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Floppy Wipers

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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 01:00 PM
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Floppy Wipers

On my '56 the wiper dances around on the glass while driving. It doesn't rest firmly on the glass and smears the water more than wipes it. It works enough for me, but it'd be nice to have it really work. What do I need to do?

Also, mine is a 1-spd...was this factory? I thought 2 spd was factory. 1-speed kind of sucks.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 01:14 PM
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The pressure springs inside the arm gets weak over time, and the arm gets floppy. I've never seen replacement springs, but replacement arms are available. Changing the arms is probably what you'll need to fix the issue, unless someone else here has a better plan.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 02:35 PM
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As Wayne said, the springs in the arms can get weak or the wiper pivot and/or retaining nut could be loose. I have some spares around the garage, let me know if you need a motor or other parts. I just bought the Raingear setup for my 56 (RainGear main page) it's not cheap but it sure is a sweet setup.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 03:27 PM
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I have tossed the idea around about getting electric wipers for the '49...but money is the deciding factor. I currently have a single blade setup...but would not be against a dual setup. Has anyone come across a trick way to install an electric setup on these other than an aftermarket vendor? I just don't have the bread to pony up right now for those high dollar deals.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Fordman49F1
I have tossed the idea around about getting electric wipers for the '49...but money is the deciding factor. I currently have a single blade setup...but would not be against a dual setup. Has anyone come across a trick way to install an electric setup on these other than an aftermarket vendor? I just don't have the bread to pony up right now for those high dollar deals.
6 volts or 12?
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 03:59 PM
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I am running a 12V system
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 05:14 PM
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Pacific Western Design also makes a "Mighty Wiper" that is a less expensive single wiper system for $145.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 07:56 PM
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You'll never regret going for the 2 speed electric, I gotta find a set up for my 52 COE so it will pass NHRA inspection, my final goal before summer and some truck shows.
 
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Old Mar 2, 2011 | 08:37 PM
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if your 56 has electric wipers it should be 2 speed. Perhaps you need a new switch...
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlieLed
As Wayne said, the springs in the arms can get weak or the wiper pivot and/or retaining nut could be loose. I have some spares around the garage, let me know if you need a motor or other parts. I just bought the Raingear setup for my 56 (RainGear main page) it's not cheap but it sure is a sweet setup.
How do the raingears mount? The PO welded up the firewall holes on my truck. Will I have to cut a hole in the firewall for the wiper motor like the stock units?
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlieLed
Pacific Western Design also makes a "Mighty Wiper" that is a less expensive single wiper system for $145.
Not bad...I may be able to work with that idea a little.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by rustfarmer
How do the raingears mount? The PO welded up the firewall holes on my truck. Will I have to cut a hole in the firewall for the wiper motor like the stock units?
No holes needed, the unit mounts completely under the dash/cowl...
 
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Old Mar 17, 2011 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by CharlieLed
No holes needed, the unit mounts completely under the dash/cowl...
Awesome! Thank you for the info!
 
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Old Mar 18, 2011 | 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by 52 Merc
The pressure springs inside the arm gets weak over time, and the arm gets floppy. I've never seen replacement springs, but replacement arms are available. Changing the arms is probably what you'll need to fix the issue, unless someone else here has a better plan.
Changing the springs is not a big job. I've done it a few times. The next time you visit a swap meet pick up a similar sized wiper arm and you can usually pry up the back and remove the spring and put it in your wiper arm. Also, you might try your local hardware store for a replacement spring...
 
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