Window Crank Knob Off

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2014/5/4 19:38:26

Quote:
(this is HH's quote from another thread)

I'm back at this exciting job of re-attaching the window crank knob on my '54 Clipper. The end that is giving trouble is the "shaped head" of the pin (or shaft) that is pressed through the hole in the crank handle. Looking at the pin, I noticed it was the tiniest bit flanged or mushroomed on the end (I presume this is what HH meant by "shaped"). This tiny flange is supposed to hold it from backing out of the hole on the handle once the knob is "snapped" in, probably past another little flange in the plastic hole.

I believe that as the knobs are turned, they constantly wear on whatever plastic flange is on the inside of the hole on the crank handle.

I thought everything was fixable on a Packard, but this one has me stumped. Where is the little jeweled needle bearing one would expect in a Packard?

Big problem: the end of the pin, or shaft, only goes in until it is flush with the back side of the hole. No way to crimp something onto it to hold it in from behind.

I tried making the "shaped" end of the pin or shaft a bit bigger, by filing flat across the end to create a burr. It held somewhat but not good enough.

This must be a common problem with these window crank knobs. For example, the passenger side on mine is the one that came off. The drivers side is loose. The two back ones are perfect. Apparently, Mom liked the window open just a little more than Dad did, or was in more of a hurry to get it up and down! Either there weren't any kids or they weren't allowed to mess with Dad's windows.

If I had a drill press, I'd be tempted to drill a small, short hole in the middle of the end of the pin (shaft) and tap it for a small threaded fastener. A small hex-head bolt would bottom in the hole just a tiny bit short of tightening the head on the shaft.

Once the knob was secured by the bolt, it would still rotate inside the plastic like it should. The bolt head would need good clearance from the upholstery so it wouldn't leave marks (which I suppose is why they went with the flush-fitting shaft in the first place).

That's the only idea I've come up with since a whole afternoon shot on things that didn't work.

This is an example of a small detail that's readily noticed by anybody who sits in the car, but is a bear to fix. Any help would be appreciated.