'54 windshield wiper set up

dougson
dougson Senior Contributor
edited May 2012 in HUDSON
I did not want to fool around with vacuum operated windshield wipers and their associated problems with low vacuum and tried an after market kit that utilizes a coiled cable and geared transimissions. This before I completed the dash. Well it worked ok without any load. When I tried it with installed wipers and dry glass, the whole system bound up and, well, it's toast. After much deliberation, design, and trial and error I found that a Ford Pinto system can be adapted to a stepdown. It requires the removal of the original speaker (I have door mounted speakers anyway) and installation of the Pinto motor with a fabricated bracket. The original Pinto drag link needed to be lengthened and I welded in a couple of threaded rods with a union to accomplish the lengthening. I reused the transmissions from the previous kits and welded the linkage arms to the gears. Works ok. I haven't fooled with the centering and have only one speed, but it works.

Comments

  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    edited May 2012
    Don't quote me on this but I seem to remember, from somewhere, that Volkswagon electric wipers are adaptable. Best part is they were 6volt.


    Hudsonly,
    Alex Burr
    Memphis, TN
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    If you have 12 volts, a 57 Chevy electric motor can be adapted. Takes less than an hour and uses all nthe Hudson parts. Including the control switch. Could be put back to stock in minutes too.
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    I have the original vacuum wipers and dual fuel pump on my '51 Hornet ... driven it over 35,000 miles in the last several years, and the wipers have worked just fine. Always enough vacuum to operate them, even with wide-open throttle up a hill or passing. I have no problem with converting to electric, but want folks to know that if working properly, the original setup does the job just fine.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Yes I agre Park, change is not nessasarily good just for the sake of change. Vacume wipers can be made to work well ,they just require upkeep.
    And if you still cant get the results you want there are two tricks . One is to treat the windsheild with Rainex. Makes the windshield "Slick" and the wipers will have less ressistance and work faster. The other is if you get stuck out in the rain and need wipers ,get out and pull off the passenger side arm. This cuts the work in half that the vacume motor has to do. You will be surprised how well it will work with one blade.
    Roger
  • ESSX28-1
    ESSX28-1 Senior Contributor
    The other is if you get stuck out in the rain and need wipers ,get out and pull off the passenger side arm. This cuts the work in half that the vacume motor has to do. You will be surprised how well it will work with one blade.
    Roger
    The old "one arm bandit trick" Get an Essex & one arm is all you'll ever need!! LOL
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