Pulled off the cranks to get at the locks to re-key them. Noticed they were different and wondered what is correct. Attached are 3 pictures to help better explain. Driver is on the left, has a black **** and part # 9717838. Passenger is on the right, brown **** and part # 9715291. Both are cross referenced as Corvette parts. Note the passenger one has been cut into and is pretty screwed up and will need to be replaced.
Per the AIM the part numbers should be 7752485.
Not sure what’s going on here and what’s stock. Did the stock ones come in brown to match the tobacco interior?


Side view shows slightly different profile

Back view shows ***** to be riveted on

Front view shows slight **** difference and color difference is hard to see

 

The first number, 9717838, shows as a generic Chevrolet/Pontiac handle, not Corvette specific used for about 6 years starting in 68 and it is a casting number not a part number.
Second number, 9715291, is also a casting number not a part number and comes with various color ***** and is used across a number of GM vehicles.
Maybe someone else will chime in with a 68 NCRS background to help.

 

Thanks for the casting number info. Now just need to know what came on an early build 68 convertible.

 

68 window **** should match interior color

 

I have a very original low mileage 68 with the Tobacco interior. The ***** are dark brown.

 

Based on info received that brown, casting number/design is unique to the 68.
Any idea what the casting number is on your known originals?
A picture of the back would be great...but I don’t want you to pull them off if it risks damage.

 

From my 68, June build, I have no clue if they are original, they appear to be.

The casting number is the 9715291.

 

Betting they are original. The cast # matches my one on the passenger side that has the tobacco ****.
At first I thought the 2 cuts in the spline shaft were from a previous owner, but have seen other cranks with that cast number that also having those 2 cuts.
I’m willing to bet the 68 had cranks that were color matched, cast # 9715291, with 2 cuts in the spline.

 

Can anyone confirm my thoughts?
Any suggestion on finding original 68 cranks in tobacco?

 

Some 68 part numbers have not located Tobacco yet

A Black handle should be
1732326

Colors
9715957 Red
9715958 Med. Brt Blue
9715959 Dark Brt Blue
9715960 Gunmetal
9715962 Dark Orange
7767324 Saddle

 

Confused by your numbers. Are these the crank handle cast numbers? They were different based on the color of the *****?
Would really appreciate someone with a know early 68 to verify the cast numbers on their handles. Can be done using a mirror versus taking them off.

 

Sorry for the delay. Here are the original window cranks on my 68 with Tobacco interior. I had them off once but didn't record the part numbers. It's a mid April car and entire interior is original including carpets, seats, door panels, dashboard , seat belts and soft top. If I ever take them off again I'll be sure to document them better.

 

These numbers are from the GM Corvette parts book not casting numbers. As the cast numbers would be the same the item part number indicates what color the **** is.

This handle was also used across many GM lines not just corvette.

 

Nice pictures. The one I have that is brown appears a bit darker with the same stepped ****. Maybe it’s the lighting.
Betting the cast number is 9715291. You might be able to confirm using a mirror.

 

I'll try a dental mirror later today

 

I have collected window crank handles from 68's through the years. My observation is that the one on the right is correct for 68. Its actually a 68 only thing. I believe you will find it on the passenger cars as well. If you notice, it has slots formed into the area where the shaft inserts. That was a design flaw. I don't know why they did that. I would not be surprised if the one on the left came off the drivers door (was broken and replaced because of frequent use) and the one on the right (with slots) came from the passenger door, maybe less use and survived the years.

Anyways, they either cracked near the slots or they sort of spread apart and got real loose on the shaft. I mean they would get so loose they would fall off! Not good. If you look at 69 and later style, they get rid of the slots and solved the problem. I have a few of those 68 hanging around that are blue. 1967 is completely different and 69 solved the problem.

Finding 2 of the 68 style that are in usable condition is a challenge.

Good luck with the project.

 

Thanks so much for your info. This is exactly what I thought but couldn’t find anyone with a 68 to confirm. Would agree the drive side might have been changed based on higher usage.
Rarely see any of those 68 only cranks with those cuts in the shaft. At first I thought they might have been cut from a previous owner. Then found one on eBay with a green ****, but the seller couldn’t verify it was from a 68. What are your thoughts on its ability to be painted tobacco?

 

There probably are options. You can try painting them. If you do, clean them very well and scrub with a fine brush to get everything out of the **** grooves. Maybe heat it with a blow drier and wipe down lightly with lacquer thinner. Then hit it with a couple coats of dye and call it good. Depending on how much you use it, It will last a while.

I thought I saw replacement *****/handles. Maybe you can surgically remove the whole **** or just the vinyl. Maybe there is a sneaky way to peal the vinyl part off and put it on a different ****? I have been meaning to dissect a **** and shaft to see how they are assembled. It might be possible to transfer the whole ****.

Another option is to get the clear **** handles. They seem to go with a number of interior colors. I saw some 68's with clear *****. Some actually take on a clear gold appearance.

I have tightened the ***** on the handle by carefully smashing the back of the ****. I am curious about that part of the ****. I wonder if you could make one or remove it and flip it around and re-smash it?

You can go the dye route and then post on the board occasionally with a WTB ****. One will turn up. Ebay is good place.

Funny discovery for sure and I had to find window cranks to replace broken ones a few times.

 

I have purchased the green one on eBay and will try painting it. I’ll keep the forum updated on the progress.
I don’t see the **** coming off it’s mounting rivet. Replacing the **** itself might be an option, but I haven’t seen replacement *****.

 

You'll notice the 68 ***** have wider ribs on them compared to later handles. They are sort of a combination of a 67 and a 69 and later handle.