMHO....

I prefer the look of the manual winders.

 

[TimMullen]

For the performance minded person, I've heard many times here that manual windows are heavier. and for the Luxury minded, it's a no brainer.

The electric windows are lighter by something like an ounce total weight. It really isn't a noticeable difference.

Being able to roll the windows down without having to insert the key can be handy I suppose, the only perk I can see about having roll ups.
but with electric, being able to easily roll the passenger window down while driving (without a passenger) is also handy.

It's nice not having to have the key to put up the windows. As for the passenger window, it's just as easy to reach over and turn the crank as it is to reach over and push the button.

and electric windows LOOK much better!

This one I disagree with. The push button switch inserted in the hole where the crank should be looks like a cheap after market power window kit. The window switches could be any place else (like in the console or something) and it would look much better (but then Lotus would have to have made two door panels, one with and one without the crank/switch hole).


By the way, the best way to have crank windows instead of the power windows was to not buy the Touring Pack...

 

[...m...]

...put me down for the crank windows looking much nicer (after all, the interior was designed around them) and being more convenient, too...

 

[mjf]

It's nice not having to have the key to put up the windows.

Can't you just wire it so that the key does not need to be in, seems a better solution.

As for the passenger window, it's just as easy to reach over and turn the crank as it is to reach over and push the button.

There is some level of focus and twisting involved, the button push should be noticeably easier. I wouldn't want to raise a crank window while driving. Not to mention, the button is always in the same spot. Cranks move. =)

Last point: fwiw, the electric window is *fast*!

 

[TimMullen]

Can't you just wire it so that the key does not need to be in, seems a better solution.

That would help the thief to get it too (long wire through the window seal to push the button)... :no:

There is some level of focus and twisting involved, the button push should be noticeably easier. I wouldn't want to raise a crank window while driving. Not to mention, the button is always in the same spot. Cranks move. =)

It really doesn't take an focus to crank a window - been doing it since I was a kid. Might even take less, since you have to watch the electric window to make sure that you stop at the end - crank is by "feel".

Last point: fwiw, the electric window is *fast*!

Until the electric motor goes bad, or the drag of the mechanism gets too much. I've had this happen to my '93 Accord - the windows motor can no longer overcome the drag of the mechanics and the windows "stick". Similar thing happened on my '94 Miata, but with hand cranks, I could feel it getting bad - taking the door panel off and greasing things cured the problem. That hasn't helped the Honda...

It's really a matter of choice. I prefer the crank windows. I'm in the minority. I don't have to worry about the electrics failing me.

By the way, lots of Elise owners have complained of the windows jamming because of a loose screw. I've yet to hear of one with crank windows being a problem. :shrug:

 

[LordZ]

As for the passenger window, it's just as easy to reach over and turn the crank as it is to reach over and push the button.

Not if you are running a harness... I can get a single finger over just far enough to roll up the passenger window. A manual would require me to unbuckle to do it.

 

[...m...]

...honestly, the only way i can imagine the power windows being preferable would be if both actuator switches were in the center console near the power lock switch, and the door panels kept featureless...

 

[Aedo]

If you really want crank windows contact bear01011 - he is breaking a lot of Elises and may be able to get you a set.

...
By the way, the best way to have crank windows instead of the power windows was to not buy the Touring Pack...

No longer possible Tim - the manufacturer of the manual windows has gone bankrupt so even base models get electric windows.

 

[cheungms]

OP: I have the crank windows and am looking to convert if you're still looking.

Does anybody know what all is required or perform the conversion, if anything? A DIY would be great!