changing electric windows to manual

[vw_golf_nutter]

Hi all,
is it possible to change my electric front windows to manual in my mk2 gti? they are 90 spec doors. I just really hate electric windows, especially as these ones only work when they want to... so much easier with a winder lol

[Waspy]

Almost certainly. The doors are the same, which by that logic means just rip the motor and electrics out and put a manual mech in its place. The holes in the door cards will differ, so you will need some manual door cards.

[SimonG]

The front manual mechanisms from 3 door and 5 door are the same and will sit nicely.  The earlier doors 84 to 87 have different mechanisms.  But if you need the manual parts and widers for utter cheapness, PM me.  I have a set of fronts (and rears for a 5 door).

Almost certainly. The doors are the same, which by that logic means just rip the motor and electrics out and put a manual mech in its place. The holes in the door cards will differ, so you will need some manual door cards.

The door cards are the same for manual/electric, holes are in the same place.

[Waspy]

The front manual mechanisms from 3 door and 5 door are the same and will sit nicely.  The earlier doors 84 to 87 have different mechanisms.  But if you need the manual parts and widers for utter cheapness, PM me.  I have a set of fronts (and rears for a 5 door).

Almost certainly. The doors are the same, which by that logic means just rip the motor and electrics out and put a manual mech in its place. The holes in the door cards will differ, so you will need some manual door cards.

The door cards are the same for manual/electric, holes are in the same place.

Even better!

[dubber36]

I've done it the other way round and it's easy peasy.

You'll need a new center console as well if you want it to look right, as the ones with the window switches are different. Or you could always fit blanks in the holes where the switches used to be.

[Mr Blue]

You sure its not the switches that are breaking down? 

[vw_golf_nutter]

i think it probably is the switches but i just dont want electric windows, i hate them! lol. I have had so many issues, not just this car but others half opening, not shutting etc i just would prefer manual.
so glad it can be done, i will try n do it myself.... dreading it already, im not very good with stuff like this!

[SimonG]

To be honest, it's a fairly straightforward job to swap over.  Once the doorcard and membrane are out of the way (try not to tear the membrane), just be sure to wind down the window enough so you have easy access to the bolts securing the regulator to the glass.  And of course, be careful with the window.  The regulator will come out once manouvered around a bit.  I've replied to your PM.

[Munch]

Are you interested in selling the mechanisms, motors, loom and switches? I'm interested

[Sgt_Lemon]

For the same effort you could fit audi 80 motors and redo all the wiring and switches. Mines work a treat after doing that. Let's you open the passenger window without crashing.