Looking for an original clear widow crank for my '69 in good condition. Although they look good, after market are really junk. Thanks. Jon
Chris R said
Jul 19, 2012
Ive heard finding good ones that havent turned yellow yet are hard to find. I could swear I recall Terry Didion saying he got his from GM still. Of course thats for 1970 so they are likely different but you never know. That said though, I know how you feel and your right, the repro's are big time junk. Probably one of the worst made repro parts out there.
I dont personally know where to find a good set of cranks outside of NOS. However, one trick I have heard is if the knob on the end is all wobbly and loose. They will take a socket or appropiate round tube that fits just right on the metal portion on the back of the knob, lay the knob on a few shop rags laid on top of a hard surface and using a hammer, a few raps will mushroom out the back again to straighten back out the knob so its not wobbly anymore. But, not so hard that it mushrooms out too much, or the knob gets too tight and wont spin anymore.
Of course, if its all yellow and ugly like they always seem to get. I havent heard any fix for getting them clear again.
Derek69SS said
Jul 20, 2012
The ones out of the resto parts houses are junk, and the splines aren't long enough to fully engage on the shaft, but the ones on the "HELP" rack at your local AutoZone/O Reilly's/Advance actually fit and work really well. They look close enough that most people wouldn't ever notice they're not the real thing... some of the lines are a bit more curved instead of crisp sharp lines in the castings, but the general appearance is basically the same.
Lost in the 60s said
Jul 20, 2012
Move the originals from the rear to the front and put the replacements in back.
I bought 4 new window cranks for the '66 when I had it apart and the knobs broke off 3 of them before the car ever saw the light of day... Vendor said the send them back (at my cost) and they would replace them. Shipping was more than it was worth, so they sit in a box on the shelf.
Jon H said
Jul 20, 2012
I got two from Isanti that are Dynacorn made. They fit good but have silver knobs and I have one on now. Derek I will try some auto stores and see what is available, thanks. Until then I will keep looking.
Chris R said
Jul 20, 2012
Ill have to keep the Help thing in mind too. I forgot about them. If they dont have any in stock. Most parts stores have a Help catalog that they can order what ever they need from. I may have to pick up 4 cranks to have on hand when the day ever comes when I start working on the 69 I have.
Tim H said
Jul 21, 2012
I have a few originals that I don't need but they are yellowed and pitted some.
Jon H said
Jul 21, 2012
If you get a chance maybe you could take a pic and send it to me?
Tim H said
Jul 21, 2012
Will do I just need to dig them out. Probably tomorrow.
John D said
Jul 22, 2012
Jon, I've got a window-crank "C-clip" remover tool, yours for the use. Let me know.
Jon H said
Jul 22, 2012
John D wrote:
Jon, I've got a window-crank "C-clip" remover tool, yours for the use. Let me know.
Thanks John I do have one.
Tim H said
Jul 25, 2012
here are the pictures. The knobs are yellowed quite a bit
Looking for an original clear widow crank for my '69 in good condition. Although they look good, after market are really junk. Thanks. Jon
Ive heard finding good ones that havent turned yellow yet are hard to find. I could swear I recall Terry Didion saying he got his from GM still. Of course thats for 1970 so they are likely different but you never know. That said though, I know how you feel and your right, the repro's are big time junk. Probably one of the worst made repro parts out there.
I dont personally know where to find a good set of cranks outside of NOS. However, one trick I have heard is if the knob on the end is all wobbly and loose. They will take a socket or appropiate round tube that fits just right on the metal portion on the back of the knob, lay the knob on a few shop rags laid on top of a hard surface and using a hammer, a few raps will mushroom out the back again to straighten back out the knob so its not wobbly anymore. But, not so hard that it mushrooms out too much, or the knob gets too tight and wont spin anymore.
Of course, if its all yellow and ugly like they always seem to get. I havent heard any fix for getting them clear again.
Move the originals from the rear to the front and put the replacements in back.
I bought 4 new window cranks for the '66 when I had it apart and the knobs broke off 3 of them before the car ever saw the light of day...
Vendor said the send them back (at my cost) and they would replace them. Shipping was more than it was worth, so they sit in a box on the shelf.
Ill have to keep the Help thing in mind too. I forgot about them. If they dont have any in stock. Most parts stores have a Help catalog that they can order what ever they need from. I may have to pick up 4 cranks to have on hand when the day ever comes when I start working on the 69 I have.
Thanks John I do have one.
here are the pictures. The knobs are yellowed quite a bit