Vacuum Wipers
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Original electric wiper set up
The electric kits won't fit because of my stock radio.
Does anyone know how much vacuum is needed to operate the wipers? Is it possible to use a 6v vacuum pump and switch independent of the vehicle vacuum line? Seems the independent pump is the way to go, but need to find one strong enough. Hence the need to know the strength or draw needed.
As always, thanks for your collective input.
Are you saying that the stock Ford 51-52 electric setup will not work with the stock radio? In "inventory" I have the original Ford electric wiper that I replaced (heat and AC needed that space under behind the dash).
Tony[/quote]
Does anyone know how much vacuum is needed to operate the wipers? Is it possible to use a 6v vacuum pump and switch independent of the vehicle vacuum line? Seems the independent pump is the way to go, but need to find one strong enough. Hence the need to know the strength or draw needed.
As always, thanks for your collective input.
Are you saying that the stock Ford 51-52 electric setup will not work with the stock radio? In "inventory" I have the original Ford electric wiper that I replaced (heat and AC needed that space under behind the dash).
Tony[/quote]
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, ID
The electric kits won't fit because of my stock radio. Does anyone know how much vacuum is needed to operate the wipers? Is it possible to use a 6v vacuum pump and switch independent of the vehicle vacuum line? Seems the independent pump is the way to go, but need to find one strong enough. Hence the need to know the strength or draw needed. As always, thanks for your collective input. Are you saying that the stock Ford 51-52 electric setup will not work with the stock radio? In "inventory" I have the original Ford electric wiper that I replaced (heat and AC needed that space under behind the dash). Tony
I bought an aftermarket 6v electric wiper kit and the radio won't allow enough room to install.
By "in inventory" are you saying you have an original 6v wiper motor for the 51-52s available?
Also, many great ideas here and good conversation. Still wondering how much draw (inches of mercury) is needed to operate the wipers.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 1,772
From: Western NY
The 5 star cabs had stock electric wipers that did not interfear with the radio. You can find them floatin' around on ebay and Half Ton Fun had some too. They user different linkage than the vaccume wipers, so be sure to get the whole assembly. I have plans to convert my F-5 from stock vac to stock electric. My F-6 came with the stock electric.
Some photos and further discussion:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tml?styleid=22
Some photos and further discussion:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tml?styleid=22
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
I bought an aftermarket 6v electric wiper kit and the radio won't allow enough room to install.
By "in inventory" are you saying you have an original 6v wiper motor for the 51-52s available?
Also, many great ideas here and good conversation. Still wondering how much draw (inches of mercury) is needed to operate the wipers.[/quote]
Tony,
I sent you an email
By "in inventory" are you saying you have an original 6v wiper motor for the 51-52s available?
Also, many great ideas here and good conversation. Still wondering how much draw (inches of mercury) is needed to operate the wipers.[/quote]
Tony,
I sent you an email
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 29
From: in a barn
Vacuum to run the vacuum motor will depend on its internal condtion. I have some vacuum motors that work great and some that are slow or barely functional when tested off the same engine. Stock engines I have had with stock cams pull 20" and above of vacuum at idle, of course drops when the throttle opens which makes driving uphill in the rain a challenge. Vacuum motor in my 47 caddy is rebuilt and still slows down or stops when I get on the gas going uphill.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 80
From: Northville, MI
The old, boxy looking, US-made VWs had vacuum reservoirs if you can find one in a junk yard. But most anything will work as noted previously. If you have long hills then you may need a bigger can. Also the amount of tension on the wiper arms against the glass makes a difference in addition to the previously noted condition of the wiper vacuum motor and the amount of blowby in the engine.
As TBFF noted RainX is still a great alternative and it also makes for less wiper friction.
Rather than go the 6v vacuum pump route I would go with 38 Coupe's recommendation of a dual diaphragm fuel pump . . . much more reliable and less noise. The only shortcoming is that it won't keep you wipers working at the drive-in theater . . . if you care
As TBFF noted RainX is still a great alternative and it also makes for less wiper friction.
Rather than go the 6v vacuum pump route I would go with 38 Coupe's recommendation of a dual diaphragm fuel pump . . . much more reliable and less noise. The only shortcoming is that it won't keep you wipers working at the drive-in theater . . . if you care
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,513
Likes: 394
From: W. Central FL.
