The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Windshield Wipers

I have a 1951 3/4 ton Chevy with the original vacuum wipers. When I turn them on, the wipers only go one way. I have to turn them off again to get them to the other way. My parents tell me that they used to drive vehicles where that's how the wipers were supposed to work (you had to keep turning them off an on to get them to go back and forth). Is my truck one of those types of vehicles, or is the wiper motor not working correctly?

Your vacuum wipers should work in both directions.

Inside the wiper motor is a paddle that swings back and forth in almost a 180 degree arc. Over time the grease that lubricates the paddle gets old and brittle. Remove the motor from under the dash. In a Chevy it will most likely be held with clutch tip machine screws.

Remove the top of the motor assembly. It is held on with with square topped screws, they can be loosened with a pair of pliers. Be careful not to break apart the paper gasket.. Clean it up and lubricate the paddle and housing with Vaseline..

Also check that the wiper blades are not tensioned too tightly against the windshield..

Make sure the vacuum hose from the manifold to the wiper motor is in good shape and you will ready for the rain.

Thanks, Bill.