I recall seeing a thread about that ages ago, might try a search. I'd be interested in hearing about anything you find or end up doing - I like the idea of manual windows.

edit: Unfortunately, a quick search didn't turn up anything, kind of a hard thing to search for. Hopefully someone else remembers where that roll-up window thread is, I'm sure there was one, or at least someone around here's done it before...

 

That is one that I can't recollect since I've been here on ICN. Sorry.

 

I have an extra passenger window motor if it's the motors that went, but more than likely it's a simple electrical issue. One of the terminals could be corroded, the MAIN switch could be off (disabling the passenger window), or the up and down switches on the driver's side could just need to be replaced.

It just sounds like you might be doing a TON of work when there's a chance you could have working windows again without too much effort.

 

I can't help but think that converting to manual couldn't be that difficult to do. The electric motor turns something that moves a cable to move the windows; how hard could it be to substitute a crank and pulley for the electric motor?

 

I've had the unit out of the door, and yes, an electric motor spins a worm gear which engages a geared pulley that pulls a cable cw or ccw--just like your drapes.

The problem with simply pulling out the motor and putting a crank mechanism in its place to turn the worm gear where it's located. This might actually be possible with a flexible cable such as is sometimes used with ratchets or screwdrivers to transmit torque "around corners".

The other option would be to to replace the cable with another that runs to a spool on the manual crank itself, but again it's a question of whether the geometry of the door and assembly have a place for such a thing.

If it's the switch, it has to be taken out and apart and rebuilt with 3D-printed parts, after which the motors might still have to be taken apart if they've seized from disuse.

My own fantasy for this is a wooden lever mounted near the floor, but I can't imagine the details of the internals.

 

There is a video on youtube of a guy doing the conversion on a older civic. Search civic electric to manual window conversion on youtube. Problem is it looks like the area to mount the manual window parts were formed in the metal on both civic doors...guessing that is not the case for any insight door's. So it still might be possible somehow but you might have to get real creative and cut part of the inner door metal out if a civic door and weld into your insight doors. Might be a huge project but possible....I Like and agree with the other members idea of just replacing the parts you need to get your electric windows going again. Plenty of parts floating around if you can identify what part(s) you require. I like old school manual windows too. Let us know if you get a resolution or actually tackle your project and do the conversion.

 

Now if we can just convert to a carburetor and points ignition too, lol

 

I know you think that's funny, but it's not. Apples and oranges.

 

Was to funny.

 

It almost looks like Honda made a spot for a manual crank.

 

^ It does look that way. Good find.

I like that "70 MPG" bumper sticker in the background...

 

I like that "70 MPG" bumper sticker in the background...

It's actually paint!

Details: Nut Wagon - 1991 Honda Civic Wagon DX Fuel Economy - EcoModder.com

EcoModder.com - DIY fuel economy mods, hypermiling, and ecodriving for better MPG

ecomodder.com

 

older thread but did anyone ever attempt to do a manual window conversion? did any g1’s ever come with them, whether here in the states or europe or japan?

 

I'm not aware of any conversions, and I'm pretty sure they all had power windows.

 

I intended to but have not yet followed through (other priorities). My plan is based on a vintage electric car in Jay Leno's collection that uses a simple strap to raise and lower the side windows. I removed the mechanicals from inside the doors so the glass was free to move up and down. I purchased seat belt webbing with the intent of attaching it to the bottom of each window and routing up through the interior door panels. The idea is to grab the strap to raise the window. I have yet to attach the straps. So, in the interim, I've used simple small, and cheap, auto body dent suction cups to raise and lower the windows. They work great until I have the time to perform a total restoration of the car.