Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator rod

[Michael M.]

I am trying to undo some things that the PO did to my wiper system on my 68. The pivot rod coming off of the wiper linkage through the firewall will not reach the wiper door actuator rod, even with the long adjusting nut and with the wiper door closed and the actuating rod retracted into the cannister. I figure either the actuator rod has been broken off or the pivot rod from the wiper linkage has been broken off. I am not sure which though, as the prior owner had it jury rigged.

Pictures of new wiper door actuators (in parts catalogs) appear to have several inches of threads on the actuator rod. The actuator rod on my car only has about 1/2" of threads on it and when it is retracted the threads fully disappear into the cannister. Similarly the pivot rod threads attached to the linkage measure only about 1/2" in length. Can anyone tell me whether the actuator rod or the pivot rod have been broken (or both possibly) based on the length of the threads? Thanks for any replies.

[Richard F.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

Michael, I looked at the original stuff from my June, 68 car. The linkage rod has an inch and a quarter of left hand threads. The rod on my actuator, which is obviously broken off, is even more pitiful than yours. It hasn't even three-eighths of an inch of threads.

[Michael M.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

Richard, thanks for the response. So it seems the linkage rod is broken, but I am still confused about the actuator rod? Should the actuators have several inches of threads? Just because the new ones being sold have lots of thread doesn't mean that that's the way they were 40 years ago, of course there is no way I could fit a lock nut and an adjusting nut on the little bit left on the threads of the actuator as idicated in the AIM.

So Richard, did the actuator rod on your car break or are you saying it used to be 1/2" or so and has worn down a little? I may be talking myself into a new actuator but they ain't cheap!

[Richard F.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

Michael, I'm saying that I can see that mine is broken off. I don't know what it was originally. I jumped in because I figured not everybody has a complete 68 setup sitting in their basement like I do. Getting somebody to go out to the garage to dismantle and measure one may not be that easy. Looking at the picture of the actuator in Paragon's catalog, I'd estimate that the threaded portion is around an inch.

[Michael M.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

OK, gotcha. I didn't expect anyone to dismantle anything I just figured someone could tell me about how long the threads were supposed to be. I appreciate you jumping in and helping out. Thanks.

[Richard F.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

Somebody still may. Maybe everybody but us is busy chilling champagne for tonight. In any case, us poor wretches that have 68's gotta stick together.

[Michael M.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

Yes, and our cars will now be considered 40 years old (no matter the build date). I love my car, but boy these 68's can be a challenge.

[John C.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

Micheal

My 68 actuator rod has 1 inch of threaded length before the jam nut + whatever is under it and the adjusting nut.

John

[Jim T.]

Re: Amount of threads on 68 wiper door actuator ro

Michael the rod coming out of the vacuum cannister of my 68 broke in late 1973 or early 74. No NCRS back then and the importance of keeping everything original. I just went to my local Chev dealer and bought a new replacement. This replacement was the later pie-pan style that came with a mounting bracket. It is still fully functional today. Wish I would of kept the original vacuum cannister and tried some J-B Weld on the shaft to see if it would work. My original owner 68 will be 40 in FEB.

[Michael M.]

Thanks to all for the responses *NM*

[Terry F.]

Re: Thanks to all for the responses

Are you looking for the measurement of the wiper door mechanism rod and the wiper door pneumatic actuator?? Let me know, I have a 68 set up sitting near by. Terry

[Michael M.]

Re: Thanks to all for the responses

Terry, I think I have my answer but if it is no trouble double confirmation can't hurt.

I believe the pivot rod coming off the wiper door linkage has broken off, I also believe the wiper door actuator rod has broken off. In both instances, some threads are left, but I beleive not all. Both my actuator rod and pivot rod have only about 1/2" of threads.

Richard indicates, that the pivot rod has approx. 1 1/4" of threads on it. I am assuming that my actuator rod should have more than 1/2" of threads but further confirmation would be helpful. Thanks.

[Terry F.]

Re: Thanks to all for the responses

I have an original 68 set up. I will get it measured here in a little bit. If I forget, remind me. It is clasic for them to be broken off. People would work on them and not know which way to turn the nuts. Being rusted on so tightly It was hard to tell without really looking at the threads and many people just jumped in and started reefing on the stuff. It is all soft steel and will not take any abuse. I am trying to clean off my desk which is a total mess. Terry