vacuum Wiper
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 131
Likes: 65
vacuum Wiper
I have a 49 F1 with a single vacuum wiper . I noticed that before I put the truck away for the winter I was having a problem with the wiper. Turn on the switch and the wiper would move into one position and then have to turn the switch back to get it to move back. Are there any vacuum motors still out there or is it best to convert to electric. The truck is still a six volt pos ground system. I am just trying to get some ideas for spring time when I bring the truck back home. Thank you all in advance it's been a fun truck to restore considering it 2 yrs older than me
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,383
Likes: 1,791
From: Western NY
There are specialty shops that will tend to your existing vacuum motor. A forum favorite is https://rebuildingtricowipers.com/what-we-rebuild
Alternatively, you could try to revive it yourself with some cleaning and ATF.
There isn't a straightforward electric option for your truck that doesn't potentially involve interference with defrosters, radio, brackets etc....
Alternatively, you could try to revive it yourself with some cleaning and ATF.
There isn't a straightforward electric option for your truck that doesn't potentially involve interference with defrosters, radio, brackets etc....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,688
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From: Mendon, Massachusetts
I had mine rebuilt by Ficken
Ficken Wiper Service 132 Calvert Avenue West Babylon, NY 11704631-587-3332
Ficken Wiper Service 132 Calvert Avenue West Babylon, NY 11704631-587-3332
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,132
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From: W (BY GOD) V
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
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From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I installed an electric wiper unit from Dennis Carpenter in October. Their unit is 12 volt so I installed a step up transformer, 6 volt to 12 volt. It was a rather easy installation and it worked fine until I got caught in a windy rain storm and my wiper arms got caught by the rain and got screwed up. They would have gotting messed up even if they were stock vacuum wipers. During the storm I tried to fix them but ran into some problems and haven't worked on them since.
Last edited by bobj49f2; Dec 29, 2025 at 10:49 AM.
Tuned
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From: On a farm in Michigan
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Langley, BC
I have a 49 F1 with a single vacuum wiper . I noticed that before I put the truck away for the winter I was having a problem with the wiper. Turn on the switch and the wiper would move into one position and then have to turn the switch back to get it to move back. Are there any vacuum motors still out there or is it best to convert to electric. The truck is still a six volt pos ground system. I am just trying to get some ideas for spring time when I bring the truck back home. Thank you all in advance it's been a fun truck to restore considering it 2 yrs older than me
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 131
Likes: 65
I had mine rebuilt by Ficken
Ficken Wiper Service 132 Calvert Avenue West Babylon, NY 11704631-587-3332
Ficken Wiper Service 132 Calvert Avenue West Babylon, NY 11704631-587-3332
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 131
Likes: 65
One trick learned along the way is to place the vacuum line running to wiper motor into a container of lubricant and then manually move the wipers back and forth to vacuum up some lubricant into the system. This helps to lubricate and swell the seals inside. I do this from time to time and my wipers are very reliable. Mine also have an auxiliary 6v electric vacuum pump that can be turned on to provide assistance when vacuum is lower due to heavy demand. I do the same thing with the vacuum pump to keep it lubricated.
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