Date:         Sun, 25 Aug 2002 15:12:14 -0700
Reply-To:     dave bowers <dave@SPARKPLUG.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         dave bowers <dave@SPARKPLUG.COM>
Subject:      OEM vs. FLAPS window cranks?
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Hi Folks,

I recently had to replace a window crank on the passenger side of my 1986
Westy. Rather than order it online & pay too much shipping (for such a light
item) then wait who knows how long for one, I simply went to my local auto
parts store (Shucks Auto) and bought one.

It fit fine, and seemed to match my interior.

3 days later, when I went to open my window, the grab handle head simple
broke off! It's a chinsy piece of plastic, riveted into a hole. No screw,
bolt or nut holding it on. I wasn't pulling on it hard either. I chalked it
up as a fluke, and bought another (~ 5 bux) from a different local parts
store.

Last night, my girlfriend went to close the window, and the same thing
happened. Um, DOH!

I understand, one does get what they pay for, however my concern is, that
the handles I order online will be the same bad quality as the local ones I
bought, plus shipping. I'd love to know if OEM handles are better quality.

Alternatively, I'd love to know if there are any 3rd party handles I can buy
or salvage off another model of wrecked car that will work on my van. I
don't want to buy/break another if I can avoid it.

Any ideas, comments or suggestions would be a great help. Please feel free
to email me directly if you like.

Thanks in advance,

dave :)
--
dave bowers
Portland, Oregon
1986 Westy "G2"