If you have an older car model, you know how inconvenient it is to manually roll down your window every time you need to let fresh air in. When it gets too windy, you once again have to reach down and manually roll it up again.
It’s a little off-brand, to be quite honest.
We’re not by any means suggesting you get rid of your vehicle in favor of a newer model, although you can if you want to. All we’re saying is, you can get power windows installed for around 75 bucks and finally get electric switch controls with auto-up and down functionality.
We tested the top-rated motor kits on the market right now to bring you our top picks for the best power window conversion kit for 2021.
| JDMSPEED Power Window Conversion Kit | Biltek Automatic Power Window Kit | XO Vision Window Conversion Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Value | Best for Easy Installation | |
Door mounting options | 2-door | 2-door, 4-door | 2-door |
Compatibility | Pickup, truck, van, SUV, car | Pickup, truck, van, SUV, car | Pickup, truck, van, SUV, car |
Construction | Alloy steel and plastic | Metal and plastic | Metal and plastic |
Warranty | 1-year limited manufacturer | 1-year limited manufacturer | 1-year limited manufacturer |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How We Tested and Compared These Products
First, we identified 10 of the best-selling power window conversion kits on the market based on the number of positive reviews and units sold. We then narrowed down the list to eight based on their respective manufacturers. We were only interested in reputable brands like JDMSPEED, Biltek, XO Vision, TBVECHI, and Electric Life Super Street Rod.
Next was the fun part – the actual installation and operation of the conversion kits to determine which ones had the edge. This exercise narrowed down the list further to just four products. We rated them on things like their construction, operating voltage, and whether they were backed by a warranty.
We gave bonus points for handy features like thermal overload protection, quiet operation, easy installation, and any product featured on top TV shows like Monster Garage.
Our Pick: JDMSPEED Power Window Conversion Kit – Best Overall
Features:
- Door mounting options: 2-door
- Compatibility: Pickup, truck, van, SUV, car
- Construction: Alloy steel and plastic
- Voltage rating: 12V
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer
Top on our list is the JDMSPEED power window conversion kit. JDMSPEED Motor has been around since 2012 and has grown to become one of the leading providers of aftermarket components and accessories for motor vehicles.
Some of the company’s best-selling products include their electric radiator cooling mount kit, ignition distributor, Ford EGR valves, and of course, the universal JDMSPEED power window conversion kit.
First impressions: All the components that come in the complete kit look and feel premium. The non-plastic parts are made of alloy steel, and they don’t look like they’ll be wearing out any time soon. The kit comes with all the wiring, wiring harness, switches, and hardware required for installation.
There was no user manual included, which we found a little odd. With a little digging, we eventually found the installation instructions on their website and plenty of YouTube tutorials to boot. The installation process was a little technical, but nothing you can’t do on your own if you like DIY projects.
This universal power window switch kit is designed to fit 2-door vehicles of any make, model, and year. The main metallurgical gear feels pretty solid and comes with a manual handle you can use to crank up the adjustable window base in case the motor assembly stops working.
The conversion motor runs on Japanese power window regulator technology, known for its superior performance, and comes with Thermal Overload Protection that eliminates any potential fire hazard. Once we mounted the motor and the buttons onto the switch bezels, we were impressed by how fast it put the windows up and down. We also liked how quiet it was. With the engine running, you could hardly hear it.
All in all, the JDMSPEED conversion kit is by far the best one we’ve come across. The components felt sturdy, the installation was easy, and the Thermal Overload Protection feature was a nice touch.
- It comes with a handle backup in case of power failure
- The components are made of durable alloy steel and plastic materials
- Built using superior Japanese technology
- Quiet operation despite strong power
- It comes with safety features including Thermal Overload Protection
- The instruction manual isn’t included in the kit
- An upgraded conversion assembly for your window
- Made of top-notch materials for long-lasting performance
- 100% NEW and Made with the Highest Quality Components Available
Best Alternatives
Biltek Automatic Power Window Kit – Best Value
Features:
- Door mounting options: 2-door, 4-door
- Compatibility: Pickup truck, van, SUV, car
- Construction: Metal and plastic
- Voltage rating: 12V
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer
The Biltek power window conversion kit is yet another top performer. It is available in the 2-door and 4-door variants, making it compatible with pickups, trucks, vans, SUVs, and cars.
