Removing Window Cranks on fj-60?

[EaglesNest]

How do you remove window cranks? I have the whole door panel loose...removed arm rest and door handle inset as well. Totally stumped on how to get that window crank off without destroying it!
Thanks for any input!
Herb

 

[Weaver]

not fun. theres a c-clip behind them. some use towells, back and forth motion like you're drying your ass, i find that works but often i lose the cclips then since they like to fly really, really far in the air.

c-clip remover tools, they can work well. mine are cheap and not overly effective.

i just get a tiny tiny flathead screwdriver and look for the clip and pop it out.

there's a few ways to take em out, once you've done your first one they're pretty cake after that.

 

[Dirty Toad]

some use towells, back and forth motion like you're drying your ass.

Wow! Too much information bro!






















That is how i do it too

 

[EaglesNest]

not fun. theres a c-clip behind them. some use towells, back and forth motion like you're drying your ass, i find that works but often i lose the cclips then since they like to fly really, really far in the air.

c-clip remover tools, they can work well. mine are cheap and not overly effective.

i just get a tiny tiny flathead screwdriver and look for the clip and pop it out.

there's a few ways to take em out, once you've done your first one they're pretty cake after that.

Graphic. I guess it depends on how you tackle that business. Really, thanks for the tip! I looked for some sort of c-clip and couldn't find a thing. So, before ripping it off there (which would completely defeat the purpose because I need it for my other 60) I thought I'd ask around. I'll let you know how it goes....geeez, it's a door handle, how difficult can it be!

 

["N8"]

easy way to do it is to find the open side of the clip or the open side of the u and squeeze a flat head screw driver in there if the screw driver is on the left side of the spindle relative to you then rotate the screwdriver counter clockwise to catch an edge of the clip, then rotate the crank counter clockwise a half turn. this ought to push the clip out just far enough so it sticks out from the crank. then you can get a pair of pliers on it. clockwise if on right side of the spindle respectivly for both the screwdriver and the crank.



hope this helps

 

[EaglesNest]

Thanks for the info. Tomorrow I'm getting those swapped out whether they like it or not.

I like your quote... "Eagles may soar,
But weasels don't get sucked into jet engines." ...but isn't it usually a freakin' seagull or pigeon getting sliced and diced?

Have a good one!
Herb a.ka. EaglesNest

 

[Elbert]

manual window cranks are held on by a "horseshoe" clip... They make a special tool for removing these. You can buy cheapo ones at many parts stores. Generally the open end of the horseshoe clip is facing the handle end.

Use the tool to press against the open end of the clip, which pops it off the retainer, then the window crank handle just comes off. Don't try to force it. You might be able to use a small pick to remove the clip but sometimes the fit is to tight to get something between the window crank and the uphoulstry. Normally there is a large plastic washer to protect the door panel.

Keep up where the clips goes...sometimes its got a mind of its own and when it pops of the window crank its hard to find.

This special tool looks like a flat version of a pickel fork somewhat. You take the u shaped end of the tool and run it between the window crank handle and the door panel. The open end of the tool pushes the clip of the splined end of th e window crank (regulator?)...

Easy to show someone to do....a lttle hard to describe. it you don't follow what I'm saying PM or post back in the forum.

 

[Dynosoar]

I have always used a small pick with a hooked end (dental tool). Just push the panel in and grap the clip with the hook. Easy Cheesy!

Dynosoar

 

[HntWhtTail]

If the screw driver/pick you use is magnetized it will greatly reduce your chances of losing the clip. I just leave my small screw drives and picks on a big speaker magnet when not in use they hold enough charge to make alot of jobs easier.

 

[lovetoski]

I have always used a small pick with a hooked end (dental tool). Just push the panel in and grap the clip with the hook. Easy Cheesy!

Dynosoar

I've tried all the other ways mentioned in this thread, and the small pick w/hooked end works best for me. Only other thing I'd add, though maybe is obvious, is to push the doorpanel away from the handle so you have a gap between the two and can see better what you are doing.

 

[EaglesNest]

Success!

Got the cranks off. Man, that horseshoe was really hiding there. Before reading the other threads, I did actually end up using a small screw driver that I bent the end of to make a hook. Once I actually finally caught a glimpse of the clip, it was cake. Thanks for all the input! Photo attached....I think. Still figuring out how to make my photos the correct file size, etc.

 

[EaglesNest]

OK, the photo came through. That's actually a scratch awl with a bent tip. I moved to the hook-end mini screwdriver soon after the photo.

 

[EaglesNest]

Dynosoar,

Thanks for the input.
Would really like to see a pic of your '85 FJ60. I am entertaining color ideas and would like to tint my windows dark as well. Freeborn Red is nice, but I have to deal with some rust and the paint job is a cheapie anyway.

Herb

 

[EaglesNest]

I've tried all the other ways mentioned in this thread, and the small pick w/hooked end works best for me. Only other thing I'd add, though maybe is obvious, is to push the doorpanel away from the handle so you have a gap between the two and can see better what you are doing.

Thanks for the input. Turns out that I basically ended up doing what you described here.

Herb

 

[lovetoski]

Got the cranks off.

Glad you got it fixed. Wierd how "little" things can be so hard...

 

[toyman317]

Needle nose pliers work well too.

 

[fliphkd778]

Okay I got off the regulator and all the plugs are pulled. Now, does the top separate from the window sill? That small chrome strip seems to be pinching it down. I'm trying to get the door handle off my junk 60 to swap onto my good 60 that has a broken handle

 

[JLH911]

Graphic. I guess it depends on how you tackle that business. Really, thanks for the tip! I looked for some sort of c-clip and couldn't find a thing. So, before ripping it off there (which would completely defeat the purpose because I need it for my other 60) I thought I'd ask around. I'll let you know how it goes....geeez, it's a door handle, how difficult can it be!

NAPA auto parts sells a tool that's meant for this task. It's only about $7. I bought one and it works great. Worth the $7.

 

[Shinichi]

I know this one is already solved, but its not like a MUDDER to hold back info. I use a paint can opener. they look loke a bottle opener with a bent flat head on one end. They usually will give them to you at the paint store. An added bonus is the other side opens beers...brilliant.

 

[Elbert]

Okay I got off the regulator and all the plugs are pulled. Now, does the top separate from the window sill? That small chrome strip seems to be pinching it down. I'm trying to get the door handle off my junk 60 to swap onto my good 60 that has a broken handle

OK... are you trying to remove the door panel at this point? Have you removed the arm rest and the small plastic cover near the door latch? the 2nd part of this is that the window crank has to come off. See my description in previous post. YOu can buy the tool or you can use a "pick" or small screw driver. You have to remove the window crank.

Once the window crank is off, you need to carefully seperate the bottom first and the edges of the door panel from the door frame. Once again they make a specil tool for this, but most use their "hands". Don't get roungh with this because you can pull the clips through the slots of the door panel and screw up your panel. Once the panel is all the way losse exepct at the top, you apply a little force to the panel from the bottom moving upwards. THe panel kind of pinches the top of hte door near the window....