Judging-Replated pitted or repro ?

[Ray G.]

Hello;
What is best for Judging ?
An original redone/replated part with previous corrosion pitting?
Or a reproduction parts that looks generally correct, but does not have original casting numbers?
ei; interior window handles.
Thank you for your help.
Ray

[Chuck S.]

Re: Judging-Replated pitted or repro ?

A good third choice is to shop swap meets for used originals in better shape than the ones you have...often you can find perfect originals that have received more TLC than yours. Original production parts are ALWAYS better; even if you have to refinish them.

I suspect attempting to replate window crank handles is a losing proposition. Window cranks, however, is one case where you may be able to find excellent repros from Trim Parts. Compare any repro to a known original before installing; aftermarket window crank handles were available for service before restoration was an objective; I bought one for my 72 Chevy, and I noticed that the curvature of the handle portion was completely different...it was only obvious with a side-by-side comparison.

Exact casting markings may not be present on a repro, but this is less of an issue if the markings aren't normally visible. Once installed, it will be difficult to see window crank casting numbers even with an inspection mirror.

[Ray G.]

Re: Thank You Chuck *NM*

[Peter L.]

Re: Judging-Replated pitted or repro ?

Ray - What year and type of window cranks are we talking about? Pete

[Ray G.]

Re: Judging-'67 Replated pitted or repro ?sorry *NM*

[Peter L.]

Re: '67 Window Crank?

Ray - The reason I asked the year is I knew you have a 67 and was wondering if that was the year cranks you were askin about. Now I'm curious, is someone now making reproduction 67 vent window and door window cranks with the 67 style knobs? Pete

[Ray G.]

Re: '67 Wndw Crank? Hi Pete

Hello;
Corvette Central & Paragon show ("correct according to them") knobs that are installed w/ a screw from the back.
I was told (ya right) that 68 up handles are the same except for the knob.
Have not compared yet.
Maybe someone else will answer who has experience w/ this part.
Thanks, Ray

[Stephen L.]

Re: '67 Wndw Crank? Hi Pete

67 knobs are unique. 67 crank handles (CHROME PART) are the same as 66. 68 and newer crank handles are wider, the typical repop.... close but no cigar.

Judges look for the screw in the handle.....

[Chuck S.]

Re: '67 Window Crank?

Well, it's not Trim Parts...in fact, they aren't selling ANY window cranks. Go figure...they DO sell repros for rare vent window regulators!

Doc Rebuild sells window cranks for 67-79, both "Genuine GM", and a cheaper "foreign" repro. But, as Rick said, I suspect there could be more differences between the 67 and 68 up than just the knob. Caveat emptor...ALWAYS do a side-by-side comparison, no matter which vendor.

[Brian K.]

Re: Judging-Replated pitted or repro ?

The Camaro dealers (Ricks/First Generation) have the correct 67 Camaro window cranks repoped with the thin handle and two steped thin plastic knob, black only paint to match. I think all cheverolet including corvette used these, I never looked to see if it has the part number or not cast in it.

[Joe R.]

Re: '67 Window Crank?

Hi Pete:

While researching 67 window cranks a couple years ago, I ran across a very nice reproduction handle from Rick's First Generation (http://www.firstgen.com), part number IN-118, for $9.95 each. This part is only available with a black knob.

As I recall, the IN-118 is pretty much a dead ringer for the original handle when viewed from the outside. It is a very nice reproduction when viewed from the outside.

The knob is riveted but the rivet is shaped slightly differently from the original. The markings on the underside of the casting are different from the GM originals that have a casting number.

I was all set to use a pair of these for judging, and I think I might have done okay with them. However, I asked one experienced judge whether he looks for the GM casting number on the back, and he told me he does, using a mirror. I'm not sure how many judges actually do this. I think that most judges just feel for the rivet using their finger, and the IN-118 would probably pass this test.

In any event, I ended up buying some pretty nice originals, so I never tested the waters with the IN-118 parts.

If you would like to have a sample IN-118 part to look at, let me know and I'll send you one.