I had an idea for a new crankbait using the add a ball weight idea magnum uses in their carolina weights. Would it be possible to make a floating(initially) crank like an x-rap, that the tail unscrews allowing access to the inner core shaft, where-in could be added a ball ballbearing at a time to cause the crank to sink a bit more each time a ball is added? Seems like a winner to me. Plus I would'nt have to buy so darn many cranks. HE HE!

well, now that u have thrown the idea out, it iwll be out in 6 months.  not sure if its made or not

Plus I would'nt have to buy so darn many cranks. HE HE!

What's the fun in that!!   ;D

In theroy, it sounds good.  The most important aspect I look at when gizmo fishing, as I call it, is how many ties, or joints, or in this case, a cap that un-screws can causes a loss of fish.  The more ties or anything that could aid in the loss of a fish is not good.  For that reason, like the old Carolina method of using a swivel requires three knots, one on the hook and two ends of the swivel, thus making the odds go up on a knot failure.

I use the suspending type crank baits, drive them down  to your desired depth and let set.  If you notice a little bouyancy, you can add the suspending dots that stick on to your bait like tape that adds weight to the bait.   With the technology in baits now days, rarely do I have to counter weight anything like the days in the 80's.  Excalibur suspending cranks are my money cranks.

There was a company that made a bait like you describe. I think it was a minnow style with a small brass plug screwed into the bottom that would allow you to add shot or water to alter the action.

Some company use to make a bait that you filled with water to make it sink or something. Forget the name. I remember seeing it in a book somewhere :

Bill Norman had a jerkbait that was being pushed by Rick Clunn that did that. You shot water in it to weight it.