The 2-door version comes with three switches as well as all the wiring and hardware required for installation. The 4-door version has seven switches in total, as opposed to the three in its 2-door counterpart. All the metallic and plastic components feel pretty solid, which is what you want in a device with several moving parts.
One of the things that stood out to us was the technology used to operate the windows. The switches are worm-driven and powered by high-torque motors mounted on custom brackets. As a result, the windows roll up and down pretty fast while remaining surprisingly quiet. The illuminated buttons were a nice touch as well.
Although the kit comes with an instruction manual, we found the installation process quite complex compared to that of the JDMSPEED. We’re not sure if this had to do with its unique mechanism of operation or the fact that we had too many components to work with. Either way, we recommend letting the pros do it for you.
As far as price and quality go, the Biltek conversion kit delivers great value for the money. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a budget system that doesn’t compromise quality.
- Fast, quiet operation
- Illuminated buttons
- Available in 2-door and 4-door variants
- High-quality components
- Affordable price point
- Complex installation process
- This is a high quality kit used to covert 2 windows to full power!
- BENDABLE FOR INSTALLATION, INCLUDES 3 SWITCHES
- ALL HARDWARE AND ALL WIRES INCLUDED
XO Vision Window Conversion Kit – Best for Easy Installation
Features:
- Door mounting options: 2-door
- Compatibility: Pickup, truck, van
- Construction: Metal and plastic
- Voltage rating: 12V
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer
XO Vision’s 2-door universal window conversion kit is a great option for pickups, trucks, and vans with manual, crank-style vent window systems.
The first thing that stood out to us when we opened the kit was – the number of components in the pack was significantly less than that of all the other systems we had tested by that point. This made the installation process remarkably easy, a far cry from our experience with the Biltek power window kit. The entire process took us a little over 2 hours, which is quite impressive.
Aside from the metallurgical main gear and wiring, all the other components are made of hard plastic. Everything felt solid and sturdy, which is a testament to its durability.
As far as window operation goes, it was quite smooth and fast, although we did find it to be a little louder than the JDMSPEED and Biltek models. Nonetheless, compared to all the other units we tested, it was still pretty silent overall. All in all, we were quite pleased with the performance of the XO Vision system.
- Easy installation process
- Sturdy components and hardware
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Works with all vehicles regardless of the make, model, or year
- It’s a great budget option
- The kit doesn’t come with a user manual
- UNIVERSAL FIT - Upgrade your windows with a power kit. Works for all...
- EASY INSTALL - Perfectly adaptable to any type of vehicle door...
- SILENT OPERATION - Smooth quick and silent operation once installed...
TBVECHI Power Window Kit – Best 4-Door Option
Features:
- Door mounting options: 2-door
- Compatibility: SUV, car
- Construction: Copper alloy and plastic
- Voltage rating: 12V
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer
TBVECHI is another highly acclaimed car accessories and components manufacturer. The company’s wealth of experience shines through its range of 4-door universal power window conversion kits.
The unit comes with four high-torque motor drives that offer fast and smooth window operation. It is exceptionally quiet, giving it a slight edge over the XO Vision gear in that aspect of its design.
The TBVECHI kit has a total of eight switches: Five on the driver’s door for central operation right next to the door locks for keyless entry and remote start, and one on each of the three passenger doors.
We flush-mounted ours into the door panel next to the central lock system using the brackets in the pack. There’s also the option to flush mount them on the main console. It’s all a matter of preference.
The motor runs on Japanese technology and is fitted with a Motor Overload Protector to guard against potential fire hazards. The illuminated buttons were a nice touch as well. All in all, the TBVECHI conversion kit is a solid option for anyone looking to upgrade their 4-door vehicle’s electric windows to a more superior crossover kit.
