Windshield wipers
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Denton, TX
Windshield wipers
is there a diagram or any pics/info of how the windshield wiper system works in a 47 half ton? I am basically starting from scratch. Does it run on vacuum?
I am going to be running a 12 volt electric system. Is there an aftermarket system that works?
I really have no clue on this so any info is helpful.
I am going to be running a 12 volt electric system. Is there an aftermarket system that works?
I really have no clue on this so any info is helpful.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 853
Likes: 4
From: W. Pa
Original wipers were vacuum operated. Some trucks only had one for the drivers window. I think the passenger side was an option. The shaft on the vacuum motor goes thru the hole in the cowl, a gasket and chrome bezel next, and then a nut holds it all in place. The wiper arm slips on the splined shaft. Repeat on the passenger side if so equipped. I think there are electric systems available but I don't have any experience with them.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 23
From: East Wenatchee
is there a diagram or any pics/info of how the windshield wiper system works in a 47 half ton? I am basically starting from scratch. Does it run on vacuum?
I am going to be running a 12 volt electric system. Is there an aftermarket system that works?
I really have no clue on this so any info is helpful.
I am going to be running a 12 volt electric system. Is there an aftermarket system that works?
I really have no clue on this so any info is helpful.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...chassis-3.html
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 331
Likes: 9
From: Oregon
There is also a cable operated setup that I've been told works well also. Supposed to be quick and easy, taking little precious room from under the dash.
Vintage Car Truck Wiper Kit w Wiring Harness Cable Drive Hood Hot Rod 12 Volt | eBay
Vintage Car Truck Wiper Kit w Wiring Harness Cable Drive Hood Hot Rod 12 Volt | eBay
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Denton, TX
Thanks for the response.
Both of those look really great. I don't know if I can swing the price for one of those systems, though.
If I can get the original vacuum version to work, I will probably stick with that for the time being, with upgrading in the future a real possibility.
Is there a diagram to look at? I only have a wiper on the driver's side. Is the **** on the top of the dash the control for the wiper?
Both of those look really great. I don't know if I can swing the price for one of those systems, though.
If I can get the original vacuum version to work, I will probably stick with that for the time being, with upgrading in the future a real possibility.
Is there a diagram to look at? I only have a wiper on the driver's side. Is the **** on the top of the dash the control for the wiper?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 128
From: Houston
The **** on top of the dash controls the wipers.
The original vacuum wipers work well only when the wiper motor has good seals and gaskets. Typically the old vacuum motors have dried out grease or other issues in them. The quick and dirty solution is to suck a little brake fluid through the motor. The slow and more costly solution is to send the motor out for rebuild. A marginal vacuum wiper motor will not move the wiper blade when you are driving up hill or accelerating. Rain-X is your friend.
I have only converted one vehicle to electric wipers, my 53 sedan. I bit the bullet and installed a Newport electric with the delay wiper switch. Everything works very well. I find I don't use it though. I am so used to putting Rain-X on my windshield that I never use the wipers. I also find I still arm signal instead of using the turn signals I installed...
The original vacuum wipers work well only when the wiper motor has good seals and gaskets. Typically the old vacuum motors have dried out grease or other issues in them. The quick and dirty solution is to suck a little brake fluid through the motor. The slow and more costly solution is to send the motor out for rebuild. A marginal vacuum wiper motor will not move the wiper blade when you are driving up hill or accelerating. Rain-X is your friend.
I have only converted one vehicle to electric wipers, my 53 sedan. I bit the bullet and installed a Newport electric with the delay wiper switch. Everything works very well. I find I don't use it though. I am so used to putting Rain-X on my windshield that I never use the wipers. I also find I still arm signal instead of using the turn signals I installed...
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 138
From: Orcas Island Wa.
One day while driving home in the rain in my '59 with vacuum wipers I was behind a backhoe with a cab. He had a typical self contained single wiper in a little pod above the windshield. With no linkage or messing around the wiper went back and forth. I bought a 95.00 chinese electric wiper motor and mounted it where the vacuum motor was. Just some shims and spacers and put the vacuum motor's arm on the electric setup. It clicks back and forth just like a vacuum motor does. Don't ask me what goes on inside that pod, but I was already planning the turbo-diesel swap and they have boost which is the opposite of vacuum.
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: nova scotia
wiper keeps on running
my 1947 mercury 1 tons wiper has just started running on when I start engine. vacuum system. The wiper switch is in off position. Has run great until now?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton Oregon
is there a diagram or any pics/info of how the windshield wiper system works in a 47 half ton? I am basically starting from scratch. Does it run on vacuum?
I am going to be running a 12 volt electric system. Is there an aftermarket system that works?
I really have no clue on this so any info is helpful.
I am going to be running a 12 volt electric system. Is there an aftermarket system that works?
I really have no clue on this so any info is helpful.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 187
Likes: 2
From: Oregon
I have a Mighty Wiper on my truck and it works well, except that the park when turned off isn't quite right. Rather than mess with adjusting it I just learned to turn it off at just the right time for it to coast to where I want it to park.
They have 12 volt, 6 volt, and 6 volt positive ground versions. I have the 6 volt positive ground.
Mighty Wiper | RainGear Wiper Systems
Made in Oregon where we know a lot about rain.
They have 12 volt, 6 volt, and 6 volt positive ground versions. I have the 6 volt positive ground.
Mighty Wiper | RainGear Wiper Systems
Made in Oregon where we know a lot about rain.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton Oregon
I have a Mighty Wiper on my truck and it works well, except that the park when turned off isn't quite right. Rather than mess with adjusting it I just learned to turn it off at just the right time for it to coast to where I want it to park.
They have 12 volt, 6 volt, and 6 volt positive ground versions. I have the 6 volt positive ground.
Mighty Wiper RainGear Wiper Systems
Made in Oregon where we know a lot about rain.
They have 12 volt, 6 volt, and 6 volt positive ground versions. I have the 6 volt positive ground.
Mighty Wiper RainGear Wiper Systems
Made in Oregon where we know a lot about rain.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
From: CA
I was researching this heavily about a year ago. Im a single wiper windshield also. There's a company that makes a 12v motor that fits in the OEM location but it was spendy. I eventually resolved to use either a 12v marine wiper motor in a direct drive configuration OR a rear window wiper motor off of a small SUV. I havent pulled the trigger on either yet but Im fairly certain both will work with a minimal amount of fabrication.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton Oregon
I was researching this heavily about a year ago. Im a single wiper windshield also. There's a company that makes a 12v motor that fits in the OEM location but it was spendy. I eventually resolved to use either a 12v marine wiper motor in a direct drive configuration OR a rear window wiper motor off of a small SUV. I havent pulled the trigger on either yet but Im fairly certain both will work with a minimal amount of fabrication.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,151
Likes: 194
so what happens when the vacuum wiper motor is wore. do they just work bad or do you get bad running engine! when there in the off position there should be no vacuum leak i suppose! so if you only go out on nice days your in business! just wondering about this because i will be installing my wiper motors soon. and since i,ve never run them,i had soaked them with brake fluid a while back! i suppose i should try them on a different motor,since i got no motor! my driver side shaft has some play,helper side was tighter. i was gonna reverse them!