A working six volt vacuum motor? I will take that. PM sent.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
Likes: 3
Although my 55 has 6 volt electric wipers which really work good, my 46 Ford coupe has vacuum wipers and at first, I was lucky if they made one revolution. I injected some 3 & 1 oil in the wiper motor and applied white lithium grease to all the rods and joints that move the wipers. Now you would swear I was using electric on the 46. Those 2 things made a huge difference so you may want to try this for your truck. Good luck. Steve
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: Hailey
Vacuum Reservior for 59 Ford F-100
I put two quart juice cans in series and used a one way valve but my wipers still failed to move when giving my ford the gas on the highway. I would like to remove and open the vacuum driver but haven't a clue on how to do this. Any help is appreciated.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 487
Likes: 7
From: Cameron, NC
Hi John,
Having drove a CJ5 for several years with vacuum wipers, they hardly ever work when the throttle is applied. The available vacuum for wipers drops way off during the application of power. My '49 Ford, had vacuum wipers, but also had the coolest thing I've ever seen... a 6 volt motor on the fire wall that provided vacuum for the wipers, problem solved! I can't tell you much about your wipers except that I just started removing screws until the top cover came off exposing the paddle. If yours is anything like mine, it will be all gummed up and nasty looking. A good cleaning and LIGHT oil should make a big difference. I opted for the Jeep Cherokee electric wipers as 'm going 12 volt different engine and wanted reliable wipers. Good luck with your project!
Having drove a CJ5 for several years with vacuum wipers, they hardly ever work when the throttle is applied. The available vacuum for wipers drops way off during the application of power. My '49 Ford, had vacuum wipers, but also had the coolest thing I've ever seen... a 6 volt motor on the fire wall that provided vacuum for the wipers, problem solved! I can't tell you much about your wipers except that I just started removing screws until the top cover came off exposing the paddle. If yours is anything like mine, it will be all gummed up and nasty looking. A good cleaning and LIGHT oil should make a big difference. I opted for the Jeep Cherokee electric wipers as 'm going 12 volt different engine and wanted reliable wipers. Good luck with your project!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,685
Likes: 80
From: Northville, MI
The other thing that you have to watch is the amount of drag across the windshield. Vacuum wipers never worked well on dry windshields but they worked just fine on wet ones. Also don't use a wiper arm with too much spring tension.
Taking the vacuum motor apart is, as AX said, very easy. I don't have any diagrams but maybe someone else here on FTE does. If nothing else just take digital pictures at each step of disassembly.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-Audi-Volkswagen-VW-Vacuum-Air-Pump-Check-Valve-058-905-291-K-NEW-/370590794968?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &hash=item5648eec4d8&vxp=mtr%22][U]
Cross-Country
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: Hailey
Many Thanks
Doug and Pete
Many thanks for the good information. I had installed a one way valve as Pete mentioned but it still failed to work when driving. We recently had snow, I'm sure Doug did as well and again the wipers didn't go.
I will first open up and service the assembly. After that I will test on a wet windshield and if it still fails I will look into a 6V vacuum pump to bolt to the fire wall.
Two questions;
If I take the vacuum line off of the fuel pump it will require some type of cover to maintain the vacuum on the fuel pump, correct?
I have a generator w/ a 12 volt battery electrical system on my ford. With this in mind if the vacuum pump is 6V can I take the hot side and go directly to the battery or do I need to tie into an existing electrical source? If so can you recommend which one? Lastly, I would also need to install a switch for the vacuum pump on the dash which thankfully I have one more push out available. thanks for all
Many thanks for the good information. I had installed a one way valve as Pete mentioned but it still failed to work when driving. We recently had snow, I'm sure Doug did as well and again the wipers didn't go.
I will first open up and service the assembly. After that I will test on a wet windshield and if it still fails I will look into a 6V vacuum pump to bolt to the fire wall.
Two questions;
If I take the vacuum line off of the fuel pump it will require some type of cover to maintain the vacuum on the fuel pump, correct?
I have a generator w/ a 12 volt battery electrical system on my ford. With this in mind if the vacuum pump is 6V can I take the hot side and go directly to the battery or do I need to tie into an existing electrical source? If so can you recommend which one? Lastly, I would also need to install a switch for the vacuum pump on the dash which thankfully I have one more push out available. thanks for all
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 221
Likes: 2
From: Wildwood, Mo
vacuum wiper
In my 50 F-3 truck I tried three different vacuum wiper motors, two of which I disassembled and cleaned up and lubed. Taking it apart is easy but the gasket likes to tear. 
Anyway, I bought a fourth one and it works like new. What a job replacing it. 
Wow! If I had to do it over I would have sent my original vacuum motor to have it rebuilt before I ever put the instrument panel back in. I forgot the company's name but they bought Trico out and I think for about $100 they will rebuild your wiper motor.
I had a 53 Ford car V8 for years. It had the dual diaphram fuel pump and it worked well. I believe that one is still available but not the one for a 1950. I don't know but I think the difference may be only gas line plumbing. I have not tried it.
Patrick
Anyway, I bought a fourth one and it works like new. What a job replacing it. Wow! If I had to do it over I would have sent my original vacuum motor to have it rebuilt before I ever put the instrument panel back in. I forgot the company's name but they bought Trico out and I think for about $100 they will rebuild your wiper motor.I had a 53 Ford car V8 for years. It had the dual diaphram fuel pump and it worked well. I believe that one is still available but not the one for a 1950. I don't know but I think the difference may be only gas line plumbing. I have not tried it.
Patrick