now the colder weathers back my vacuum wiper motor is not doing the job , any here replace theirs with an electric motor ?
Yes and I even posted a guaranteed to work (using easy to find and not expensive component parts) 4 speed intermittent wiper circuit in the Electric Bay section about a year ago using the stock looking wiper switch knob. This is one of those changes that should make things better, more consistent, definitely safer and one that to the public is invisible. I used a conversion kit (for the wiper motor) I bought on eBay...cost was about $150 or so when I bought it. You may have to bend the mounting hardware a bit to make it fit just as you wish, but this is easy. Hint: remove the speedometer and remove the radio & speaker grille/trim. This will make swapping it much easier. Another hint: the electric wiper must be mounted inside the cab on the AD truck and because the dashboard acts like a sounding board you will hear it. You can reduce the noise a bit by using rubber (at mount/screw points), but I haven't found a way to completely eliminate it. Third hint: electric wipers use wiper arms which had a bit more spring tension. Vac wipers were made using less tension because the motors didn't have as much strength. The new (reproduction) wiper arms seem to be made with the same sort of tension used in electric systems...and this may be why some people say their vacuum wipers don't work as well after changing them.
Doc, I don't know if anyone sells a rebuild kit for the AD vac wiper motors any longer. Back around 1975 I bought one and tried it, but it didn't improve things all that much. Good luck with this.
Last edited by Jon G; 10/20/20208:52 PM. Reason: omitted descriptive words
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
You can keep the OEM looking switch knob. Most of the electric conversions include a knob that looks just like the OEM. Here is what I purchased a few years ago: https://tinyurl.com/y5vrx8u3 Interestingly, this is the same fellow I purchased from.
The difference between this and vacuum wipers is just as nice as you would expect it to be and if you're reasonably handy with electronics, you can add 4 intermittent speeds, also. I don't believe you or anyone would know you didn't still have vacuum wipers...until it started raining, that is.
Good luck.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
You can also check out newport manufacturing. They make replacement electric wiper motors. Made here in USA. Nice product. I installed on my 49 gmc. No problems with fit or function. Only thing is they only come in 12 volt. If you have 6 volt as I do you will need to put in a 12 to 6 volt adapter
Tim's point is a good one. Please note the wiper motor I suggested is designed for up to 1953 models. I can tell you in the 1952 (which I think Woof has) it will fit with ample room for radio and while I don't use a manual choke, it looks like there wouldn't be a problem for the cable. I mentioned removing the speedometer and radio because if you have hands the size of mine, you will appreciate the extra room.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
OK Tim, you mention that the electric motor does not work with the original radio. WHY? I am running into that issue but want to compare notes. Are you referring to the wiper linkage? I bought the electric wiper conversion and installed. Then the radio going in, interferes with the wiper link to the passenger side by at least 1/2". Is this the same as what you are talking about? Is there a solution?
I'm asking because I also didn't see this coming and I repaired the radio and would like to reuse. So, I'm looking for someone that has experienced this.....
