convertible top crank handle

[obus]

Just got a new one from KGPR. I pulled it down to open it up and now it seems locked in place. Is there a trick to unlocking it or did i get a bum one? I have to let them know by tomorrow if i need to return it
https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/convertible-top-crank-handle-141-871-587/
_________________
July 1959 Mango Standard Bus aka Obus L346 L347 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256592&highlight=
June 1973 Pumpkin Orange Thing aka Othing L30H
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=711775&highlight=
1960 Paprika Red Karmann Ghia Convertible aka Schatze L452 built 5/20/60
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
66 21 window bus built 8/31/65 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=777273

[Marcdeb]

I had no idea these were being reproduced. And GUARANTEED FOR LIFE as well!! I would be curious to hear a review from someone who has one of these installed and working.

My original handle is working but it seems like the top is so tight that every time I close it, I fear I'm going to break the handle. It seems so fragile but it always does it's job. I've cleaned and lubricated everything I can. I suspect it's normal?
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Marc
68 Karmann Ghia Cabrio Autostick
71 Karmann Ghia Cabrio

Previously Owned:
2011 VW EOS Hard Top Conv
2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Conv
2003 Saab 9-3 SE Conv
2001 Saab 9-3 Conv
1998 BMW 3 Series Conv
1997 Saab 900 Conv
1997 Mazda Miata

68 Ghia Vert Survivor with 22,350 miles: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=768107&highlight=
71 Ghia Vert Restoration: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=726710&postorder=asc

[obus]

made the call and they were very helpful. It seems it was uber tight and he walked me through opening it with screw driver as a pry bar. seemed to loosen it up. and he said if its screwed up its warrantied for life
_________________
July 1959 Mango Standard Bus aka Obus L346 L347 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256592&highlight=
June 1973 Pumpkin Orange Thing aka Othing L30H
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=711775&highlight=
1960 Paprika Red Karmann Ghia Convertible aka Schatze L452 built 5/20/60
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
66 21 window bus built 8/31/65 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=777273