1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

[Greg Madden]

Over the years, I've collected a number of windshield wiper motor/washer solenoid assemblies for my two 1969 Vettes. However, the white plastic pieces are usually damaged. Are there any NOS parts around or has anyone repro'd (or successfully repaired) these parts?

Regards,

- Greg

[Robert C.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

Greg, I've collected the same wiper/washer parts for mostly 70-72s. The white plastic parts are the hardest to find. NOS stuff almost gone. Especially 69 stuff,one year only parts! You can find these pieces at big Corvette swap meets, Like Bloomington, Carlisle etc. I would put an ad in the NCRS Driveline, "wanted parts" area. I can quarantee calls. Also try Paragon's vintage dept (used/nos stuff). Joe Lucia , who is our resident guru, especially 69s, may have some ideas for you.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

Greg-----

If you search the world for NOS component parts for this solenoid assembly, you will probably end up in dismal failure. That's because component parts of this assembly were NEVER available from GM. It was serviced as an assembly, only. This part has been discontinued for better than 20 years.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

I've been told that 69 Camaro's with the hide-away headlight option used washers, and also used the same pump as the 69 Corvette. This might be urban myth, as I'm no Camaro expert. Just maybe, some Camaro guy might have one laying around. Just a thought.

I remember talking to a fellow years ago about 53-54 Corvette Wonderbar radios. He said that there should be no problem finding them, as every Packard Caribbean Convertible used one. How many Packard Caribbean's have you seen in the junkyard lately? I think Packard Caribbean convertibles are probably rarer than 53 and 54 Corvettes. Chuck

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

Greg:

Depending upon which plastic pieces are broken some are repairable. I have been successful in fixing the outlet stem from my 69. This is usually what breaks first since someone always tries to pull off the rubber hoose by yanking as hard as he can - instantant breakage. Give me some more detail and maybe we can figure something out. That solenoid is really some contraption isn't it. It's no wonder that they only used it for one year. I had mine completely apart and I refurbished it so it works great now (although it's really never used). You can find complete units at swap meets like Bloomington but they are usually in worse shape than what you have and you'll need a home equity loan to buy one. I hope I can help you.

Jeff

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

Chuck et al,

Some 1969 Caprice's also had hide-a-way headlamp washers. You should see the vacuum system on those things. Only once have I seen one, and unfortunately didn't pay attention to the windshield washer pump. Some of the photos in the 1969 FSM are of that system. Strange vacuum relay valves with what appears to be a manual over ride. Look - it will cheer you up - you could be trying to restore one of them. Would be a nice ride with BB, though.

I'll bet many of you saw the same car for sale sitting on a hill in a town in central Illinois the last weekend in June 1999.

My hunch is finding useable windshield washer pump from 1969 Caprice with headlamp washers might rate right along with that illusive Packard radio.

Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

Jeff, et al------

Usually, the problem with repairing any of these windshield washer pump plastic components is the type of plastic that they're made from. I believe that it is either nylon or polypropylene. These plastics are just about the most difficult of all plastics to repair. There is no adhesive that I am aware of that will permanently bond to these materials and create a strong repair. Even epoxies will usually not bond.

[Greg Madden]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

Yes, the outlet stem on one is broken off but still there. Another one I have is missing a piece. Do you know of an adhesive that works?

Anyone know what it would take to do a mold for this part so they could be reproduced? Having a commercial shop do the mold would probably be prohibitive so it would probably have to be someone in the hobby who would do it for 'fun'.

Regards,

- Greg

[Jerry Clark]

Re: 1969 Windshield Washer Solenoid Assy

Trust me Greg, there is no "fun" in the fabrication of any mold, if that were the case there would be an all but unlimited supply of reproduction parts available.

jerry