Date:         Thu, 7 Aug 2003 09:54:40 -0700
Reply-To:     laurasdog@WEIRDSTUFFWEMAKE.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Delanty <laurasdog@WEIRDSTUFFWEMAKE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Brown Window Handles??
In-Reply-To:  <170.224f8196.2c63cf9a@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

><<  I need new window winders for my 84 Westy. The Bus Depot only
>  sells black and I'd like to get brown ones to match the original. Anyone
>  have some or know of a source for new? And while we're on the subject ----
>  has anyone bought the "window handle spacers from Ron? I was going to
>  pickup a set to go with my new handles --- but at $21.95 for two spacers
>  I'd like to know what makes them worth that much money  --- considering
>  that the handles are only a couple of bucks each. >>



And if you didn't already read it, check out Budd Premack's Aug 3rd post
about using ford window cranks. They come in a couple different styles
and several colors, including brown. I didn't buy any brown ones to match
my interior, because the only browns I ran across were not in good shape.
I did buy some black ones and a set of chromed metal ones which are very
nice and sturdy. I'll be keeping my eyes open for some nice brown ones now
that I know how nicely they fit.

The ford handles give over 3/4" of clearance to the door panel which is
enough to clear the grills on many 5-1/4" speakers.
I did find that the splined hole on the ford handles was a little too deep,
and rubbed on the housing for the splined shaft and made it hard to
turn if the screw was tight. I cut a little bit off the back of the handle
so the splined hole was a bit shallower and now all is well....

Here's a photo of one of the chrome ones (nicely clearing my speakers)
I'll swap 'em to brown as soon as I find some good ones.
<http://www.weirdstuffwemake.com/automotive/vanagon/pics/forddoorhandles.jpg>

I don't know anything about the crank extenders that work with the stock
handles, but they sound less robust than using the ford cranks...

Steve
EJ22 -> '86 Westy "Escape Pod"