Retrofitting electric window switches to the door handles

[Chavtastic]

Right has anyone got any information on the following; a door handle surround with a provision for an electric window switch.

Picture here


As seen on this car on eBay (yes I have tried contacting the seller)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180845451503

I believe this would be a popular modification as it's much more intuitive to have the switch here than beside the handbrake. What we would need to know for a successful modification is:

Factory fit...
1) Part number / availability for the door handle surround with the cutout for the switch
2) Which switch fits that part, Corsa B looks promising...


Modified fit...
I think you could cut a neat oval into a standard Calibra door handle surround, and locate the switch in there. This is a pic of a Corsa B door handle surround, so you can see the sort of hole you'd need to make for the switch.


It might not sit securely or as nicely as a factory Calibra handle surround, given that there would be no recess.

Alternatively, take a Corsa B surround and chop out the mounting for the switch and fibreglass it neatly onto a standard Calibra door handle surround. The whole lot can then be smoothed and then painted / carbon wrapped / flocked to make it neat, allowing you to then drop the switch straight in.

Then you're left with wiring, which will probably mean running wires through the door grommets into the car loom behind the dash, or to the wiring at the original electric window location.

I'll start by making a phone call to autovaux and see if I can get a factory surround with the switch hole! That would be the easiest option.

All input / research / information welcome!!

[v6 steve]

couldnt you use a left hand drive door handel as it will have the mirror adjust on it too

[Allys Cally]

i'm sure its a left hand drive door handle surround you'll need to fit the switch (if you want it to look like the one in the link), running a set of wires up to the door shouldn't be a problem

[Chavtastic]

Sounds like a plan guys!

I'll get on to Autovaux in the morning for a part number and price (and to order mine) and post back up here.

As for the mirror switch... how would that be mounted near the handbrake?

[v6 steve]

just make up a new pannel to cover the old window switches and cut an oval into it
(any chance replying on your for sale thread ben )

[Fraz]

only person I know who had that done was Aldo...and yes you need the LHD door handle...and I not sure what he did with the mirror controls ..but think he used Astra window switches

[v6 steve]

the only thing is you wont be able to open the passenger side from the drivers seat without leaning over (not a big problem just thought i would mention it)

[Fraz]

you have two switchs on the drivers side

[Robs-se]

Could you not use mk3 astra switches and handle covers??

[craigyboy]

I done that conversion last year by putting a
corsa control consul onto the drivers door
i'll put up the pictures tomorrow

[Chavtastic]

"LHD Left hand door handle surround is no longer available even from GM stock in Germany" - Ian, Autovaux

[v6 steve]

"LHD Left hand door handle surround is no longer available even from GM stock in Germany" - Ian, Autovaux

have you had a look on german ebay ?

[Chavtastic]

"LHD Left hand door handle surround is no longer available even from GM stock in Germany" - Ian, Autovaux

have you had a look on german ebay ?

Not yet boss.

I'll try over the weekend!