Were the wiper door actuators for 68 originally painted black like the engine compartment or were they that gold cad color? Also, 68 wiper actuator boot was unique to 68 in that it had only a straight opening on each end, not lipped like 69 and later. I am looking for an original or original looking reproduction. Is there a source for these? Regards, Terry
-
-
Re: 68 wiper door actuator and boot.
The vacuum wiper door actuator was not installed when the engine compartment's black out was performed. Yes, originals were uniquely shaped for '68 vs. the '69-71E or '71L-72 versions of the acutuator.
Reproductions ARE available from various catalog houses offering C3 parts (e.g. Paragon, Corvette Central, Chicago Corvette) with a list price in the $235 range. To my knowledge, the reproduction is precise and garners full credit on the judging field, but others may have more knowledge here.
One last word, the repro actuator is VERY tight! Folks buying them often attempt to manually exercise them to verify operation before installation by sucking/blowing and think they've gotten a defective part. The first time we got one at our shop were were CONVINCED it was defective! But, the supplier told us to go ahead, install it and connect live vac to 'er before concluding it was 'bad'.
We went ahead and 'humored' them by installing it and, lo and behold, it worked like a CHARM with real McCoy engine system vacuum.... -
Re: 68 wiper door actuator and boot.
Terry
If you are referring to the accordian shaped dust boot, early 69's had the same straight shape (unlike all reproductions) and was held in place by a small screw at both ends. There should be a tapped hole on the flange of the acuator and also the metal ring on the firewall end.
Hope this helps.
Jeff SalzComment
-
Re: 68 wiper door actuator and boot.
Terry----
The wiper door actuators were definitely zinc plated with the gold irridite over-plate. They were NEVER painted black from the factory. Often times, as the original finish deteriorates and becomes somewhat "unsightly" folks will choose to paint the cannister black or some other color to "improve" its appearance. I've seen quite a few of these.
As far as the actuator rod boot goes, the 1968 and early 1969 design was unique. It was GM #3922348 and used the small screws for retention. This boot was discontinued from SERVICE in October, 1969 and replaced, for SERVICE, by the later 69 through 72 boot, GM #3966577. That part is still available from GM. As far as I know, the 68-E69 boot is not currently reproduced. It might be a good project for someone like Dr. Rebuild, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: 68 wiper door actuator and boot.
I see a few engine compartments from time to time with the canister painted. Just wondered if that was correct. I am half tempted to reproduce the rubber boot. It appeared to be dipped rubber, formed over a shape. I have the remnants of one it it seems to have a drip in the rubber (weird). Need to contact a rubber products manufacturer. If it was simple to tool up, a small production run might more than pay for itself.
I was always wondering about the two small screws that kept the boot on the flanges. I have found the holes drilled for them on some canisters and brackets but not all. Possibly I was looking at 69 brackets. I once saw a car with a large spring type hose clamps being used to keep the boot on the actuator (weird). Have looked a long time for a good boot....I find it interesting that the 68 judging manual does not include what I consider the more common unique details about the 68. There seems to be no limit to the 68 and its production changes. I have seen small variations in the frames of the pop out rear window. I have seen about 3 or 4 different headlight housings for 68. Those has an evolution all their own it seems.
Does anyone know if originally the hose ends that ran the acutator were "L" shaped or if the heater houses were the same way to clear the engine? Thank you for the comments, TerryComment
Comment