Ol' 78 window crank--how to remove?

[Dr. Overkill]

Gang,
Hope this isn't too far off topic, but I have a class C motorhome based on a '78 G30 Chebby 1-ton van. The roller knob broke off the passenger side window crank and I can't figure out how to get the bugger off to replace it. There is no set screw in the side. I can pull the crank out about 1/16" from the plastic trim ring, but can't see anything down in there.

Here's a close up pic. Don't laugh at the door panel :idiot: http://members.cox.net/overkill2/handle.jpg

Did these require some sort of special tool to remove??? I'm sure they used this same crank in all the trucks of that era. I think my folks' old '77 4WD truck (Scottsdale?... it was called a "Camper Special") had similar cranks.

Any advice appreciated!
_dennis

[Dubyagee]

Cotton Rag Method
1. Aim the handle down and Try to work the rag in between the crank and the door panel.

2. Move the rag in a "dental flossing" motion see-sawing back and forth. Eventually you'll hit the right spot, and the clip will pop off.

3. Retain Spring clip so you don't lose it.

4. Remove Window Crank.

[wilbilt]

Bent Coat Hanger Method:

Wire coat hanger or baling wire (coat hanger is best...it's hardened...LOL) piece of wire about 12" long, bend a short (1/8") V-hook in one end.

Form a loop in the other end to hold on to. Push back the door panel/escuthcheon and work the wire hook behind the clip and pull it out.

Otherwise, buy the tool for $5....but the coat hanger works better, IMHO...

BTW, that door panel is awesome. It looks like Greg Brady's pants.

[1Bad454]

Butter Knife... Works every time.

[Dr. Overkill]

BTW, that door panel is awesome. It looks like Greg Brady's pants.


LOL! Luckily the door panels aren't really visible from elsewhere in the motorhome. But the wallpaper in the bathroom definitely screams '70s :thumbup:

Thanks, guys--I'll give your suggestions a try. Just seeing that diagram was helpful, as I didn't know what I was looking for. Of course, I was looking in between the end of the handle and the plastic ring, and haven't looked between the ring and the panel itself.

_dennis

[Russ Chastain]

That brings back memories of my '77 C10 pickup! I had to replace those door handles because of mising knobs, too. Look in an auto parts store for a line of parts called HELP! - they have OEM-look parts like door lock knob replacements, window cranks, etc.

- Russ

[Dr. Overkill]

Bent Coat Hanger Method:

Wire coat hanger or baling wire (coat hanger is best...it's hardened...LOL) piece of wire about 12" long, bend a short (1/8") V-hook in one end.

Form a loop in the other end to hold on to. Push back the door panel/escuthcheon and work the wire hook behind the clip and pull it out.


This worked like a charm. The hook had to be super tiny though, more like a 90 degree bend, as there wasn't much of an opening to get it into between the clip and the center hub thingy.

But had that thing off and the new one on in about a minute. And now I'm kicking myself for sitting on this for a year or two now! Heck, if I would have just taken a minute to look into the package for the replacement handles, I would have seen the clip and figured it out, but sometimes I just like doing things the hard way :crazy:

The generic handle from "Help!" products fits pretty sloppy on the crank shaft, but for as little use as this motorhome sees--almost exclusively Oct-May each year when it's not as hot--it'll do just fine.

Thanks again, gang :worship:

_dennis

[Russ Chastain]

Yeah, the HELP! parts aren't the greatest, but they beat the heck out of nothing. ;-)

- Russ