My wagon came with a power rear window set up but I'm thinking I'd prefer the manual crank for simplicity and reliability (and I could always sell the power stuff to fund other needs).

Anyway, finding a crank that isn't pitted is nearly impossible. They would have to be taken appart to plate them properly. Can these items be disassembled and reassembled without ruining them? Has anyone been down this path?

I have been down the road and opted for NOS pieces that show up from time to time on ebay. This auction just ended:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=10076&item=2456829939&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWN%3AIT
The seller also had the handle cover assembly, and the crank assembly. The crank assembly can be purchased through either Year One or Classic Industries. Most times when you take the thing apart it falls apart. If the old pieces are pitted and scratched, the plating process can get a little expensive. Look under NOS parts, Chevelle and NOS Malibu.

This may help with your conversion.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33642&item=2457171447

Rich,

Since it is a pot metal casting, it will be expensive and most likely will not fit tight after it is done. When they strip these type of pieces, it can open up pores in the casting. Then they might grind on it to try and remove these tiny pores. This will make the fit loose later when it is reassembled. When I looked into replating my cab mouldings, it was going to cost $800.00 to do the four pieces. I recommend cleaning up your pitted one and using it until a NOS or mint used one is found. How is the wagon coming along? I haven't been visiting the BB often lately.

Rich. let me do some checking. GM might hava a manifold like the one on the 502 Gen VI block that might fit under your hood. I'm asking myself right now why the 502 version won't fit yours now. I'll get back to you.
Mark