56 ford wiper linkage replacement
 

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has adapted a later model windshield wiper linkage assembly to the 56 ford. I still see some cars that the wipers rotate towards the center of the windshield, like the 56 ford truck does, any thoughts on this?:-huh

This thread is of interest to me as well.www.newportwipers.com, in this link you'll find a wiper motor that is installed under the dash rather than on the firewall. It looks as though they just made a bracket that uses the original mounting points, I thought I'd try this method using a motor from what ever was available, in my case a 1990 chev pickup but it will have to wait until it warms up a bit,these -30 to -40% temperatures make me whimp out at the moment.

I'd like to see how tht turns out. Reason being that Newport sells the motor, but the "Transmission" (linkages) and hubs (that the arms attach to) are provided by the owner.

I can't remember if the transmission is a separate part like it was on the 51/52 electric motor. But I would thing moving the motor from outside to inside without mounting a different transmission, or modifying the original would present somewhat of a challenge.

Take pictures and let us see how that worked out!

J!

https://www.newportwipers.com/images...s/IMG_1654.JPG
https://www.newportwipers.com/images/arrow.gifWiper drives attach to the stock mounting brackets.
https://www.newportwipers.com/images/arrow.gifDesigned for attachment to O.E.M. wiper transmission or cable drums.
https://www.newportwipers.com/images/arrow.gifEach kit comes complete with nylon bushings to replace the rubber grommets in the wiper transmission linkage arms. (when required)
https://www.newportwipers.com/images/arrow.gifClears Stock Cowl Vent and Air Conditioning

This is the picture that is on thier web site showing the mounting under the dash. This application is for 56-60. The transmission, is that not the piece on the lower right portion under the wiring harness or is the transmission the arm that attaches the two rods to the wiper pivots. I was thinking of ordering this, but if I were able to use the wiper motor from the chevy parts truck I have sitting in the yard I would try making the bracket to mount as they have done.

The wiper transmission is just the components that drive the wipers; the attaching piece (bell crank?) at the wiper motor shaft and the arms that attach to it and go to the wiper pivot points on the cowl. I kept looking for some complex mechanical apparatus when I first heard "wiper transmission". If you get a later model wiper motor could you get the control switch and maybe have "delay" mode? I've previously added the delay module from a mid 80's Ford truck to a 56 I have since sold. It worked OK but was only two delay speeds and with the newer wipers there are several.

<TABLE borderColor=#eeeeee cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=3 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width=148>https://www.newportwipers.com/images/intermittent.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top width=472>Intermittent Delay Switch
#14200 $66.95
Rotary Switch - Three position, Intermittent, Low, High
Operates Washer Pump







They also supply this in addition to the wiper motor kit but will try and use everything from my donor vehicle and thanks for clarifing what exactly the tranmission parts are.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Yeah, that is similar to the 80's Ford setup. But notice, there is only one intermittent speed and many times you need various intermittent or delay speeds.

Wouldn't the intermitent be variable?

I'm trying to remember how many speeds my 78 Bronco intermitent wipers have. It is variable and works on a single switch that turns to the right for two speeds and to the left for intermitent. I was thinking of using something like that on my 54 and switch the knob to the original style.

I bought a complete wiper setup from Pacific Western Design for my 54 F100. It uses a late model electric motor and heim joint linkages. Very durable design, not cheap but well worth the money. I spoke with the owner of PWD about the 56 wiper setup, he told me that the 56 was a real challenge but he hoped to have a system for sale very soon. You can check it out at RainGear - 1953 to 1955 Ford F-100 trucks
I learned about this company/product through Classic Trucks magazine...they did an article on the installation of one of PWD's systems in a 53 Chevy PU.

56Panelford-
As I recall the mid 80's Ford truck intermittent had two delay speeds and I'm not sure about the one in your photo but I doubt it has more that one or two delay speeds. The late model cars/trucks have several delay positions which really come in handy. You might want to call them and ask.

The picture posted is off the Newport Engineering Website. I have that switch in my 51 with the 12V Newport Motor and it is "infinately" variable depending on the position of the switch.

Julie

I originally used a '78 F150 wiper motor and switch, and made my own "clevis" and rods to go to the cowl pivots (from a Chrysler New Yorker) They never did work as well as I'd planned them to, and since I drive my truck even in the rain, I went with the Specialty Power Windows wiper assembly. It worked GREAT, but if you wanted a "cheap" alternative, you could use a rear wiper motor from a '93 up Buick, Chevy, Olds station wagon. They only have 1 speed, but they do have the trans built in. I mean that the clevis dont rotate in a circle, but rather just half a turn, like the original vacuum wiper motor. The real downside is they only have 1 speed, but it would work "ok" if youre looking for a cheap wiper system.


If you got a little more money, I'd recomend the Specialty Power Windows one. There's even a place knocking them off now for around $175.


Just my 2 cents:-drink

Yes Julie, that's where I got the pictures and was the unit I was thinking of purchasing and thanks for verifing the infinately variable speed of that switch, saves me a phone call. I will go this route if my plan of fabbing my own bracket and the use of the wiper motor I have from my donor vehicle doesn't work out, thanks again,John.

Hi John,

One more tidbit. Their website tells you that if you mount that "intermittent wiper" switch, you need to purchase the switch shaft extender as well. I found that to be not true, as my switch fit perfectly as it was.

But also, my switch (51 F1) is located high (like 3 inches from the windshield) on the dash and rotates to activate. Isn't yours on the 56 down with the rest of the knobs (and pushes and pulls)? I still don't think you need it - might ask one of the F-100 guys who has this install.

Also, the 56 wiper switch knob is a direct replacement for the cheezy one they have on the switch - screws on and off. I used the 56 knob on mine because the 51 knob is a push on/pull of with a flat key to hold it.

Just FYI

J!