The Ford Barn

LizardsA · 07-12-2021, 08:50 AM

My '30 Sport Coupe has a Trico vacuum wiper motor that has stopped working. Despite several rebuild attempts, the wiper continues to not work. I have been in contact with Rob Ficken of the Wiperman, and he says the original motors cannot be rebuilt.
What would you suggest as a replacement wiper motor for this car please? I have included a picture of the motor so that you can see the style of the motor's body and the important attachment holes position

J Franklin · 07-12-2021, 11:22 AM

Unless your car is to be judged you can buy a similar trico that is close to the original They were era replacements.

LizardsA · 07-13-2021, 12:50 AM

J Franklin, no the car is only judged by me! Any idea who supplies the replacement Tricos? Where can I find these replscement units?

J Franklin · 07-13-2021, 10:56 AM

I bought one last on Ebay. You still have to do the usual searching. they were sold through the 1970's by a lot of parts houses.

katy · 07-13-2021, 11:14 AM

Is an 6 volt version available?

rotorwrench · 07-13-2021, 11:39 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Sometimes a decent NOS or core RCX-1 or KCX-1 will show up but it will take diligence in the search for one or the parts of one.

Just about anything can be rebuilt but that largely depends on the condition of its major parts. Flapper repair kits may still be available but a rusted out or excessively worn die cast body will nix an easy fix. Trico made a lot of units for different cars in that era but they would all be the same age and not likely any easier to find or even be modified to fit. The old military units for Jeeps and other vehicles are similar in size but there is always some difference that might shoot that idea down.

J Franklin · 07-13-2021, 01:13 PM

Maybe RainX would be a useful solution. A blanket statement that your wiper cannot be rebuilt is suspect at best. anything can be rebuilt with the right knowledge, equipment, and need. Maybe find out what has failed and start in that direction. Maybe parts from a different unit might work in yours. maybe 3D printing could build a broken part. Even better it might just need a good gentle cleaning and lubrication to get it working.

Gene F · 07-13-2021, 05:32 PM

If you drive your car electric is the way to go. They make them now that still allow for an operable windshield.

chrs1961815 · 07-13-2021, 06:02 PM

The only thing that can prevent a rebuild with vacuum motors is the body itself warping so badly that the paddle can't seal.

07-12-2021, 11:22 AM	#2
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: What wiper motor to use? Unless your car is to be judged you can buy a similar trico that is close to the original They were era replacements.

07-13-2021, 12:50 AM	#3
LizardsA Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa Posts: 225	Re: What wiper motor to use? J Franklin, no the car is only judged by me! Any idea who supplies the replacement Tricos? Where can I find these replscement units?

07-13-2021, 10:56 AM	#4
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: What wiper motor to use? I bought one last on Ebay. You still have to do the usual searching. they were sold through the 1970's by a lot of parts houses.

07-13-2021, 11:14 AM	#5
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,046	Re: What wiper motor to use? Is an 6 volt version available? __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

07-13-2021, 11:39 AM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: What wiper motor to use? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Sometimes a decent NOS or core RCX-1 or KCX-1 will show up but it will take diligence in the search for one or the parts of one. Just about anything can be rebuilt but that largely depends on the condition of its major parts. Flapper repair kits may still be available but a rusted out or excessively worn die cast body will nix an easy fix. Trico made a lot of units for different cars in that era but they would all be the same age and not likely any easier to find or even be modified to fit. The old military units for Jeeps and other vehicles are similar in size but there is always some difference that might shoot that idea down.

07-13-2021, 01:13 PM	#7
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: What wiper motor to use? Maybe RainX would be a useful solution. A blanket statement that your wiper cannot be rebuilt is suspect at best. anything can be rebuilt with the right knowledge, equipment, and need. Maybe find out what has failed and start in that direction. Maybe parts from a different unit might work in yours. maybe 3D printing could build a broken part. Even better it might just need a good gentle cleaning and lubrication to get it working. Last edited by J Franklin; 07-13-2021 at 01:22 PM.

07-13-2021, 05:32 PM	#8
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,972	Re: What wiper motor to use? If you drive your car electric is the way to go. They make them now that still allow for an operable windshield.

07-13-2021, 06:02 PM	#9
chrs1961815 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Spring Grove, Illinois Posts: 1,371	Re: What wiper motor to use? The only thing that can prevent a rebuild with vacuum motors is the body itself warping so badly that the paddle can't seal. __________________ "The more things change, the more they stay the same."