Vacuum Wiper

Karl

Karl

Well-known member
Based on a previous post I worked some ATF into the wiper a few days ago. Made a huge difference the wiper is now much faster than previously It does slow on accleration and hill climbing but still works under these conditions and even then still faster than the old replacement electric wiper. Thanks for the tip. Karl
 
Bick in New Zealand said:
Atf?
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Bick -Automatic Transmission fluid . Made a huge difference I'm now considering putting an original vacuum wiper on the Phaeton as well. Currently it has a modern 6v wiper on it. I got a rebuild OD 3 from Mick Ishbell and installed it but it was painfully slow and kept sticking -I suspect it was something to do with the fact that the windscreen (shield for our USA friends) frame contains quite a bit of Bondo hence earthing might have been an issue . The modern one is back on but I'm on the look out for an original vacuum now -Karl
 
I use 3 and 1 oil but ATF should work. The original Trico oil is similar to 3 and 1 oil. Hook a rubber tube up to the wiper and maually work the wiper blade. This will cause the wiper to "suck" though the rubber tube. Put the end in some 3 and 1 oil or ATF fluid and suck some into your wiper motor. Inside your motor is a leather rectangular "paddle" that swipes in a semi arc inside the half circle case. The oil helps to keep this paddle pliable whic provides a better seal between the paddle and the case.
 
Does anyone have a good Trico vacuum wiper body for a 31 roadster? I have two but both are too warped to be rebuilt.

ken
 
MrTube said:
our 31 A pickup has an electric wiper, is this not original?
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Nope. Ford went to Trico Vacuum wipers to save money in 1930 and stuck with them for 20 years. Up until recently I would have said that an electric wiper was much better than a vacuum but a good vacuum wiper seems as good as the electrics I have had. The vacuum mechanism and principle appeals to me as a neat way of making the wiper work . Karl
 
Most of you probably already know this, but the "speed" of a vacuum wiper can be adjusted by how far the on-off mechanism is pulled out. It doesn't have to be all the way on or off.
 
Based on the comments from this forum, I was encouraged and confident enough to take apart my vacuum wiper, clean it out and oil it. WOW - what a huge difference. I even kept the old gaskets which were in pretty good condition. Before the wiper was sluggish at best and now it works like a charm. You can vary the speed by adjusting the knob travel. Very cool!
 
Dennis L Oberer said:
I added a vacuum tank and that residual vacuum helps the wiper stay running when I step on the gas.


Dennis L Oberer
Green Bay WI
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Using a vacuum tank is a really good idea Dennis. What did you use for a tank? Send that to our editor to include in the "Nickle "A" News". Don/WI
 
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