Wiper motor repair

[Wayne Kever]

The wiper motor on our '54 is not feeling well. The wipers go up part way and then stop. Have not yet tried bypassing the switch, but right now I'm betting it is the motor. I found a web page on the repair of Thunderbird vacuum wiper motors. They describe basically taking it apart, cleaning out old grease, re-greasing and re-assembling (being very careful to not lose any of the gasket pieces). I've included the URL for the Tbird wiper motor page.

Has anyone on the list repaired their early Corvette vacuum wiper motor themselves? Anything in particular to watch out for? Are there kits for this purpose with new gaskets?

- Wayne


T-bird wiper motor repair

[Joe L.]

Re: Wiper motor repair

Wayne----

I know next to nothing about these early, vacuum type windshield wiper motors. However, I've never seen a kit for repairing them available in the Corvette "parts universe". However, if I were you I'd scour the pages of Hemmings Motor News. These vacuum motors were prevalent on many early cars and I'd bet that there is someone that either rebuilds them and/or provides parts to do so. It's just that in the Corvette "parts universe" the market for parts like these would be VERY small. But, in the larger "vintage automobile parts universe", there is probably sufficient demand to sustain vendors. That's where Hemmings comes in.

[Joe L.]

Re: Wiper motor repair

Wayne----

I know next to nothing about these early, vacuum type windshield wiper motors. However, I've never seen a kit for repairing them available in the Corvette "parts universe". However, if I were you I'd scour the pages of Hemmings Motor News. These vacuum motors were prevalent on many early cars and I'd bet that there is someone that either rebuilds them and/or provides parts to do so. It's just that in the Corvette "parts universe" the market for parts like these would be VERY small. But, in the larger "vintage automobile parts universe", there is probably sufficient demand to sustain vendors. That's where Hemmings comes in.

[Larry M.]

Re: Wiper motor repair

I have a '54 Vette wiper motor that I have rebuilt three times over 15 years. These wiper motors are easy to rebuild and there is not much to them. Take the wiper motor off from under the hood and disassemble noting where all screw and bolts go. Then remove and clean all residual grease from inside the wiper motor. Next remove and clean where all gaskets were and make new ones from materials available at the auto parts store. Cutting these new gaskets is best done with a razor knife. Next put a thin coating of lubricating grease inside the wiper motor box where the movable flap is and ensure that it glides smoothly. Reassemble the wiper motor and and reinstall. It is now ready for use and should work smoothly. After reassembly of the wiper motor it can be tested before installing it on the car by attaching a rubber vacuum hose from the wiper motor to the manifold. Obviously do this with the car engine running. Contact me if you have any questions.

[Larry M.]

Re: Wiper motor repair

I have a '54 Vette wiper motor that I have rebuilt three times over 15 years. These wiper motors are easy to rebuild and there is not much to them. Take the wiper motor off from under the hood and disassemble noting where all screw and bolts go. Then remove and clean all residual grease from inside the wiper motor. Next remove and clean where all gaskets were and make new ones from materials available at the auto parts store. Cutting these new gaskets is best done with a razor knife. Next put a thin coating of lubricating grease inside the wiper motor box where the movable flap is and ensure that it glides smoothly. Reassemble the wiper motor and and reinstall. It is now ready for use and should work smoothly. After reassembly of the wiper motor it can be tested before installing it on the car by attaching a rubber vacuum hose from the wiper motor to the manifold. Obviously do this with the car engine running. Contact me if you have any questions.

[Jack H.]

Re: Wiper motor repair

If memory serves, in addition to the advice you've gotten here, there are several 'how-to/step-by-step' articles on this subject in Restorer magazine. The web home page has a facility to search past issues by title/subject. It won't actually display the article(s), but will give you date/vol specifics so you can contact NCRS Cincy to order a reprint.

[Jack H.]

Re: Wiper motor repair

If memory serves, in addition to the advice you've gotten here, there are several 'how-to/step-by-step' articles on this subject in Restorer magazine. The web home page has a facility to search past issues by title/subject. It won't actually display the article(s), but will give you date/vol specifics so you can contact NCRS Cincy to order a reprint.