Thanks Kip, we know about them. But I'm one of those do-it-yourselfer types Kip and I'm just looking to
gather any information about the Trico stuff for my reference file. Just wondering what the factory had to
offer about rebuilding their products back when people did rebuild stuff rather than just throw it out and
buy a new one.
One of the most mysterious and little known things about the Trico wiper motors is what the seal
material is made from that they used in the piston or paddle, which ever you prefer to call it. It was
actually a woven pad impregnated with "something". It’s that something that seals and lubricates the
paddle. The paddle seal is 98% of the rebuild on the vacuum motors and I’m sure if Ficken let the cat out
of the bag and let us know what the seal material was his inflow would drop like a rock.
The vacuum motors are really very simple devices if you’ve ever taken one apart. Just a few moving
parts and the only thing that really wears or goes bad in them is the seal used in the paddle. I’m sure that
Ficken exhausted his supply of NOS pistons long ago and is rebuilding the paddles by now. Once you
know what material is used in the seal it’s no big deal to pop the rivets sandwich new seal material in
place and press it closed with new rivets. But, for the umpteenth time, there-in lies the secret to
rebuilding a Trico wiper motor, the seal!!!! Call Ficken some time and ask what his seal is made from
and what his secret grease is that he uses and I’ll bet you won’t get a straight answer. Can’t blame him
though, when you’re the only show in town you don’t give away your secrets, I wouldn‘t either.
New gaskets aren’t a big deal for these motors either. They’re a little delicate maybe but anyone with a
pair of scissors, an Exacto knife and a little patients can make a new set.
Another question that I’d bet the service info addresses is the grease used for assembly. Over the years
I’ve heard of guys trying just about everything you can imagine to lubricate the paddle. Vaseline, chassis
grease, plain old motor oil, graphite, ATF, silicone, corn head grease, goose grease and many more. I’d
like to know what Trico used back in the day or what they recommended in the rebuilding kits they sold.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
