The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 41 Winshield Wiper Controls

I've taken my winshield wiper vacuum motors out, cleaned, regreased etc. and they're ready to go back in. I ordered a set of rubber grommets to go in the holes where the controls come through. At least I think that's where they go, it's another one of those things the PO left off. The knob on the end of the on-off control unscrews easily but the one on the speed control seems to be stuck? Is the knob on the end supposed to come off or is there another way to get the panel with the grommet over it?
Thanks, HLW

I got the wiper installed thru the grommet by taking the speed control screw completely out and carefully reinstalling thru the cover plate after mounting the motor. Even though I think it had something on the end of the threads to prevent it from coming out all the way.
Now I can't figure out how to install the wiper arm. The PO left the arms and blades off so I didn't have the old ones to go by. I'm hooking the little half circle in the cover over the groove in the backside of the post but when I push the spring down on the arm it goes slightly around the side of the arm and interferes between the cover and the post. Any one done this before and can give me a hint?
Thanks, HLW

Harold41, I've got a similar problem with mine! By asking your question, you've describe how the end of the shaft looks. The PO welded a hex-nut to the end of the wiper shaft to be able to fit a wiper arm from something else on it. I cut the nut off with a die-grinder but the hole and groove on the end of the shaft are gone, filled in by the weld! I've got a new wiper arm but can't figure out what to do about the shaft.

It's amazing how some people will ruin something or do real botched repairs. I just found a undersized nut wedged in my clutch fork last night so I'll have to take out the clutch and brake pedals to repair it, all because the PO saved the price of a nut and washer.
Are you sure he welded the wiper post or did he braze it? The end of my shaft appears to be brass. If it's brazed you might be able to remove the shaft, heat with a torch, then push a nail thru the hot brazing alloy. You'll have to completely disassemble the unit and carefully remove the shaft from the internal paddle otherwise there is a risk of damaging the paddle which is either leather or rubber. Be very careful with the gasket, they're fragile and almost impossible to get replacements. Or you could carefully drill out the hole. I think you would have to use a drill press with a vise. HLW

Thanks, Harold41, for the shaft tip! I'll check it out. I'll check my '46 and see if the grommets are still there and let you know if I find anything.
If nobody on the board can steer you regarding the proper hookup of the wiper arm, try "TheWiperMan", Fricken vacuum wiper repair. He may be able to tell you about the hookup. I was thinking of sending my motor to him until I got that nut off. He's got a website and I think it's called "Thewiperman". Let us know what happens. Jacques