50 Merc - windshield washer - how

P

Paul Bennett

Well-known member
I just changed the wiper blades, noticing washer nozzles on the wipers. Of course the washer bottle is long gone.

Guess you can tell I'm down to nitty gritty small nutz crap. I have the wheel alignment in 2-3 days and new tires in 2-3 weeks ... but right now I still have momentum, fantastic weather and enjoy the daily puttering.

Most washers now days contain an electric pump but I doubt early cars did. Assuming some form of vacuum arrangement, how did the washer system work? Or am I making wrong assumptions.

Bottle/holders ... ebay for used, I'm seeing mostly GM stuff. Is that another source. I'll take my time on purchase but right now like to know how they worked.
 
Seriously doubt that your car ever had one. Most if not all came with the wiper towers containing the washer nozzle in anticipation that the washers would be dealer installed.
The washers operated on vacuum that powered a piston type pump inside the washer fluid bottle.
Also, your wiper switch should have the washer push button in the center of it.
These I believe were installed whether it was equipped with washers or not.

371736
 

Attachments

  • 1a wash.jpg
    1a wash.jpg
    32.4 KB · Views: 139
Last edited:
I bet trucks and cars have the same set up. My 1954 F900 has a kind of large glass
bottle looks more than a quart. Just above the dimmer switch is a "looks like a model
A starter button) you push with ya foot to squirt washer fluid. Think I'd search ebay for
"Ford truck windshield washer" Far as the glass bottle my 59 Lincoln has the same big
bottle 'or jar' Mercurys as well but they were vacuum operated then they went to the
red bag FoMoCo clear vision around 1961 my mothers 1961 Lincoln had the bag, so I
guess its a 1950's item......... sam
 
51 MERC-CT said:
Seriously doubt that your car ever had one. Most if not all came withe the wiper tower containing the washer nozzle in anticipation that the washers would be dealer installed.
The washers operated on vacuum that powered a piston type pump inside the washer fluid bottle.

371736
Click to expand...

Thats correct . My 58 Mercury had that system as well as 57 Linc & Merc so
I think this would be a good chance for a dealer thing for early 50's
but my truck has it non vacuum. My avitar is the one and the squirt thingy is on the
hood. sam
 
They were mostly made by TRICO. Only the nozzle set up in the wiper towers was manufactured by Ford. The kits were similar for all auto manufacturers in the time frames that they've been available. I've seen similar TRICO set ups on 1946 Fords. The TRICO wiper systems date back to 1917.
 
Didn't mention that my car had several hoses from the wiper button into the engine compartment and paint evidence of once having a bottle. Daily driver - the only time I squirt my windows is when the dust becomes unbearable requiring window cleaning from within.



I doubt I will ever find a working pump tho but an electric pump isn't out of the question. But I thank y'all for the illustration showing the vacuum pump framus.
 
One line on the switch goes to the jar and the other line goes to the same vacuum source used for the wipers. The button in the center of the switch is spring loaded and when you push it in, it opens the vacuum line to the jar. The same jar was used in multiple applications by numerous manufactures....just different labels. It's like they were the only game in town in the 50's.

A couple on e-bay :

https://www.ebay.com/itm/51-52-53-5...700045?hash=item3d71d3a20d:g:wqYAAOSwKARbWPyy

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1951-1952-...531081?hash=item2cd5343b49:g:KrMAAOSwlzZbGt5u
 

Attachments

  • DSCN8508.jpg
    DSCN8508.jpg
    35.2 KB · Views: 24
  • DSCN8509.jpg
    DSCN8509.jpg
    48.2 KB · Views: 23
  • DSCN8510.jpg
    DSCN8510.jpg
    52 KB · Views: 22
  • DSCN8513.jpg
    DSCN8513.jpg
    31.4 KB · Views: 20
Last edited:
There are lots of used ones on eBay but I don't know of any rebuild kits available for these.
Rob
 
My '55 Mercury Montclair had the same type glass jar on the left inner fender, however there were no vacuum hoses used. There was a small electric motor on top of the lid for the jar that was run by a small button switch in the center of the wiper control knob on the dash. Assuming this was a factory set-up.


Sal
 
scicala said:
My '55 Mercury Montclair had the same type glass jar on the left inner fender, however there were no vacuum hoses used. There was a small electric motor on top of the lid for the jar that was run by a small button switch in the center of the wiper control knob on the dash. Assuming this was a factory set-up.


Sal
Click to expand...

55 was still 6 volt so that would work.
 
51 MERC-CT said:
Yes,still 6 volt but if hooked up to 12 volts, now Ya' have a pressure washer :):D
Click to expand...

(6 volts for ever) If he converts it to 12 volt those bugs don't stand a chance of staying on the windshield....not to mention a coupe of presses on the button the bottle will be empty!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top