Power lock conversion question

[mybabygirl]

Ok, so I was wanting to convert my manual locks to power but my installer wouldn't do it. He said that cutting into the cable would weakin it and therefore the locking mechanism would quit working eventually and I'd have to replace the cables and that equals big money I'm sure. I know some of you have already installed them yourselves. So my question is, have any of you had any problems since? Or does anyone know from personal experience with cable locks in other vehicles know of any problems with the cable weakening from cutting into it? I really appreciate your help cause I forgot how sucky manual locks are, but I don't wanna hurt my new baby. Thanks

[brickhardmeat]

I love my manual locks.

Sorry I'm no help. I don't miss that clunky key pad or those quirky auto locks at all. You just have to remember to grab your keys and flip the knob, not too bad, and the manuals don't go out. They pretty much last forever.

[mybabygirl]

Only reason I dislike the manual is because I have 2 kids. So I have to unlock my door, climb in reach in back and unlock both the back doors and then make sure they lock their doors. I could live without power otherwise. But yeah the manual last forever which is why I like no power windows.

[brickhardmeat]

Yeah, I guess that's how they had to do it back in the old days too. I'm sure there's lots of options for the power. Have you tried the search box?

[acrbill]

The cable is NOT stranded wire like most people assume. Its a solid steel wire.

If done properly I cannot imagine how it could harm it. Even if it does break how much could a new cable cost?

I did mine a few months ago and have had no issues.

[W.A.S.P]

Originally Posted by acrbill

The cable is NOT stranded wire like most people assume. Its a solid steel wire.

If done properly I cannot imagine how it could harm it. Even if it does break how much could a new cable cost?

I did mine a few months ago and have had no issues.

Same here, no problems so far, an it if breaks it shouldn't take much time or money to replace it.

To the original poster: If you like power locks then go for it. Don't worry about that "cable"... it's tougher than you think!

[MrJester]

for the guys that did it

did you do the install your self or did you take it to a pro shop to get them done? How much was it if you took it someplace? Did you have to have a hole cut in door and b pillar of the rear doors?

[acrbill]

Originally Posted by MrJester

for the guys that did it

did you do the install your self or did you take it to a pro shop to get them done? How much was it if you took it someplace? Did you have to have a hole cut in door and b pillar of the rear doors?

I did it myself. Its not difficult if you know how to follow instructions. I have a hatchback so I did not have to worry about the rear doors. I would assume there has to be one of those rubber boots to get wires from the pillar to the door since sedans have the option of power windows and locks. If there is no boot you can buy a setup that is easy to install. You just drill a hole in the door and pillar.

[MrJester]

Hummmmm I will have to try and do it then. Where did you get your instructions at any chance you could pm or email me some pics of how and where your actuators are setup thanks man. the instructions that came with mine sux the balls.

[acrbill]

http://www.a1electric.com/cablelock.htm

Thats a good one and there is another on this board if you check the DIY list.