1973 convertible deluxe driver door panel for power window?

[Scubaman]

My '73 convertible has an older reproduction door panel from NPD. It was originally made for hand crank window handle and was "modified" to accept a power window switch. It has never fit or looked correct. Can anyone advise me on what parts I need to make the panel work with power window? Does anyone make a set of door panels for power windows for the '73?
NPD has two door panels ( PD-13W & PD-13WE) and switch retainer clips (14559-1A). But the switch retainer clips only work on '71 & '72 according to NPD.

Do I need new Panels?
New Retainer clips?
New Power window switch?

Also the box inside the driver side window that the power window switch plugs into is cracked. Does anyone have a source for one of these?

 

[RC92234]

I've replaced the motors for all the windows in my restoration, but yes, those very very old plastic clips that hold the switch bezel in place break from just looking at them. So far anyway, I've found once tightening them to the door panel, they stay in place "ok". Not great, but ok. I have only needed to replace the driver's switch itself so far -- bought a repro that was totally unsatisfactory so ended up finding old stock in good shape on eBay. But as you know, the switch goes into the bezel so the switch is new-ish, but the bezel is old.

What you've brought up is that the power window switches changed in '73s and (as usual), the 73s get the short end of the stick. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread to see if there are solutions/options for the issue.

 

[Sheriff41]

Check with West Coast Classic Cougar secure.cougarpartscatalog.com

 

[Scubaman]

Thanks for feedback. Most people are telling me that the the door panels for power windows and crank windows are the same. The difference for power windows is I need thick retaining clips to mount the bezel. I have this bezel but the clips on back are not deep enough to go all the way through the door panel and secure the bezel to the panel. Any idea on where to buy the proper clips to attach the bezel to a '73 panel. NPD and CJ have power window bezel clips but they state only for '71-72.

 

[RC92234]

Thanks for feedback. Most people are telling me that the the door panels for power windows and crank windows are the same. The difference for power windows is I need thick retaining clips to mount the bezel. I have this bezel but the clips on back are not deep enough to go all the way through the door panel and secure the bezel to the panel. Any idea on where to buy the proper clips to attach the bezel to a '73 panel. NPD and CJ have power window bezel clips but they state only for '71-72.

Well, they're the same *except* for door panels for power windows have cutouts for the switches, not just a round hole for the crank.

 

[Hemikiller]

The door panels are the exact same power or manual. The factory panel had the manual crank hole pre-punched, and a dashed outline of the required hole for power window switch embossed into the backing board. 71-72 used a flush switch panel, not the angled panel like the 73s.

The switch panel has the screw boss broken off, that holds the trim bezel in place. Ford used to sell the "sleeve" as they called it, the part # was D2AZ-14489-L. You would remove the wiring from the existing part, and re-wire the new one. I checked a couple obsolete parts sellers and there's no stock. you might have to start making phone calls.

IMO, I'd fashion a bracket to catch the retainer screw. If the door panels are too "thick" to let the clips catch properly, some careful application of heat might be the fix.

 

[Animal Lawyer]

One of the retaining arms on my '73 switch bezel is missing (and the other doesn't seem that sturdy, does anyone make a repop bezel (or is there a fix to replace the arm)? Or does anyone have a spare intact '73 Bezel they would sell at a resonable price?