65 washer question

[John C.]

Hey guys, quick question. I have an unrestored 65 vert and have spent the last couple years trying to get the few items that were incorrect replaced with correct parts with correct dates, ie, alternator, carb, water pump, etc. Here's my question, the original washer bag is still in place, but I can see a small split in one of the seams and figure it most likely isn't water tight. I also haven't checked the washer pump which I feel certain would need rebuilding.
So, in an attempt to keep the car as original as possible, would you suggest leaving the original washer bag even though it isn't water tight, or, replace it with a correct new replacement ? Also, as I understand it, judges will accept original parts on a car and not deduct points for parts that are original to the car, but, in this case, it would be impossible to check the washer pump since the "original" washer bag won't hold fluid ??????? How is this handled in the judging world ?
JC

[Leif A.]

Re: 65 washer question

Hey guys, quick question. I have an unrestored 65 vert and have spent the last couple years trying to get the few items that were incorrect replaced with correct parts with correct dates, ie, alternator, carb, water pump, etc. Here's my question, the original washer bag is still in place, but I can see a small split in one of the seams and figure it most likely isn't water tight. I also haven't checked the washer pump which I feel certain would need rebuilding.
So, in an attempt to keep the car as original as possible, would you suggest leaving the original washer bag even though it isn't water tight, or, replace it with a correct new replacement ? Also, as I understand it, judges will accept original parts on a car and not deduct points for parts that are original to the car, but, in this case, it would be impossible to check the washer pump since the "original" washer bag won't hold fluid ??????? How is this handled in the judging world ?
JC

If you somehow can't "fuse" the seam on the original bag, I would certainly buy a quality reproduction and take the minor point(s) hit. If the bag doesn't hold water you will lose more points during operations check for non-functioning washers...just MHO.

[John C.]

Re: 65 washer question

Thanks Leif ! Just hate to discard the original bag even though it isn't water tight. The mere fact it has been hanging there for 50 years is pretty cool. BTW, any favorites on a supplier for the pump rebuild kit ?
JC

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 washer question

Thanks Leif ! Just hate to discard the original bag even though it isn't water tight. The mere fact it has been hanging there for 50 years is pretty cool. BTW, any favorites on a supplier for the pump rebuild kit ?
JC

John------


You might be able to repair the washer fluid bag with some modern adhesive material. However, you'll be fighting a losing battle. The kind of material these bags were made of usually hardens and becomes brittle over time. So, new leaks will be right around the corner and, at some point, the bag might even "crumble". So, I'd say that that if you don't care about a working washer, leave it as-is. If you want a working washer, get a reproduction bag. Some things just wear out and cannot be restored.

[John C.]

Re: 65 washer question

With the advice given by the friendly NCRS guru's, I think what I'll do is buy a new bag, get the pump working, ( I assume it doesn't work ) so I'll know that it's in working order and then reinstall the original bag just because it's the original bag even though it leaks. If someone down the road wants it working again, all they'll have to do is reinstall the new bag.
Thx Leif and Joe !
JC

[Mike M.]

Re: 65 washer question

i'd insert a zip-lock type bag inside the original. i've had a bunch of c-2's with washer fluid bags(as opposed the the plastic reservoir that the non-c-60 and non 396's were born with). all the bags were 50+ years old and still hold water. they are still pretty pliable too. so just get a plastic bag, insert it in your original bag, fill the inserted bag with washer fluid and forget it. unless its to be judged, then the judges may discover your inserted bag when they check for the filter being copper vs plastic generic filter. mike

[John C.]

Re: 65 washer question

Good idea ! BTW, of the 65's, which ones had a bag vs a bottle ? Maybe mine isn't original. My car is a L-79 (300/327)
JC

[Leif A.]

Re: 65 washer question

Good idea ! BTW, of the 65's, which ones had a bag vs a bottle ? Maybe mine isn't original. My car is a L-79 (300/327)
JC

Does it, also, have factory AC?

[Tom D.]

Re: 65 washer question

Bags went with the big block '65s (396) and those with C60 Air Cond., right?

[Mike M.]

Re: 65 washer question

Good idea ! BTW, of the 65's, which ones had a bag vs a bottle ? Maybe mine isn't original. My car is a L-79 (300/327)
JC

all the 65 396 equipped vets and any sbc 65's with AC would have had the bag vs a plastic jug/container. mike

[John C.]

Re: 65 washer question

Yes, it does have factory air. Thx Mike !
JC