electric wiper conversion
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
electric wiper conversion
My 48 F-1 came with just a driver's side windsheild wiper and the chrome button on the other side. I found what I think is a 51 (later box, v8 with a three speed floor shifter) in a junk yard and removed the dual wiper assy from it. I know I can just buy a kit to convert this to electric, but has anyone done this on their own? I don't mind alittle fabrication to make it work, I'd like to know if there's a wiper motor that works best as a starting point. Also, what's the trick to removing the pass side door lock?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
I'm in the same process (but had factory 6v electric dual wipers to start with). I found that the GM universal wiper motor (S-10's, Cavaliers, etc.) is a good place to start. It has multiple speeds and parking feature, and has a easily modified crank arm. I figure to make a bracket that mounts the motor assembly to the dash the way the stock one mounts, with an angled plate to bolt the new motor to, and butcher the crank arm to the correct length (throw). Then I'll extend the stock linkages over to the single crank on the new motor. Sounds tough but it's not. It appears it will all fit under the dash without fouling the fresh air vent. But I've mostly been lookin', not doin', so I can't show any progress yet.
These GM wipers are common as dirt and are only $5 at the boneyard I go to. Also need to figure out a switch, thinking maybe the stalk-mounted OEM switch might be modified to sit in the dash the way the Ford piece did.
These GM wipers are common as dirt and are only $5 at the boneyard I go to. Also need to figure out a switch, thinking maybe the stalk-mounted OEM switch might be modified to sit in the dash the way the Ford piece did.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,734
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City area
FF56-
The 56 wiper motor originally was on the firewall on the engine side. I tried to relocate mine to under the dash but ran into clearance problems with my power cowl vent motor setup and the Vintage Air AC when attempting to attach the wiper arms. I ended up using an Aerostar motor in the original location, modifying the motor crank to the correct length. Also used a mid 80s Ford truck intermittent wiper switch to get the delay feature. If you are able to get your motor relocated under the dash please post some photos as I want to do that if possible on my new project. Larry
The 56 wiper motor originally was on the firewall on the engine side. I tried to relocate mine to under the dash but ran into clearance problems with my power cowl vent motor setup and the Vintage Air AC when attempting to attach the wiper arms. I ended up using an Aerostar motor in the original location, modifying the motor crank to the correct length. Also used a mid 80s Ford truck intermittent wiper switch to get the delay feature. If you are able to get your motor relocated under the dash please post some photos as I want to do that if possible on my new project. Larry
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
Thanks for the info. I am relocating the motor to the inside but I have modified the cowl so that I can use an arm assembly for a 53-55. I did that to get overlapping wiper pattern rather the orig 56. My cowl will be welded shut and the VA Gen II has already been fitted. Wiper motors in boneyards here seem to bring premium $, that's hard to imagine in a place where ''it never rains'' I will, nonetheless'' post some pics asap
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>JC. Whitney carries this switch if any you 6V conversion guys are intrested.
ONLY CUSTOM FIT PRODUCTS
</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left width=120>
</TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=centertext>12-VOLT TO 6-VOLT WIPER MOTOR VOLTAGE REDUCER
For all '58-66 Volkswagens with 6-volt wiper motor and 12-volt electrical system.
</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>$49.99 </TD></TR><TR><TD>
INFO/BUY
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
ONLY CUSTOM FIT PRODUCTS
</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left width=120>
</TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top width="100%"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=centertext>12-VOLT TO 6-VOLT WIPER MOTOR VOLTAGE REDUCER For all '58-66 Volkswagens with 6-volt wiper motor and 12-volt electrical system.
</TD></TR><TR><TD noWrap>$49.99 </TD></TR><TR><TD>
INFO/BUY</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,955
Likes: 9,727
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I scrounged an electric motor from a mid 90's small Ford (festiva maybe??) I havent had a chance to even hold it up under the dash to see if it will fit.
The last time I was out at the wrecking yard I picked a switch from a 1963 Riviera. There are tons of options for switches. Most any vehicle from roughly 1977 an older had dash mounted wiper switches
Bobby
The last time I was out at the wrecking yard I picked a switch from a 1963 Riviera. There are tons of options for switches. Most any vehicle from roughly 1977 an older had dash mounted wiper switches
Bobby
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
rhopper, I have a brother looking for a transmission like you discribed in your first post - Please email me with the name and phone number of that junk yard.
cw1890 @ earthlink . net (remove spaces)
cw1890 @ earthlink . net (remove spaces)
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Bud, I don't suppose you have any picks of that mod. I have 54' and need to get my wipers up and running. I was looking at a kit ($150), but if VW is the cheaper route then I willing to give it a shot. Any details would be greatly appreciated.
Deebo
Deebo
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
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From: Seattle WA.
Originally Posted by budsgarage
I used 72-74 VW wiper motor in my 54. Very little mod. to the motor shaft and was finished with the changeover in a couple of hours. And a couple of hours getting anything done is good for me.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
Budsgarage and 51Fordfan, I saw the pic of the VW unit in your gallery, looks like it is the right shape to fit in. Is the spacing correct (on the wiper shafts)? Is it a "drop in" in that respect? Is the wiper angle (arc) adjustable or is it OK as-is?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
Budsgarage and 51Fordfan, I saw the pic of the VW unit in your gallery, looks like it is the right shape to fit in. Is the spacing correct (on the wiper shafts)? Is it a "drop in" in that respect? Is the wiper angle (arc) adjustable or is it OK as-is?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Everett, Washington
I don't know how the F1 looks under the cowl but as an FYI, I used an early '90's Jeep Cherokee wiper motor in my '53 F100. Pics are in my gallery.
If you need any more pics or details, let me know.
Good Luck
If you need any more pics or details, let me know.
Good Luck