Window handle/crank reinforcement

[A-Man]

I am sure many of you Model Aers have experienced the window handle/crank breaking. Mine have been reproductions, but I have been told that the originals also break(which was going to be my solution).

Has anyone tried reinforcing the handle? I am considering trying to reinforce the handle with JB Weld.

Would like to hear comments or other ideas.

 

[P.S.]

Some of the cheap window crank handles are thin, and break easily. The ones I bought from Sacramento Vintage Ford this year are much thicker, and should not break.

However... If you have to put THAT much force on your window cranks, then it is time to pull the window regulators and probably redo window tracks. Your windows should roll up and down easily with one finger twirling the crank!

 

[A-Man]

No force was applied. Window moves up & down easily. I was shocked when the crank broke at the handle.

 

[Mitch//pa]

grease and oil your window regulator mechanism then lube the window runs with silicone spray

 

[P.S.]

No force was applied. Window moves up & down easily. I was shocked when the crank broke at the handle.

OK, good to know.

So, sounds like vibration finally got to it. You must have had one of the thin pot metal Vintique repros.

Snag a replacement from Sacramento Vintage Ford (not sure who their supplier is, but it's not Vintique) and you should be fine.

When you reinstall, you will find that things go a lot easier if you clean out the hole and trial fit the pin on the bench before you try to install it in the car.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

However... If you have to put THAT much force on your window cranks, then it is time to pull the window regulators and probably redo window tracks. Your windows should roll up and down easily with one finger twirling the crank!

Yup, seems like it is time

 

[Rex Perry]

I had a couple of regulators that had the kind of broken crank shaft that was described by A-Man.
I machined some replacement parts and they seem to be working fine.
The regulators need to be disassembled completely and all of the internal parts checked for damage. Broken crank shafts are not the only thing that can go wrong. There appear to be a couple of different brakes that were used but the one shown is probably the most common. Be careful with that big spring.... it can bite.
The first picture is of the shafts, both new and old. The second picture is a tool that I made to remove the counterbalance spring.