1965 window crank install problems

[Al Farris]

Hi,
I just installed a new set of door panels from Corvette America and I can't get the cranks and lock knobs to go on. It's as if the door panel is to thick or the splines are to short. I've gone as far as trying to hammer on the handles with a rubber mallet but I can't get the spline and handle to line up and the clip to lock in place when I do this. Putting on a handle should be fairly easy all you
should need to do is pop them on with a little pressure but I have had no luck.
Does anyone know if there are extensions available for the splines or what I can do to get the cranks and lock knobs installed. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Al
alshsh@csrlink.net

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1965 window crank install problems

A very common problem with the reproductions. I have fussed about it for years with the manufacturers to no avail. They just cant understand that these things were not that hard and were not that thick. I dont understand why it would be so hard to get the things right but it must be, because there has been no change for twenty years. The thing that works best for me is to dig the foam out of the area of the openings to allow to compress the material down. I usually can get the handles on then. Also make sure that the backing is cut out large enough where the shaft comes through. It still may not be that easy, but should be better. And most importantly, COMPLAIN.

[Grant M.]

Re: 1965 window crank install problems

I had the same problem with CA panels on my 65. I did what Wayne suggests and dug out the foam to thin the panel where the crank shaft goes in. I did learn something else, though: I had reproduction (EC products, I think) vent window cranks, and the slots cut into the shaft to hold the retainer clips, were noticeably longer than those on the original cranks. The result was that I couldn't get the clip to stay on and retain the crank. I tried new clips, bending them differently, but to no avail. Finally, I was forced to re-install my original (slightly pitted) vent window cranks, which locked into place okay.

I too wonder why the repro houses can't get this right.

Good luck with yours!

grant