Billet Window Crank, for All Years VW Beetle, Pair

OVERVIEW

Elevate your vintage interior to a professional custom level with the EMPI Billet Window Crank set, specifically engineered for the air-cooled enthusiast who demands both form and function. For years, Volkswagen owners have struggled with original plastic handles that become brittle and snap, or cheap chrome replacements that pit and peel after just one season of use. These billet aluminum cranks solve that problem by offering a heavy-duty, CNC-machined alternative that provides a solid, mechanical feel every time you adjust your glass. The sleek, modern aesthetic of these handles is the perfect finishing touch for a "Resto-Mod" project, a high-end Cal-Look street car, or even a rugged Baja Bug where durability is paramount. When you grip these handles, you immediately notice the difference in weight and precision compared to stock components, giving your door panels a "Pro-Touring" look that stands out at any VW show.

Sold as a complete pair, these billet window cranks are designed for a universal fitment across the entire lifespan of the Type 1 Beetle platform. Whether you are restoring a split-window classic or a late-model Super Beetle, these handles provide a clean, "machined-from-solid" appearance that complements other billet accessories like door pulls and shifter knobs. The design features a smooth, rotating knob that reduces friction on your fingers during operation, ensuring that even the stiffest window regulators are easier to manage. Beyond the Beetle, these are a favorite for Dune Buggy and Sand Rail builders who want an open-cockpit interior that can withstand the elements without the corrosion issues found in traditional chrome-plated steel. Investing in high-quality billet hardware doesn''t just improve your car''s appearance; it eliminates the common failure points of the factory interior, ensuring your windows stay functional for years to come.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Beetle Convertible: All Years (1949-1979)
• VW Karmann Ghia: Fits many years utilizing the standard Beetle window regulator spline
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sandrails, and Manx-style kits using VW Type 1 door internal components

SPECS

• Material: High-Grade 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum
• Finish: Polished Machined Aluminum
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Left and Right sides included)
• Mounting Style: Secure set-screw design for universal shaft compatibility
• Component Type: Interior Window Regulator Crank Handle
• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-8510-0
• Knob Style: Free-spinning machined aluminum knob for ergonomic operation

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Maintain Your Window Regulators

Before installing your new billet cranks, I highly recommend removing your door panels and inspecting the window regulator tracks. If your windows are difficult to roll up or down, the added leverage of a solid billet handle can actually put more stress on the internal regulator gear if it isn''t properly lubricated. Clean out the old, hardened factory grease and apply a fresh coat of high-quality white lithium grease to the tracks and the regulator pivot points. This ensures that your new EMPI handles operate smoothly and prevents the splined shaft of the regulator from stripping out over time.

Tip 2: Use Thread Locker for High-Vibration Environments

Because these billet handles use a set-screw mounting system to ensure a tight fit on the regulator shaft, they can sometimes vibrate loose in air-cooled Volkswagens, which are known for their engine harmonics and road feedback. When you are performing the final installation, apply a single drop of blue (medium-strength) Loctite or a similar thread-locking compound to the set-screw threads. This will prevent the handle from wobbling or falling off during a long drive or off-road excursion, while still allowing you to remove the handle later with standard hand tools if you ever need to take the door panel off.

Tip 3: Clocking the Handles for a Professional Look

To achieve a truly "pro-build" aesthetic, pay attention to the "clocking" or orientation of the handles when the windows are in the fully closed position. I always suggest installing the handles so that they point forward or downward symmetrically on both the driver and passenger sides when the glass is up. This provides a clean, uniform look to the interior. Make sure you test the full range of motion before tightening the set screws to ensure the handle does not interfere with the door pull, armrest, or your knees while driving.