I felt compelled to initiate the window crank thread as promptly as possible, and I couldn't locate a couple of items for photos. So, this thread is intended to bring the extra stuff together as best I can, with a full and open invitation to other members to add their thoughts. The goal here was to bring together information regarding correct window cranks.
According to my research, there are two types of window crank frames, as well as 2-3 types of knobs.
For descriptive purposes here, we use the terms "frame" (meaning the metal structure/base of the crank; the "knob" (obvious), and the "cover" or "insert" (plastic trim that serves as decoration, but has no real functional purpose for the crank).
WINDOW CRANK FRAMES: open ('65-'67) & "solid" ('67- up)
The earliest window crank frames were open in the center, with two outer 'rails' that connect the knob to the winding mechanism, as shown in the top left of the photos, below. As far as I have been able to tell, the earliest 'open' window cranks only had one configuration -- frame open in the center with a hard plastic knob, as shown.
At some time in '67, it appears that window crank frames were converted to a 'solid' configuration, which allowed for various plastic inserts or covers to clip onto the frame. The photos below show the solid crank frames with (and without) the trapezoidal-shaped plastic inserts, as well as the later 'domed' plastic cover. The 'solid' frames were used long past the 'early' 911 period, and are still available from suppliers.
PLASTIC INSERTS & COVERS
The 'open' frames used a round, smooth plastic insert to cover the hub of the crank, as shown in the photos. I believe the round insert is also available from current suppliers.
According to my understanding, the first 'solid' crank frames had a hard, smooth, trapezoidal-shaped insert and were first used in MY'67 for the "S" trim with the same hard plastic knob used for the 'open' frame. There is some evidence that the 'solid' frame with the trapezoidal inserts were also used in MY'68, except with the soft plastic knob, as shown in the photos. (It has been my experience that the trapezoidal plastic inserts are difficult to find.)
In addition, the solid frames with trapezoidal plastic inserts also used the same round plastic hub cover that was used for the 'open' frames.
After MY'68, it is my understanding that both of the plastic inserts (round hub cover and trapezoidal insert) were replaced with a textured plastic, dome-shaped cover on the frames, as shown below. (These plastic frame covers are currently available from multiple suppliers.)
KNOBS
In MY'68, US safety regulations required a change to soft knobs on the dash, as well as window cranks. The photos below show the difference between the (most common) soft and hard plastic knobs. (According to the parts manual, my August-'67-build MY'68 appears to be the change point for converting from hard plastic to soft knobs.)
However, there is also a 3rd type of 'soft' knob, that appears to have been used in between the hard and the later (common) soft plastic knobs. This 'soft' knob was hollow in the center and the plastic material was softer than the hard plastic, although not as soft as the later 'soft' knobs. As shown in the photo, below, rather than having the same post as the hard or soft knobs, the interim knob has a screw mount to the frame.
TRANSITIONS
As is common, it is not currently clear exactly when the changes from the 'open' to the 'solid' frames; or the change from hard plastic insert to the full plastic covers, occurred, nor is it clear when and how long the interim knobs were used. Based on the parts manual, it appears that the hard knobs were replaced by soft knobs in August, 1967, possibly with an 'interim' version of softer plastic. If anyone has any factory documentation of the change, it would be pretty cool to share that knowledge.)
INVITATION TO THE DISCUSSION
I'm hopeful that the group can narrow the variables and provide some solid provenance information for the community. Of course, I expect other opinions to be offered, and I am not upset by disagreement, so please feel free to offer your intellectual capital.
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