I couldn't find a replacement crank worth buying.
All of the good looking OEM ones were always out of stock, and the replacements I could get kept failing.
VindowVinder.
So I made one properly.
Designed around the strengths of 3D printing, the VindowVinder is engineered for strength, longevity, and good looks.
PRODUCT DETAIL / LOOK CLOSER
SWIPE
Metal in all the right places.
Secured with an M5 bolt, nut and 2 washers - to reduce friction, wear and increase reliability. I tried breaking it, didn't happen.
A look inside.
Internal chevrons and bracing around crank mount help prevent torsional failure, while the removable cover(s) keep the hardware easy to access.
When the cover is installed, it fills the voids within the cheverons and provides extra rigidity - making the VindowVinder feel extremely solid.
Attention to detail.
Care was taken to ensure cleareance between the crank and the door card, no matter how aggresively you wind it.
Material Choice
ASA
3D
PRINTED
PRINTED
UV resistant
Temperature resistant
Mechanical strength
Built for sunlight.
ASA keeps its properties outdoors and around vehicle glass.
Comfortable with heat.
Better suited to hot vehicle interiors than common hobby plastics.
Made for repeated use.
The material balances toughness with the stiffness a crank needs.
Chosen for UV resistance, heat resistance and mechanical strength. More demanding to print, but worth it for a part designed to last.
SMALL BATCH / 3D PRINTED
Made by hand.
Printed 1–2 at a time.
Small-batch production, not mass manufacture.
Minor marks are normal.
Small cosmetic variations can occur without affecting fit or strength.
Checked before it leaves.
If the finish or function is not good enough, it does not get sent.
FITMENT / CHECK BEFORE BUYING
Buy VindowVinder ↗
Does it fit?
VW model / generation — fits vehicles with window spline measuring 11mm OD, with 16 teeth.
Material ASA
Manufacturing FDM 3D Printed
Dimensions ~120x40x40mm
Weight 90g
Installation Bolt to window spline.
Designed by SandPD
VINDOWVINDER / PRODUCT TRAILER
See it in action.
THE PROBLEM
I couldn't find a replacement crank worth buying.
All of the good looking OEM ones were always out of stock, and the replacements I could get kept failing.
THE FIX
So I made one properly.
Designed around the strengths of 3D printing, the VindowVinder is engineered for strength, longevity, and good looks.
PRODUCT DETAIL / LOOK CLOSER
Metal in all the right places.
Secured with an M5 bolt, nut and 2 washers - to reduce friction, wear and increase reliability. I tried breaking it, didn't happen.
A look inside.
Internal chevrons and bracing around crank mount help prevent torsional failure, while the removable cover(s) keep the hardware easy to access.
When the cover is installed, it fills the voids within the cheverons and provides extra rigidity - making the VindowVinder feel extremely solid.
Attention to detail.
Care was taken to ensure cleareance between the crank and the door card, no matter how aggresively you wind it.
Material Choice
ASA
3D PRINTED
UV resistant
Temperature resistant
Mechanical strength
ASA was chosen for it's balance of UV resistance, heat resistance and mechanical strength. It holds up well in automotive environments and is well suited to a part that will see repeated use over time. It's more demanding to print than common materials, but the added durability makes it the better choice the VindowVinder.
SMALL BATCH / 3D PRINTED
Made by hand.
Each VindowVinder is 3D printed one, or two at a time. Because of this, minor cosmetic variations and surface marks may be present. These do not affect the fit, function or durability of the product. I will try my best to ensure great quality, and if I'm not happy I won't send it!
FITMENT / CHECK BEFORE BUYING
Does it fit?
VW model / generation — fits vehicles with window spline measuring 11mm OD, with 16 teeth.
Material ASA
Manufacturing FDM 3D Printed
Dimensions ~120x40x40mm
Weight 90g
Installation Bolt to window spline.
Designed by SandPD
VINDOWVINDER / PRODUCT TRAILER
See it in action.
OKAY, ENOUGH WEBSITE.