Help removing window cranks
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Help removing window cranks
Guys,
I know how to remove most GM window cranks, but on my 71 I can't even see the clip. I know it runs parallel to the lever on the crank and you need to come in under the crank handle, and the closed end of the clip is usually away from the crank handle. However, with the white plastic disc and black spacer there, I can't see the clip and can't seem to get aligned to it. I'm using a standard GM clip removal tool but can't seem to get it.
Do you go in between the crank and the white disc, or between the white disk and the black spacer, or between the black spacer and the door panel?
I've tried to find videos on this for a C3 but haven't found one yet.
Thanks.
I know how to remove most GM window cranks, but on my 71 I can't even see the clip. I know it runs parallel to the lever on the crank and you need to come in under the crank handle, and the closed end of the clip is usually away from the crank handle. However, with the white plastic disc and black spacer there, I can't see the clip and can't seem to get aligned to it. I'm using a standard GM clip removal tool but can't seem to get it.
Do you go in between the crank and the white disc, or between the white disk and the black spacer, or between the black spacer and the door panel?
I've tried to find videos on this for a C3 but haven't found one yet.
Thanks.
#3
Safety Car
If it is put together correctly, the clip would be outside (away from the door) the plastic disc. (Between the crank and the disc) It could be oriented 180 from the way you described.
#4
Team Owner
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Hi SLB,
Some people have good results using a loop of dental floss to 'snag' the bend on one of the ends of the clip and pull the clip off.
Maybe?
Regards,
Alan
Some people have good results using a loop of dental floss to 'snag' the bend on one of the ends of the clip and pull the clip off.
Maybe?
Regards,
Alan
#5
Team Owner
The proper installation is that the clip is placed between the crank handle and the white plastic spacer, and is pressed in place from the front (so the curved part of the clip can be accessed from the front). But, I've seen them put in several ways...even clipped from the back!
Get a good, bright LED light and a clean 1" putty knife and place the end of the putty knife between the spacer and crank handle; then use the blade to spread the crank handle apart from the door panel. You should be able to see either the end of the clip or the clip ends (if put in from the backside). Whatever you see, just deal with it accordingly.
Get a good, bright LED light and a clean 1" putty knife and place the end of the putty knife between the spacer and crank handle; then use the blade to spread the crank handle apart from the door panel. You should be able to see either the end of the clip or the clip ends (if put in from the backside). Whatever you see, just deal with it accordingly.
#8
Le Mans Master
I remember my Dad using the special tool to remove the handle clips. I use a Western Electric/Bell System cable sewing needle to remove the clips. It's curved so I can get between the handle/plastic disc and push the clip off.
Last edited by 71 Green 454; 05-01-2016 at 10:32 AM.
#9
Dementer sole survivor
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Try from both directions. My PO had my clips, the wrong style on backwards. I would also try to use the tool as close to the handle as possible
#11
Racer
Thread Starter
Clips were backwards, I should have tried that before I posted.
However, I also learned something interesting, or I think I did. I bought the basic replacement GM window cranks at AutoZone to replace the old ones in the 71. However, putting them on, the fit is terrible. They're super loose and I couldn't imagine using those. I don't know if corvette window cranks are unique (though I couldn't visually see any noticeable difference) or if the ones at AutoZone are just poor quality.
Anyway, I guess I have to pay for the corvette ones...
However, I also learned something interesting, or I think I did. I bought the basic replacement GM window cranks at AutoZone to replace the old ones in the 71. However, putting them on, the fit is terrible. They're super loose and I couldn't imagine using those. I don't know if corvette window cranks are unique (though I couldn't visually see any noticeable difference) or if the ones at AutoZone are just poor quality.
Anyway, I guess I have to pay for the corvette ones...