Wiper Weirdness

[Jack W.]

Re: Wiper Weirdness

This may not be the same as you are experiencing, but on my 65 the wiper switch is the culprit for sporadic operation and stopping of the wipers. the twist knob seems to be 'loose' inside the switch and one has to move it back and forth until the wipers work and then the same to get them to park. I have a new switch and just have to get the car back from transmission rebuilder to install it and see what happens.

[Jack W.]

[Frank E.]

Re: Wiper Weirdness

It's probably the old stiff grease and you can service that area without removing the entire motor. Just remove the washer pump cover and flush all the old grease out the area and re-grease..... I think you'll find that fixes your problem.

[Jack W.]

[Sven C.]

Re: Wiper Weirdness

Hi Jack,

If you have to end up removing the entire motor, I did this job last summer on my 1963 and it was my first time attempting it. There is probably a better way to do it, but this is how I tackled it. I disconnected the battery and the wiring to the motor. To access the mounting bolt and remove the entire motor, I removed the glove box, distributor cap and drivers side vertical shielding. I was able to access the mounting nuts through the glove box opening, but the ones on the drivers side were tough to get to. My wife helped and held onto the motor while I was loosening the nuts. There is also a "clip" that connects the "drive shaft" on the rear of the motor to the wiper arm linkage and is tricky to get off. Be careful not to lose it as there are a bunch of spots for that clip to disappear into. I was eventually able to wiggle the motor out from behind the distributor and it was a tight fit. Steve Hackel rebuilt the motor and did an awesome job!!! Had my wife hold the motor when I reinstalled it and again, the drivers side nuts were difficult to get on. I also found that the "clip" was a pain to get back on. Eventually got it all done and probably had about a total of 5 hours invested, but I took my time and made sure it was all right. Motor works great and hope never have to do it again. Again, this is how I did it and hopefully others who have better advice will chime in. Good luck.

[Jack W.]

[Frank E.]

Re: Wiper Weirdness

Frank,
i just watched a video that “kinda” showed a wiper motor install in a ‘63. It wasn’t very clear, but it appeared that the motor bolts through the firewall. If that’s the case, is there an easy way to access the bolts in the area behind the dash?

Not an easy job. See Sven’s comments #20. Do a search in youtube and you’ll find videos on troubleshooting and repair. As Jack said, glove box out and you might have to remove some duct work but as you get into this you’ll find out quickly what needs to be removed. Good luck

[Joe M.]

Re: Wiper Weirdness

Same with my 63, haven't used the wipers except to turn them on once in a great while to see them work. Tapping the motor worked for me to get it started. No longer need to do that. Also, to shut them off, it seems if I jiggle the push button it shuts off. The more the wiper is used the better it works...barring any obvious mechanical issues. Never had an issue with the wipers until it was no longer used as a normal car.

[Jack W.]

[Jack W.]

[Jack W.]

Re: Wiper Weirdness

Updating again:

After re-attaching the battery, I tried the wiper switch. The wipers did not activate, but pushing the washer button resulted in a click sound every time. That leads me to suspect that there is power to the unit.

I removed the washer unit outer cover to examine the lubricant. It was pretty bad. The grease was thick and clumped. So, I sprayed the mechanism with WD-40 and then wiped it, as best I could, with paper towels and Q-tips.

IMG_2418.jpg

Next, I’m going to reassemble the pump and see if it made a difference. If not, I’m going to yank the whole wiper mechanism and send it out for a refurbish.

Please, let me know if I’m missing anything.

Best,
Jack

O. K., lubricating the pump had no effect. Put it all back together.
This am I removed the wiper/washer unit. Planning to get it reconditioned.

Vette Wiper Assy.jpg

Does anyone have a recommendation as to the best place to have it serviced?

[Jack W.]