History of Automotive Side Windows

[daveamkrayoguy]

Well I have interest in this topic and whether some of us have or miss manual opening/closing windows in a world where everything especially new is powered:

https://www.lebeuro-parts.com/post/a-guide-to-power-windows-history-functionality-and-safety

And I’m walking around winding my “roller-matic” wondering if my frequent clockwise turning opens or closes this “imaginary” glass which my left arm, mostly, but sometimes right arm is perpetually doing!

I like those old, big Ford ones best, and the narrow Chrysler ones are also favorites…

 

[cfz2882]

I have 10 cars- 5 with manual windows,4 with electric and 1917 Dodge roadster with no side windows fave electric is the 1985 f-150 : fast and smooth. The switch fell apart, so replaced with a pair of toggle switches for a "grandpa" type fix. Least fave electric is the 1981 Porsche 928: slow, kinda jerky, and loud motors. Fave manual is the '82 chevy: frameless GM coupe,so easy smooth operation. The glass knocks and rattles if door closed when window down (but is quiet in motion) Least fave is GmC Canyon : glass likes to bind and snatch in the gasket when it is damp out-might try some silicone lube or something to help that.

 

[vacerator]

Many liked the side vent windows that went away by 1970-71 except for the AMC Ambassador and Matador sedan. Ford made them a power option from 73 to 78 on full size cars.

 

[wayupnorth]

First vehicle I had with power windows is my '81 Corvette I bought in '84 that I still have. My '65 Galaxie had the crank open front vent windows and every ones since were crank ones with no vent windows. Now my Silverado has power everything that I do find quite convenient.

 

[phillymatt53]

Well I have interest in this topic and whether some of us have or miss manual opening/closing windows in a world where everything especially new is powered:

https://www.lebeuro-parts.com/post/a-guide-to-power-windows-history-functionality-and-safety

And I’m walking around winding my “roller-matic” wondering if my frequent clockwise turning opens or closes this “imaginary” glass which my left arm, mostly, but sometimes right arm is perpetually doing!

I like those old, big Ford ones best, and the narrow Chrysler ones are also favorites…

Back in the 1970s, I almost bought a sky-blue 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.
The used car dealer had it listed for $1000.
It was in great shape, and had those power wing windows too.
And those massive tail fins were so cool.
However, I decided it wasn't worth the investment.
I loved my '72 Nova too much.

 

[cadman]

Back in the 1970s, I almost bought a sky-blue 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.
The used car dealer had it listed for $1000.
It was in great shape, and had those power wing windows too.
And those massive tail fins were so cool.
However, I decided it wasn't worth the investment.
I loved my '72 Nova too much.

Wow, a '59 EB. I'm told the most difficult part of owning one today is having front and rear glass made given total production for 59/60 was 200 units and everything was custom. Since we're talking power windows, it's worth mentioning their famous party trick:

 

[qsd-dan]

Back in the 1970s, I almost bought a sky-blue 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.
The used car dealer had it listed for $1000.
It was in great shape, and had those power wing windows too.
And those massive tail fins were so cool.
However, I decided it wasn't worth the investment.
I loved my '72 Nova too much.

That Eldo Brougham would have been a nice investment if kept in the garage and not driven during winter. They go for stupid money with recent auction prices ranging from $110,000 to over $400,000.

 

[petek]

Power windows and a/c were the two prerequisites to any car I've bought over the years, used or new. since the mid 70s. I don't like crank windows . The other stuff like power seats etc not a deal breaker. Now they're all pretty much standard. Our 013 Wrangler , the partners summer toy, doesn't have them but its only really driven in good weather when we take the doors and roof off. Only once that I can remember in the 50 odd years have I had a window fail and that was on my 06 Mazda 3 drivers door,, quick door switch replacement and off an running again.

 

[ea56]

I haven’t had a car without power windows since ‘89. Now it’s difficult to find any new car that doesn’t have power windows.

However, during the last several years in my area there have been at least 4 or 5 instances that I can recall where a car has gone into the drink and all the occupants drowned because they were trapped inside by power windows that didn’t work once the battery hit the water. Makes me think that maybe that old fashioned wind up windows weren’t such a bad idea after all.

Eddie

 

[william8]

I never minded having manual windows, but I do prefer power windows.
Power windows have been standard on every car we've owned since the early 90's, so I never really had a choice anyways.

I did pay for them on an 80's Mazda, didn't want them, but it was included in the package with A/C. Gotta have A/C.