My 56 has vacuum wipers No good?

Old Redneck

Old Redneck

Well-known member
I am thinking about changing them to Electric wipers 12 volts. Any of you ever done this.Are the electric wipers kits the same from most dealers. I have been buying parts from Tee Bird in West Chester, Pa.Also where the best place to buy NOS dash gauges I need to replace some of mine. Now where the best place to get the interior. Is ABC still in business??? The car needs lots of TLC Tender loven care. It not a bad looking car just been sitting for several years.Here a cople of picture of it I hope.
 

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That CV looks pretty good!

I had my Fairlane wipers converted to electric, got the kit from Mac's but can't recollect the price. There are several suppliers for them but I don't know if they are all the same. Also got the front door panels and kick panels from Mac's. I had the other interior panels & pieces redone locally. I'll post some pics in my album later tonight after work.

I replaced the NOS gages with Stewart Warner Vintage Wings style, except the speedo head which I had rebuilt by Bob's Speedometer Service (he's local to me but somebody said he advertises in Hemmings).

Ron
 
I have the Newport Engineering electric wiper set up on three cars ( one a 54 Ford)and I am very happy with all three. Installation is not that difficult, but much easier if you take the seat out so you have room to work.

The guy who ran ABC (sold to Lebaron-Bonney) still is in business as Ron's Auto Upholstry and advertises 55/56 Merc interiors. In Phil. PA. 215-289-0577. His ad does not say he has ford panels. Maybe just LeBaron-Bonney has the Ford stuff.
 
I always see the guy from the ABC at the All fords Show at Carsile , Pa every year . It's in a couple weeks . June 4, 5, 6 I think but that weekend in June . He always has tons of seat cover and door panels too .

Jim
 
redneck said:
i am thinking about changing them to electric wipers 12 volts. Any of you ever done this.are the electric wipers kits the same from most dealers. I have been buying parts from tee bird in west chester, pa.also where the best place to buy nos dash gauges i need to replace some of mine. Now where the best place to get the interior. Is abc still in business??? The car needs lots of tlc tender loven care. It not a bad looking car just been sitting for several years.here a cople of picture of it i hope.
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redneck i installed my wiper kit from newport they are terrific however i would advise you to get the extra & that is the delay this means you can set your wipers for any speed,ect light showers trev
 
52merc said:
redneck i installed my wiper kit from newport they are terrific however i would advise you to get the extra & that is the delay this means you can set your wipers for any speed,ect light showers trev
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Yup- I've installed a total of 5 of their conversions, I wouldn't use anyone else's. By all means, get the delay option- you'll never look back...
 
I use RAIN X Man, that stuff is excellent. Use it on my daily drivers. After passing 18 wheelers in the rain on the freeway, and not seeing a whole lot, I tried it. Who needs wipers??
 
Biggest complaint I have about the wipers on my 55 is the wiper blades dont hold up too long and its too hard to find blade refills. If your vacuum checks out okay, its pretty easy to remove the vacuum motor and take the top off of it then try a little lube inside. Usually that helps out a lot. I still get wipers going full blast runnin 65mph down the highway
 
Like the guys above say, lube the vacuum motor, use Rain-exe, spend the money on something you really need. I buy wiper blades from the Ford truck vendors at the swap meets. Chrome plated backing, 12 inch blades, I think to fit a 49 through 52 truck.
 
Here's what John (streetdreams) over on the HAMB recommended when asked about the vacuum wipers:

    • Fill it up through the vacuum port with a mixture of 50/50 ATF and mineral spirits for about a day. Then drain it out, reinstall and it should work fine if there was anything left of the seals inside it. The ATF/spirits will clean, lube and swell the seals alittle.
 
steve fritz said:
What kind of lube do you guys use on the vacuum wiper motors and how do you apply it??? Thanks,
Steve
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Is the wiper motor still in the car? If so this has fixed a number of wipers motors in some early TBirds. Two people doing this is best. This will work if the problem is a dried out "sweeper" inside.

Pour some brake fluid in a small can or bottle. From the engine compartment, find the hose that goes to the wipers and disconnect it and then stick it in the brake fluid. You and your helper then manually work the wipers up and down about ten times. The wiper motion will suck up the brake fluid into the wiper motor. Place a rag under the wiper motor on the inside floor to catch any drips coming out of the wiper motor. Let it sit overnight. Then start the car and turn on the wipers. You will get some smoke out the tailpipe - this will go sway after a short time.

Other people have used ATF in place of the brake fluid.
 
I know it might work but I am not taking the chance. If My car was just a driver I might try it. I just got a electric wiper kit and that the way I am going to go. Thanks to all.It sure going to be a nice day here and I hope you have a nice day als,Isn't lift great.
 
redneck i used my newportsystem the other day in a mist they work great also if your not looking for stock chrome blades you can use modern replacements although black they work
 
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