Can this be used
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Are you sure you have an electric motor? Most of these old trucks came with a vacuum motor. If it is electric, you will need a 12V motor unless you can run the power through some kind of voltage reducer. You may want to consider a vacuum motor if you don't plan to drive it in the rain much. I kept the vacuum motor on my 1948 F-3. I think I may have driven it in the rain about a half dozen times in the 9 years I owned it and that was only because I was caught in the rain. If it was not for NH state inspections I would not have had a wiper motor at all. 
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
I have used a voltage reducer on older Volvos for the wiper and heater motors with excellent results. Sure beats getting under the dash to replace the wiper motor....IF it is electric.
single circuit voltage reducer
single circuit voltage reducer
Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 86
Likes: 29
From: Carpinteria, Ca
To add a bit to the discussion, early positive ground systems wiper and fan motors don't care about polarity. You can wire them in for use as 12v negative ground. As Mixer man suggests, all you need to do is step down the voltage to these motors.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,072
Likes: 100
From: Marana, Arizona
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
^ That is exactly what I used for my wiper and heater motors in the Volvo. Expensive, but a solidly built unit.
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
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 559
Likes: 8
Ok how do I check to see if it’s a vacuum operated system? I think it’s electric. I have three wires coming from the motor. I don’t plan on driving this truck in the rain but in a pinch I might have to. Do they make a 12 volt replacement? I tried a voltage reducer on my gas gauge didn’t work to well.
thanks
jerry
thanks
jerry
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
If you have wires coming out of it, it's electric. The vacuum one only has a vacuum line coming from the engine, and it will "hiss" when you turn it on.
The voltage reducer won't work on a fuel gauge because it works more on resistance than voltage. You like need to put a resistor inline with the power feed going to the gauge. I had to do this in the old Volvo, too. But I couldn't begin to tell you how much resistance you need on these trucks. I left mine 6V.
The voltage reducer won't work on a fuel gauge because it works more on resistance than voltage. You like need to put a resistor inline with the power feed going to the gauge. I had to do this in the old Volvo, too. But I couldn't begin to tell you how much resistance you need on these trucks. I left mine 6V.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
johnson.jeff.a
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Nov 2, 2015 05:21 AM
jvmcc
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Nov 16, 2014 12:13 AM
1930 Dodge
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jan 7, 2013 04:50 PM
cbfomoco
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Feb 10, 2007 07:14 AM