Fuel pump h***les with a 53 Buick straight 8 I bought recently. The original dual function, fuel and wiper va***n, pump has been disconnected and a 6 volt electric pump plumbed in (powered direct off the coil no less!) and then another one plumbed in line after the 1st electric pump failed. Now the 2nd electric pump has failed and I have the dilema of going back to an original mechanical pump or correctly wiring another 6 volt electric pump? The dilema is based around the wiper va***n side on the mechanical pump, when the va***n is working properly how decent are the wipers as it rains over here every now and then? If I go for the electric pump I've got no wipers and I might need to then convert to 12 volts for decent wipers which I'd prefer not to do. A couple of questions arise, any sources for either rebuilt pumps or rebuild kits (only found Kanter Auto) and what do you do with your starter motor when converting to 12 volts? Thanks
Vac wipers are pretty hokey. Just use RainX. I'd recommend an electric back by the tank and re-hook-up your mechanical pump. Yes, you'd now be running two pumps. Use a regulator set up just ahead of the carb.
Swap up to 12V. You'll have to step down voltage to your gauges and replace your bulbs, but there are generator-looking alternators out there now that'll make this a snap. Don't worry about the starter- It'll turn faster but won't get cooked. You'll appreciate the 12V wipers and the ability to plumb in other modern electronic components, like a stereo or aftermarket accessories. Great car by the way...I'm doing a '50 Super.... Scotch~!
Thanks Gentlemen, Is there any known donor vehicles for an electric wiper swap for a 53 buick as aftermarket kits are ****** expensive, someone must have done it? Same goes for the generator, any known alternators that can be fitted inside the original generator casing? One last one, 6 volts fuel pumps, where can you get em, UK or USA? Need a quick fix to be to Thorney Island next weekend!! Cheers Gotzy
Most English stuff from the 50s on has rack n pinion type electric wiper systems that can be shortened or lengthened to fit just about anything. If you need opposing wipers then the wheel boxes can be inverted no problem. There is a company that will make you up a new system they are called SVC and do most of the major shows. I have the phone no. at home, pm me if you want to try them. Think they do voltage drop stuff to.
gotzy,___go to the buick parts section in hemmings motor news, there are people that advertise for for rebuilding fuel pumps there. try specialty power windows in forsyth, ga. they have an excellent electric wiper kit. good luck_____________dan
Cheers KoppaK, found SVC details (http://www.s-v-c.co.uk) and they'll be at the Supernationals as well. Found a fuel pump that will suit my needs perfectly (JC Whitney #ZX730906P) for $40 to sort me out until I decide to 12v or not. Thanks everyone
Every now and then are you taking the piss I have used a mini wiper motor and wheel boxes for the Pontiac and it works great, a lot cheaper than buying new from SVA. just cut up some 5/16 tube and flared the ends for the cable to run through. As for the starter 6v works fine on a 12v system.
i have a 53' buick and just installed my new 12v wiper motor from night prowlers ( http://www.thenightprowlers.com/ ). it bolted right up in less than 5 mins. just remind him you have linkage when you order it or whichever you have, apparently theres two types.
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