Brains Trust Help - Vacuum Wipers

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Tony

Is your problem that they don't work or cosmetic restoration? Next question is how often do you drive in the rain?

Reason I ask is that the standard/original 216 engine just doesn't have enough vacuum under load to make even brand new vacuum wipers work except when going down hill or with the engine at idle. I've cleaned and lubricated the units and concentrated on a cosmetic restoration of the originals.

What I have found that actually works is RainX really good on the reverse slope CMP windshields. Do both inside and outside of the glass really does work even in heavy rain.

The other fix is up engine to a 261 my C60S now has enough vacuum that the wipers work almost anytime up hill, down hill, on the flat etc.

Cheers Phil

[Ganmain Tony]

Good point Phil........the answer to driving in the rain is not very often.

I do want to fix them though simply because it annoys me not having them working.

I did get caught on the trip to Batemans Bay where I had a deadline (Anzac Day) and simply had to take on about 2 hours of driving in the rain. Obviously the wipers did not work.

To get out of this jam. In desperation, Max told me the old trick that Model T owners use/d.

The trick was to cut a potatoe in half and rub the out side of the windscreen glass with the cut surface of the spud. This worked a treat. Simply did not allow the water to bead on the windscreen and I was able to see out of it easily.

Having said that, I'd still like to know a source for kits.

[Jim Price]

I've got an F8 and cleaned up and reassembled both wiper units only to find one did not work. Took it apart again and found that the "rocker" arm needed adjusting. It wouldn't close on one side so the other could open. I forget exactly what it needed but in any case it worked after I tinkered with it.

Not sure but Mac's in New York state may have some parts.

Regards,
Jim

[Ken Hughes]

Hi tony,my wipers work ok now after spraying CRC up the vacuum pipe and working it back and forward to lubricate ,work fine now,probably just dry.

[BCA]

I do have NOS vacuum wiper motors that I service with the correct Trico grease to be sure they are working properly. (they have some flaking paint from loose storage and while there are left and right hand versions I only have one side - not a problem since it is just the direction of the rubber hose fitting). $70 each.
For the wiper motor enthusiast I do have the special Trico screwdriver for those odd screwheads that hold the all Trico motors together. $10. Plus a stock of NOS Trico wiper blades, arms and acorn nuts for the wiper arm. PM me for further enquiries
...... Brian

[Grant Bowker]

Brian,
For those of us in Ontario/Quebec, do you have enough of the screwdrivers that you will be likely to have some available for the OMVA winter swap (presumably February in Acton)? Or is this a special "act now or miss your chance" offer?
Thanks.

[BCA]

Hi Grant,
I've saved you a screwdriver to deliver at the next show but the action has been swift on the others.
Thanks, Brian