My original drivers' window crank handle has a very loose knob, so I went to Auto Zone today and bought one of the "HELP" handles. It looked pretty decent, but turned out to be a lightweight piece of Chinese crap. The first time I cranked my window up all the way, and put some pressure on it to snug the window against the roof rail weatherstrip, the handle splines stripped out and it just spun freely on the stud. Needless to say, I have re-installed my original handle which, despite having a loose knob, at least has strong enough splines to work the window. My question is this - are the new reproduction handles sold by Year One and the other restoration companies any different than the Chinese-made "HELP" handles? Or are they the exact same thing? Should I just look to Ebay or a swap meet or junkyard for some good original GM handles?
I've tried Year one handles. They suck! Would fall off when I cranked on the window. It was a few years ago though.
I've tried them both and I think they're the same handles. They look good as long as you don't actually have to use them. As popular as these are, especially the ones with the clear knobs, you'd think someone would come up with a suitable solution.
Not that they look any better but I had good luck with a replacement chrome handle made by "Needa". Same type company...they sell the crank handles in a display with a bunch of other parts commonly needed. It's been awhile since I installed them (it was on a '70 Olds 442) but I think the Needa brand had deeper splines and would stay engaged on the regulator splines. We had the same problem....replacement handles from regular repro parts suppliers wouldn't stay on the splines so I ended up trying these. Might see if they have any distributors near you and try one handle out...hopefully they are still of the same design. http://www.needaparts.com/
