… this is how I got my vac wipers working, or better, moving, at least for the road inspection next November. Either the gas pump doesn’t provide enough vac or the vac motor is bad. I already dis***embled it, got it properly cleaned and lubbed. The seals appear to be good, but the wipers don’t go all the way around. I installed new stiff hoses with brace clamps to minimize leaks, but it did no good. Then I got thinking about an auxiliary vac source. I have an old air horn electric motor. Of course it only blows air, doesn’t **** it, originally. But I tapped the air inlet, screwed in a br*** pipe and hooked a hose to it. Then I installed a br*** tee and now the vac motor gets ****ed by two sources: the gas pump and the electric horn motor. This way the wipers go all the way around, but this “thing” won’t work for long, as the electric engine wasn’t build to work for long periods of time, but for short horn bursts. I know some are gonna say “get and electric wiper”, and maybe I will, but I’m still gonna try the vac canister solution. Can someone point a build thread on this topic? I only find people that have bought the canisters. I’d like a diy solution, since I’m always on a budget and have recently spent cash on a new water pump (85 for the part and 58(!) for shipping it), plus the body work and paint from the accident, plus the heater radiator recore, and so forth. Thanks.
GM cars from the 1960's well into the 1970's had those vacuum cans that mounted to the firewall. They look like a shortened Progresso soup can. I'm sure you can find one of those. I'm going electric on my '59 since I'm not sure how much vacuum I'll have with the cam I'll be using.
I'll probably do electric also, but in a couple of months. It wil be expensive for me. I'm guessing ~200$ for the parts (Newport), ~50$ for shipping, and 23% of all that for customs fees, so about 300$.. I had a EU GM recently (Opel 1968), and it didnt had that canister. What was it for? Brakes?
Great idea, 12 volt vacuum pumps can be bought new for very little money. https://www.google.com/shopping/pro....5&ei=EP8zVNmcHK_bsASVhYHYAw&ved=0CJUBEKYrMAA
I have one saved somewhere in my favorites, not sure if its aftermarket or what, but goes for around $200.
Rui: I don't know if this guy is still in business, but I purchased his wiper ***embly for my 55 about 8 years ago and it is still working great. It is a 12 volt, 2 speed system. He supplies the switch and modified arms. The motor is some later model Ford unit with a bracket. Bolts right in. I think I paid $ 145.00 back then. Don's Wipers 25110 Marks Way West Harrison, IN 47060 Tel: 812 637 1742 No e mail
Thanks 55Brodie. I'll probably end up going electric, but I'm still working on a canister solution. The previous one didnt have a check valve so I'm throwing one in. Is a bigger better as far as canisters are concerned? Thanks.
Hi Rui, I like your way of thinking. Vacuum canisters were common on cars with cruise control, which helped keep a reserve of vacuum to maintain a constant speed.
OK thanks. Right now my vac setup is working nicely, without electrical aid and without a canister. I cant recall which hamber proposed this neither when did he wrote it (I look at so many different threads and posts that I get lost), but someone adviced the use of gear oil (a teas**** I recall) on the vac engine. I tryed it and the benefits were imediate. I guess this thicker oil helps seal the engine's "flapper" (sorry dont know the part's name) and the depression makes her thing...but with a trick: I removed the original trico springs on the wipers arms and installed weaker springs. The first ones push the blades too hard against the windshield. I know this is an issue which has been talked about many times, so sorry for keeping at it. It might help some new guy out tough... Regards
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