The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Wiper Motor Advice Needed

Guys, I've made efforts to keep my '59 truck original to the period on my long restoration project... but...
What's keeping me from getting it inspected to finally put it on the road is the windshield wipers.
I've got troubles with the old Trico!
So here comes the question... should I keep trying or just convert to an electric motor?

Jerry

If your going to drive it a lot go with the electric. If you plan on just driving it in good weather then stick with the original.

The truck won't be a daily driver.
The cheapest route would be to go with the original.
There's not much info online for the trico... and I really need it to work.
Since I have no experience with it I can't judge how dependable the vacuum motor is if working properly.
I'm really curious how many bolters on here converted.

Thanks for the reply!
Jerry

they are dependable if in good shape, and fairly easy to "refresh" if no really rotten parts - also see Ficken Wiper Service

Bill

Thanks for the rebuild link, Bill!
Maybe I should research replacement parts for the unit???
Their price isn't bad with a 3 year warranty though.
I've disassembled, cleaned and lubed mine but maybe it just needs a new paddle and gaskets...
Jerry

Bill,
I've Googled and read enough.
Ficken is the way to go for me, if no one pops up with fair priced electric set-up in my post in the "parts wanted".
I'm feeling better about my dilemma! Thanks again for your help!
Jerry

yes, you won't find any parts available anywhere, Ficken has a lock on that .... but somewhere here folks [Denny?] discussed replacing the paddle seal, which is usually the main problem found, it dries out and wears - lubing the paddle edge with vaseline helps it seal if it's not too stiff

Bill

After disassembling and cleaning, I soaked the paddle edges in oil, swabbed oil along the bowl and wiped lithium grease on the paddle edges and other moving parts and parting lines.
I'll see if I can find the thread on seal replacement.
Thanks for the tip!
Jerry

You won''t be able to buy any parts off the shelf for your vacuum wiper motor. You are also going to need some special rivets and means to set them to take the paddle apart and put it back together. Ficken is the cheapest way to go if your wiper motor needs service. His website is www.wiperman.com

I sent mine out to Ficken Wiper service. No regrets.

Not enough info is available online when you Google Trico stuff.
I still have yet to find a satisfactory diagram on how the hose(s) connect to the thing. The Assembly Manual shows different from what I have.
If nothing else, I hope future searches lead head-scratchers like me to these posts!
Thanks for the advice guys, it's what I asked for and what I received!
Jerry

As a follow-up for future readers with the same situation, I decided to send my unit off to get it rebuilt.
I'll try to remember to get back here with the end results!
Thanks again guys!
Jerry

Sorry it's taken so long. The results are in...
I now have a tested, working, warrantied, like new trico!
Jerry