Windshield Wiper Installation Question

[JohnB15632]

I was reading through the JS today, Section 20, Page 20-1, under Electric Wipers. Third paragraph states, "All closed car electric wipers are mounted on the outside of the windshield frame, except that wiper for Town Car which is mounted inside. " The chart on page 20-2 identifies the Town Car as model 140-A, B.

My car is a 1931 Slant Window, 4 Door, Town Sedan, Model 160 B. As shown in the attached picture, the electric Windshield Wiper in installed on the inside, not outside.

Now, my question is this. Bratton has an electric windshield wiper, part number 23819, 12 Volt Replacement Electric Wiper Motor. Their description identifies that the motor mounts on the outside of the closed car window frames. Can I use this electric motor on my 31 SW 4D TS? It does not look the same to me.

[1955cj5]

That looks like a vacuum wiper motor to me....look at page 20-9 in the JS

[2manycars]

Your wiper is not electric, it is vacuum. Many cars were converted to vacuum wipers in the past, when the electric wiper failed. My car is the same, with a vacuum wiper on the inside, although it should have an electric wiper on the outside. I have the correct electric wiper motor, but have never gotten around to swapping the vacuum for electric.

[JohnB15632]

Since I was wrong. This is a vacuum wiper motor, not electric, has anyone had experience with refurbishing the vacuum wiper motor?

[1955cj5]

John, I only recognized it as a vacuum motor because both my jeeps use vacuum motors.

Sometimes a good cleaning is all that's needed.

They weren't all that great anyway..Willys started putting a dual action fuel pump/vacuum pump on the jeeps in late 49, but even with the vacuum boost from the pump the wipers did not work very well.

There are shops that rebuild them....I'll see if I can find a link...

For now here is some additional info..

https://www.mafca.com/downloads/Tech...um%20Wiper.pdf

[Ed Saniewski]

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John, I believe that Ford stopped putting electric motors on cars around June 1930, after that it was vacuum powered. Your 160B should have a vacuum wiper like your picture shows. I have the name of a vendor that rebuilds vacuum motors but it is out in the barn. I will post it later for you.

[700rpm]

Easy rebuild. Good kits are available. If the rubber in the paddle is good you're half way home. Be careful with disassembly of the front actuation mechanisms, there's a spring in there. Take photos. Everything has to go back exactly in its precise position and location. Buy or make a tool for the special top screws.

[30aadoodlebug]

For professional rebuild: www.wiperman.com

[JohnB15632]

Thank you for this information. I do appreciate your help!! Thanks,

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by 30aadoodlebug

For professional rebuild: www.wiperman.com

Times 2

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Good kits are available.

Would like to know where to get the kit. All the vendors I have contacted (i have not contacted them all) do not have anything but gaskets.

[30aadoodlebug]

Mike, I bought a rebuild kit from Berts back in November. It worked out great. It came with new rivets, gaskets, grease for the chamber, and some paddle material.

http://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=4685

[Bruce Adams]

I have had no personal experience doing this, but I have heard people put some automatic transmission fluid into their vacuum wipers through the tube and it made them work.

[Ed Saniewski]

John, the fellow I used is Kent Jaquith at Clean Sweep Windshield Wiper Motor Service. Their number is 514-420-9098. They did a great job for me, and Kent was a pleasure to talk to.