Window crank handle - what is the trick to get it to stay on the regulator?

[Unkle]

^ Really though , he's needing it to stay ON , not tips and tricks for removal !

I have the same problem , my NOS crank will not go on and stay on , and I know what I'm doing ! I have removed a ton of these in the past to remove panels to replace lock cylinders to many different makes of vehicles . It's almost like the retaining clip receiving slots are cut just shy of where they should be located on the crank arm - argh .

[Mikes Z car]

^ Really though , he's needing it to stay ON , not tips and tricks for removal !

I have the same problem , my NOS crank will not go on and stay on , and I know what I'm doing ! I have removed a ton of these in the past to remove panels to replace lock cylinders to many different makes of vehicles . It's almost like the retaining clip receiving slots are cut just shy of where they should be located on the crank arm - argh .

If the slots are cut too close to the handle I wonder if either the recessed area in the crank could be slightly drilled out or maybe the end of the part on the door could be ground off to let the clips get closer to where they need to be?

[Mark Maras]

sdaughtry

Assuming the NOS handle is identical to the old one, could the problem be the replacement door panel? I would remove the door panel and see if the handle will fit properly.Mark in Portland

[Unkle]

I tried that - I ground the end flat portion of the splined shaft 1 mm , still no go - new nos door panel, new plastic disc , nos handle.

I've considered widening the slot of the splined shaft, but any mistake here would be bad news. The problem might be the width of the clip maybe ?

[Mikes Z car]

I had a clip that would not work that I got at the auto parts store because the wire was a bit too large in diameter and would bind in the two slots so when I put the handle on the clip would not spring closed, then the handle would fall off. (edit later- On my car the slots the clip would get stuck in was the ones on the handle)

Would some kind of measurement assist you such as a caliper measurement of the depth to slot or something else? Though I am volunteering to help someone else may have a better idea and could provide better information.

Edited February 13, 2014 by Mikes Z car

[Zed Head]

How about putting the clip on the shaft without the handle? It should sit deep in the groove, firmly placed, not easily removed but loose enough to wiggle around. That's how it will be when it's in the handle.

[TomoHawk]

Al I did to fix the handle from coming off was to squeeze the clip together a little. They loosen up when you pull the handle off. Also, try to get the steel clips instead of the copper ones.

[Patcon]

Will they go on and stay if the door panel is off the door? Narrow down the source of the problem. If they fit with door panel off then its the panel thickness or hole cutout. If they wont its the handle, stud or clip...

Charles

[jcb]

I had the same problem when redoing the interior with new door panels. As Mark and Charles both pointed out the problem was the door panel thickness and or the hole size in the panel. As I remember I enlarged the hole size and also removed some material around the hole and then pushed like hell on the window crank.

[Mark Maras]

sdaughtry

We all like a little suspense, but an update would be greatly appreciated.

Hoping to hear about the "Thrill of Victory" and what you discovered.

Confession-This "Winter from Hell" has kept me from working on my Z. Any progress on a Z is good news.

Mark in Portland

[Captain_Zeros]

Don't worry, he got it. Over on my video post:

My buddy to the rescue!! The new door panels are "poofy" and actually cover the regulator "bolt" - I have to hold the panel in so it can be seen