The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay electric wiper switch

I just installed a Newport electric wiper motor. I really didn't like the look of the switch knob. Here's my solution....sorry, I'm not clever enough to post photos.
1. grind off the tab on the bottom of the original vacuum switch.
2. remove the tab, spring, and threaded collar. You'll be left with the knob and a steel stub sticking out of it.
3. use this stub to hold the knob in a vise. Drill a 3/32" hole for a set screw on the back of the knob.
4. with the stub in the vise, gently tap off the knob. It's secured with a spline but easily comes off
5. tap the hole for 4-40 threads. Insert a 4-40 set screw.

I made a bushing to reduce the original knob hole size to match the electric switch but this will probably work without a bushing. Also I polished the the top securing nut to look like chrome. It looks pretty good.

ps.... re: switch mod. Cut down the electric switch stem to allow the original knob to sit just above the securing nut.

If you are clever enought to do all that, you can surely add photos with the attachment manager. Click edit and see lower left of your post. Do you want us to critique your design or is this just a how-to?

..... it may not be the greatest idea ever, but I don't think it's worthless. Just sayin' .

bartamos isn't saying your idea is worthless. Not by any means.

The point was pictures make your description so much easier to understand and for others to possibly duplicate. Without them, it's a gamble (at least for some of us - haha).

You did add pics and we thank you!!!

PS. see above for photos

It's one of our emoji's..not meant to be harsh.....but funny I guess. I won't use it anymore. (deleted it)
P.S. It does not say the idea is Worthless, it's says we need pics to visualize. Worthless is a bad word.

GOOD JOB and thanks for the idea.
It would be good to put a flat or drill dimple on the shaft for the set screw if it doesn't have one already.... or another set screw at 90 deg. (preferred)

......the shaft already has a flat side made for the Newport knob.

Looks good! I have the original Newport knob on mine. It does look out of place as you mentioned, but at the time I didn't have any good ideas on what else to do.
Yours looks really nice!

I put my New Port switch in the bottom ledge of the dash just right of the steering column. There is an existing hole there already. The black knof faces straight down and is invisible unless you lay on your back with the brake and clutch pedal digging into your ribs, but wants to do that?
The factory switch remains in its place, comfortably retired.

Good job. I have hidden switches every way and I would like to have them consolidated. I have AC in my 54 and under the dash A/C panel which I think would make a good place for them but I do not have the talent or the inclination to make it. Keep posting your innovations as an inspiration to others. Or to copy.