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I have noticed one area that seems to be ignored in the field of resto-mod, windshield wipers. I live in Oklahoma where we get about 40+ inches of rain each year and a person needs a good set of wipers. Old cars and trucks have lousy wipers compared to the modern sets. They go too fast, not fast enough and they only have two speeds, at best. What can a person do to improve the wiper systems on our old trucks? Has anyone ever installed a wiper motor out of a newer car or truck?
Look in the tech article section on the main page for an article by Banjopicker66. It describes how to swap a 70's 2 speed wiper with delay module into an earlier truck. I just did the swap, less the delay, on my 66 and it works great!!! Thanks Banjopicker The hard part was removing the wiper motor and wiring from the donor truck in near darkness w/o the right tools, but fear not, it's worth the effort. While you have the wipers apart, it's a good time to check the pivots and arms for wear and replace the leather gaskets under the pivots if you remove them or are having any leaks from them. Good luck and enjoy...
Oops my bad. The article in the tech section is by William from Atlanta. Sorry William. Banjo must have done a similar article on the Slick 60's forum. I have to say though, I really like the name William for some reason?????
I have been taking apart a 79 f150 primarily to use the PDB and PS using the 79 column and the tilt steering wheel. I know from experience that the single speed wiper is not enough. From I kthe 79 donor i pulled out the wiper motor, delay module and dash switch leaving all wiring intact. If I remember you take the wiper arm off and moved it to the 79 motor. I took our the radio to get at the motor. Bench check to see if it works OK. Now take out the same thing in your old truck and 3 bolts hold the wwiper are a pretty tough sale and after checking your arms and made a neat installation so you won't have to crawl back under the dash for repairs. I took several days to get her done but You will be happy you did after driving in any kind of rain -fast or slow and the job will be satisfactory. Banjopicker covers it quite well.
Do this and you will feel pretty proud you undertook the challenge.
Oldtraper Retired and working slow at times.
I recently made some repairs to my stock wiper system and while I had the pivots out, I drilled and tapped them and installed angled grease fittings so that I could them a small shot of grease periodically from under the dash. They seem to run quieter.
I don't remember exactly which year I used in my 66, it was a 77 78 or 79, 2 speed with Infitinely variable delay. I took the whole McGilla, module, switch, & harness and installed it, also.
Since I reside here in "Bikini" State, and fully understand what rain can be and does turn into, I opted for 2 speed + variable. It's well worth an effort because we're only talking about locating the timing module as being only extra involved.
As an added advantage, Switches for 2 Spd X Variable also have provision for W/S/Washer System pump. If convenience from the bells & whistles [and creature comforts] like me, are your thing. FWIW, while I'm at it, any 12V FoMoCo W/S Washer pump can be run with 2Spd/ Variable switch I'm speaking of.