C2 65 window regulator shaft extension

[Al Farris]

I'm installing new reproduction door panels from Corvette America on my 65 convertible. The problem I am having is with installing the vent & main window handles. The shaft doesn't stick out far enough for the clip on the handle to catch on the shaft and I can't push the handle on far enough so the clip will catch. It as if the panel is to thick. I've even tried using a rubber mallet on the vent window crank to get the handle clip to snap in place but I have had no success. The handles went on with no problem when the door panels were off.

I was told that there are extensions available that you can install on the shaft but I have had no luck in locating them. Does anyone know where I can purchase them?

Or does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the handles installed without it stressing out and crushing the door panel and also so that if I want to remove the handles at a later date that I will not have any problems removing the handle and clip. The door panel is installed correctly and is locked in place.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Al

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 65 window regulator shaft extension

This has always been a problem with repro door panels. They just cant get them right for some reason. The foam is too thick and too hard. I have had discussions with the makers over the years to no avail. I dont know anything about any extensions, but you can dig out the foam from the area between the vinyl and the backing. This will help you in installing the handles.

[John Vanderhoef]

Re: C2 65 window regulator shaft extension

I too had that problem with the panels I ordered from MW. My fix was to buy a
replacement for the spacer that fits under the handle and to carefully cut
away the height and reform the legs, to the point where the handles would fit
without buckling the vinyl around the racetrack moldings. Btw- I spent about
100 hrs to make the panels fit properly, they were not bent to conform to
the door shape, the racetrack moldings did not allign with the holes etc-this
made me decide to buy the remaining interior parts from AK, which in general
I was pretty happy with.

[Grant M.]

Re: C2 65 window regulator shaft extension

Al,

I had exactly the problem you describe with my '65 earlier this year, and Wayne's suggestion of 'digging out the foam' was one thing I did to try and cope, and it helped. Something else I discovered, which may be affecting your installation as well, was that 'repro' vent window handles have too long a slot in them for the retaining clip as compared with originals. I couldn't get my repro handle to stay on the shaft (given the extra resistance of the thicker foam door panel). I tried everything I could think of with the clips (new ones, extra bending, etc) and nothing worked. When I tried installing my original vent window handle (somewhat pitted, the reason fo buying the repro)it stayed on the shaft with no problem. Another thing I noted: the distance between the (centers) of the holes for the door lock knob and vent window handle on my original door panel was about 3/16" longer than that on the Corvette America panels. This just exacerbates the challenge of getting the knobs to fit. I don't know that they're any better, but I'm inclined to switch to Al Knoch panels in the future. I've generally found his interior items (and convertible tops) to be of very good quality.

Sorry, but I don't know of any 'extensions' available, but I believe that there are some differences in vent window (and perhaps door glass) crank shaft lengths. I seem to recall an article in the Restorer from sometime back on this issue. Check the archives.

Good luck!

grant