Windshield wiper line install

[BVZ24]

I'm trying to install a new vacuum line for my windshield wiper in a finished car. I was able to determine the old vacuum line has a tear somewhere concealed in the windshield frame, requiring replacement. Is there a way to replace the wiper line without removing the interior of the car or the windshield?

I'm not able to remove the windshield because the wood has degraded and the previous restorer used nuts and washers on top of the wood to hold it in. I don't think I'll be able to get the windshield back in, and I'm not able to replace the wood in the car at this time, I will revisit that idea in a couple of years.

I tried using the old line to pull a new one but I get stuck on the first corner. I should also be able to pull a string using the old line, but I suspect I'll get stuck more because of the difference in diameter from string to line. Has anyone found a good way to replace this line in a finished car?

 

[Brentwood Bob]

Since it is a solid line, it will be a project.

 

[BVZ24]

The existing and replacement lines are both flexible rubber hose.

 

[Bob C]

As far as I know the rubber hose should go straight across the top of the windshield.

 

[bobbader]

It appears your old line might be incorrect. Assuming this is a Tudor Or Fordor Sedan, or a coupe, all the vacuum lines are accessible. The first steel line runs from a fitting in the intake manifold to a fitting on the driver’s side of the firewall.
The second steel line runs from that same fitting inside the firewall, just under the gas tank on the passenger side, then up the outside of the windshield post (under the garnish molding). It makes a 90 degree bend at the top of the post and ends about 2-3 inches later. From there, thin 1/8” rubber vacuum hose runs in between the top of the windshield frame and the upper hinge …… in full view with the windshield open …… and over to the wiper motor. Most closed car wiper motors mount on the outside of the windshield frame so there is a hole in the frame close to the wiper motor for the hose to exit the frame and attach to the wiper motor. Some inside mounted wiper motors do have a hole in the header for the hose to come through. This is usually only on 1931 Slant windshield Fordors, Victorias, and A400 models.

Since the former owner mounted the windshield to the header, perhaps he took some liberty with mounting the wiper hose as well.

 

[Phil Brown]

Here are a few pics of the line routing from my coupe before the disassembly they might help ya with the above description

 

[BVZ24]

It looks like my old line is in the wrong place then. I can pull it out rather easily from either end. I attempted to pull a new line this way but could not round the corner and didn't want to break the pull line.
Run correctly, it goes between the moulding and the A pillar? The moulding ends roughly 1/4" from the top of the windshield and the line leaves the moulding, travels on top of the windshield to the wiper? What would fasten the line in place to prevent it from falling into a pinch point when the windshield closes?

The overall impression I have on this car is that, while it looks great interior and exterior, it's a rather sloppy restoration, held together by farmer fixes and (literally) duct tape. My grandpa bought the car as-is at auction sight unseen, and sadly passed away before he could get the A running reliably enough to leave the neighborhood. He told the family very little of what was actually wrong with the car, likely to save himself the wraith of Grandma when she found out he brought another project home. I have been trying to fix things right for the last couple of years, but at 26 years old, I don't always have the cash to put towards it. I have it back on the road and have been on a couple of tours. I know I need to restore it again, right, someday. I have agreed to help an older member of the club as an apprentice so to speak, and the knowledge is valuable. I appreciate any help that I can get, and the local club has been a huge help.

 

[bobbader]

The rubber hose that runs between the a pillar and the wiper motor is held in place by 2clips that are fastened in place by two of the screws that hold windshield hinge in place. Since you have a problem getting these out, you’ll need to fashion a new way to attach the clips. The clips are listed in most parts catalogs. Sorry, I do not have part numbers handy.

 

[Gene F]

Doesn't the he moulding come off when you slide the windshield out? That will get you vertical up to the horizontal header.