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Easy to install
- Illuminated buttons for the windows and power locks
- Fitted with a Motor Overload Protector
- It comes with flush mounting brackets for the door panel and console
- Instruction manual not included in the pack
- 4 doors Power window kits
- This Power Window Kit fits any vehicle with 12 volts, adding the...
- The kit is complete with high torque motor drives.
How to Choose the Best Power Window Conversion Kit – Buying Guide
Window controls mounted on a door panel
Every time we get into a car where we have to manually roll down the windows, it takes us back to the 90s. It feels like we just entered a time capsule. If that describes your current ride, now is as good a time as any for an upgrade. Before you go off and buy the first power window conversion kit you come across, here are a few things you need to keep in mind when making your purchase decision.
Easy Installation
Power conversion kits come with a lot of parts, and we mean – a lot. Unless you have a background in vehicle mechanics, we suggest you take your car to the shop and have the pros install it for you.
On the other hand, if you know your way around electronic components, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty with a little DIY action, then, at the very least, get a motor kit that’s easy to install. Most power window conversion kits come with detailed instruction manuals on how to mount them into the door panel. If you can follow instructions pretty well, you shouldn’t have any problem installing it yourself.
Silent Operation
The other thing you need to think about is the level of noise generated by the motor. Granted, anything is better than the squeaky sound produced by your current manual system, it doesn’t mean you should settle for a noisy electric motor either.
The buzzword to look out for when shopping for the best power window conversion kit for your vehicle is “quiet operation.” The system you install should more or less be silent when you put your window up or down. A subtle, gentle hum is acceptable.
Power Demands
Most universal power window conversion kits are designed for use on vehicles that run on 12V DC systems. That said, this may not always be the case since different cars and different conversion kits may have different voltage ratings.
The first thing you need to do is check your car’s power rating and then find a conversion kit that’s compatible with it. This voltage information is readily available in the user manuals and manufacturer websites.
Price
Conversion kits have different price tags attached to them. Budget options usually retail for around $70-$80 for 2-door power window conversion kits and $120-$140 for the 4-door kits. If you have a bit more wiggle room in your budget and want something slightly more high-end, it’ll cost you $100-$120 for the 2-door kits and $180-$200 for the 4-door variety.
In our experience, though, there’s hardly any difference between the two options (budget vs. luxury). They might be quieter, but in terms of operation, their performance is more or less at par.
Don’t settle for the cheapest one either. Getting something that’s budget-friendly doesn’t mean you should skimp on quality. That’s why you should buy conversion kits from reputable manufacturers with a proven track record of high performance and durability.
Warranty
Speaking of manufacturers, it’s always a good idea to buy a conversion kit backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Like all electronic systems, power window conversion kits are susceptible to breaking down. A warranty gives you the reassurance that the manufacturer will fix it, replace it, or issue you with a refund if it runs into any issues.
FAQ
Can I convert my car’s manual windows to modern power electric windows?
Yes, you can. You’ll need a power window conversion kit, though. You can get a custom system specific to your car’s make and model, or get a universal one like the JDMSPEED Power Window Conversion Kit, Biltek Automatic Window Power Kit, or the XO Vision Window Conversion Kit that work just as well.
Upgrading your manual windows to automatic ones doesn’t just reduce the elbow grease required to roll your windows up and down; it also increases the market value of your car should you ever decide to sell it.
Are power window motors universal?
Yes, they are – for the most part. The front and rear motors are usually standard in their operation. The difference is mostly in their housing. This refers to how you mount them to the door frame of newer and older cars.
How much does it cost to replace power windows?
A brand new 2-door and 4-door power conversion kit will cost you $70-$80 and $120-$140, respectively. If you’re doing the installation yourself, there are no additional costs you’ll incur. If you pay a mechanic to do it for you, you might have to pay an additional $100-$150 depending on their rate.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that a vintage Chevelle or a 1969 Ford Mustang muscle car both look amazing. The manual window systems in them do not. If you’re thinking of upgrading to automatic windows, consider using any of the conversion kits we’ve reviewed in this guide. While they all had outstanding results in our tests, the JDMSPEED Power Window Conversion Kit is our all-time favorite.
