[GregL]

Hey Guys,
I've bought two different window crank handles for my '68 from two different suppliers and they were both crap. One from Classic Industries (more OER Brand garbage) and the other from a local jobber. It's like the serrations inside the handles don't come out far enough to grab the serrations on the regulator shaft. Both different part numbers, but I think both were Chinese made. Anyway, has anyone here purchased a good quality handle that functions properly? I'm looking for a good recommendation from someone who's used a good quality handle.
Greg

[silverbullet07]

I bought Ames Performance part number FF452C and have not had an issue with them.

[mgoblue]

I also purchased the OER door window crank handles many years ago and could not install them. Mine had the same serration problem described by the op. It's frustrating that this quality issue makes it all the way to the end user before the problem is discovered. I ended up putting my originals back on the car. Glad to hear that Ames has one that can be installed.

[Dick Boneske]

Classic Industries makes two levels of quality for the crank handles. Ames sells both.

We bought the cheaper ones first for our Firebird. They fit and locked on the shaft OK, but the handle hit the trim strip on the rear quarter panel. Front worked OK.

We ordered the pricier ones and they fit fine on the rears.

[GregL]

Thanks SB07, I'll give the Ames part a try.

[400 4spd.]

Sucks to hear this. I have a set of OER brand handles waiting to be put on a '68. It sounds like I need to do some more shopping.

[GregL]

Originally Posted by 400 4spd.

Sucks to hear this. I have a set of OER brand handles waiting to be put on a '68. It sounds like I need to do some more shopping.

Sorry but true. I've spent a little over $9K with Classic Industries on my '68 so I have really tried and tested a lot of their products. I had a lengthy pow-wow with the owner several months back that did result in a change to the design of their front turn signal assemblies. Trouble is, if there is a real problem with a part, they usually won't know about it unless they get feedback from an end user. If you just return the part as defective, I promise the counter guys don't give a damn, won't tell anyone above them and that is the end of it. You'd think something as simple as a window crank handle wouldn't really slip through the cracks like this but it does. I tried both levels of quality from Classic and ran into the same problem Dick posted about, that the handles hit the panel trim on the rears. If OER Brand priced their parts properly, they would be listed as "budget parts" or "entry level restoration quality" but they price their stuff right up there with Year One or any of the other top quality brands. After a $20K frame off restoration with an endless stream of installed, removed and returned parts, I will NEVER use or recommend OER Brand parts again. Almost every one of the OER Brand parts I bought needed to be tweaked, drilled, re-bent, modified or returned to fit the stock application. I installed 4 complete dash pads before they finally redesigned the mold process to keep the front edge from lifting after a week or two of installation. I did however, get a lecture from the insipid counterman that my warranty was up after a year and "This would be the last dash pad they would replace". I didn't bother to explain to him I gone through three of their "highest quality" dash pads in less than 400 miles before they separated. I believe a lot of the OER parts are simply bought from the cheapest possible manufacturer or supplier and boxed up in the black and yellow OER Brand boxes. If your car is worth restoring, it's worth restoring properly. Avoid OER at all costs.

[MescaBug]

Why dont you buy original crank handles? They are not hard to find. Cant beat original stuff.

Having a hard time understanding why spent 20K$ on a full frame off resto, but cutting corners on cheap repro crank handles. That car deserves better.

Just my 2 cents...

[GregL]

You must be new to the restoration world.
General Motors stopped making most of these vintage parts years ago.
I buy the best reproduction parts available. Sometimes you don't know their quality until you hold the part in your hand.

[MescaBug]

Oh yes, I'm new to car restorations. I havent restored 6 GTO's, 2 69 Birds, 1 Biscayne, 2 Acadians and a 57 Star-Chief.. I also dont have over 1500 posts here. But that doesnt matter, I know nothing about cars. I thought GM were still casting 69 Firebirds crank handles!! Oh man, was I wrong.

Ever heard something called eBay? Its a marketplace where you can find original parts, NOS or used. Do you know NOS?

I've been around long enough to know that I dont have to hold a OER part in my hands to know its junk.

[GregL]

Acadian?
Star Chief?
....and 1,500 posts.
Talking a lot doesn't equal working a lot.

[MescaBug]

Ok big chief, be an asshole if you want. I'm done with people who spit in other people's face when you're just trying to help.

Good luck

EDIT: If a moderator/administrator see this thread, please remove all my posts. I dont want anything to do with this thread.

[GregL]

Maybe a good anger management class would help you.