Thread: Windshield Wiper Question

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I’m building a ’48 Ford Sedan hot rod and need to do something about windshield wipers. There were no wiper parts at all with the car when I bought it, not even the posts that go through the cowl, so I have to start from scratch. I definitely want to use 12-volt electric components and I’ve seen a few different options including what looks like a cable drive system.

I’m not familiar with all the choices and need some help deciding the right way to go.

Thanks

Mike

you prob/wouldn't want them vacuum jobs any way... have to rig up a vacuumed can and some time they still think ,you can see good enough

one way is to look for a model ... that would have electric wipers and make them work, take good measurements because most use an arm to actuate from the motor.
haven't tried any of the new fangled stuff in the magazines maybe some one else here can give an opinion on that.

also have a bud, that has hand operated wipers just to pass inspection, it's not a every day driver, and I don't know the laws in your state.

TL

I seem to remember that some years ago Volkswagen wiper systems were what a lot of guys were using.

My brother is building a 46 Sedan. He is fortunate to have the wiper arms and mounts. But he will replace the vacuum unit with an electric motor.

Try these links. I bet they can help you

http://store.bobdrake.com/19wipac.html

http://www.newportwipers.com/questio...1948&make_id=4

Thanks for the responses

The car I’m building will be a daily driver so I think I’ll pass on the hand and vacuum wipers

I’ve seen the ads for conversions like the one from Drake but since I don’t have the original posts and linkages, and would have to search out and purchase those parts, I thought something like this Auto-Loc unit might be worth looking into:

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/Autol...o?itemid=WIPER

I’ve also seen what look like similar systems advertised in some of the magazines.

So I guess my questions really revolve around the reliability and ease of installation (not to mention cost) of both the 12 volt retro-fit system (Drake and others) and the Auto-Loc type system. If anyone has had experience with either of these, I’d like to hear how it worked out for you.

Now, the VW idea intrigues me. I have to make a junk yard run sometime this week-end so I’ll take a tape measure and check it out. Come to think of it, I may have some RX-7 parts that might work.

Thanks again, this is a great forum.

Mike

That's a real nice unit as are Drakes, but I believe that before I'd pay $350 I'd shop the boneyards and find something I could modify. If you do the boneyard thing be sure and get all the electrical parts, switch harness, etc. that you might need.

Check out this site:

www.pacificwesterndesign.com

Unfortunately, it's pretty expensive too.

Speedway has a unit that's pretty cheap - if you can make it fit.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/xq/asp...qx/Product.htm

I used VW system on my 51 Ford pickup....works great, just had to shorten one of the arms.

Several people I know have used the wiper motor from the rear door of the Chysler mini vans because of their compact size.

Some of the British sports cars used a system which incorporated a cable drive with the posts attached along it. It appears that the spacing of the posts could be easily changed to work with different cowl spacing. Might be worth a look.

If all fails get RAIN X

The best cable operated system I have seen is the Leyland MINI from the 70's and 80s. These things are really a quality item from LUCAS, the God of Darkness. (you pommys out there would understand that one) The only problem with this unit is the drive motor a little large and prone to rusting inside. So check the inside before you buy. Unscrew it and look. I have bought a few duds before now. I have fitted one of these units to a 36 chev sedan so your implementation shouldn't be too much different. With a little bit of fettlin' you can squeeze one of these guys in and they work well. FAST SLOW and return to stop. What more could you want. I would suppose they probably even still make spares for them.

Good luck,
Andy.