Problem with manual hand-crank windows - 2000 Venture

[jamx13]

I'm having problems with the manual crank windows on both the driver & passenger side front doors of my 2000 Venture. Basically, the hand crank spins as if it's stripped. A picture's worth 1000 words so here's an exploded view of a Venture door...the piece that's broken is #25, circled in red. It's called a "window clutch", GM part number 16629476.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i2...enturedoor.jpg

The local Chevy dealer said they're no longer available but were at one time...for about $50 each. I've tried searching online but have come up empty handed. I've tried local junk yards but there are two problems - 1) most Ventures have power windows therefore this piece is different, 2) even if they had the piece, they'd want me to buy either the entire door, or the entire assembly, at considerably more than $50.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you fix it? If anyone knows where I might be able to find this part, I'd greatly appreciate the info. Thanks.

One more thing...I drilled out the rivets & opened the "clutch" to see what's wrong & if it's repairable. It's hard to describe but a metal tang that's supposed to catch on an internal spring, broke off. It looks like hardened steel. I don't know if I can get it welded or not but since it's no good to me as-is, I may give it a shot.

[dewaynep]

I don't think I've ever seen a venture without power windows... In answer to your question, according to the diagram, it looks like you could change to power on that window simply by changing from the crank handle to the window motor and doing the wiring. You could get a shop that uses NAPA parts to sell you the motors for $50/each and do the job yourself (they'll pay slightly less and still make a small profit).

[rockwood84]

have you asked the salvage yards to cross reference the clutch and see what other models use the same part?then call and see if a yard will sell just the part.

[jamx13]

Originally Posted by dewaynep

it looks like you could change to power on that window simply by changing from the crank handle to the window motor and doing the wiring. You could get a shop that uses NAPA parts to sell you the motors for $50/each and do the job yourself (they'll pay slightly less and still make a small profit).

I would still need the clutches, plus the motors, switches, etc... not to mention the doors aren't wired for power windows. And if I wanted to it right, I'd need new inner door panels too.

[jamx13]

Originally Posted by rockwood84

have you asked the salvage yards to cross reference the clutch and see what other models use the same part?then call and see if a yard will sell just the part.

I stopped at a"regular" salvage yard & was told that the parts are specific to Ventures & the clones...Transport, Silhouette, Montana. We have a dedicated mini-van salvage yard but they have nothing with manual windows.

[dewaynep]

I think you will have a hard time finding any vans without power windows. Have you tried all of the salvage yards in the area? Did you try Howbill's, they have quite a few vehicles, there are also a couple of u-pull-it yards on William street that get cars in quite often. They may want to sell you the complete "module" if they have one. I'm not sure any yard will sell you just the crank which is why I suggested maybe you would want to switch to power. Wiring isn't that difficult and you could probably get a complete door for about what you'll pay for the "module". Just a thought, you don't have to do anything we suggest here.