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Is there anyone out there bouncing around the forums that knows how the windshield wiper on/off switch mounted on the dashboard is connected to the vacuum windshield wiper motor mounted under the dash? I'm tinkering with a '53 6400 and its first road test is imminent. However, the connection for the wiper motor/switch has rotted and turned to dust from the truck sitting in a field for 15 years. I'd kind of like to have wipers, even if they are slow. Rain-X will only do so much. Chances are I'll wind up making the connector since there's no challenge in going out and just buying one. I was hoping someone might be able to help a wet behind the ears bolter, so any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!

The knob/switch has a wire link to the wiper motor to direct vacuum to the motor (very simple system).
If you are missing the link,you can make one up using some thin welding rod.

Yup, wire rod.

Its unlikely that the vacuum motor still works, but you could try it.

Maybe I'll get lucky and not have to re-build the motor. I seem to remember the first time we started it up that the wipers flapped around a bit, but maybe it was a hallucination. At any rate, thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

You can reach up and move the lever the wire rod runs to to see if the wipers work before you bend up a new rod, that way you'll know when you have the rod right. The wiper on-off lever has a grommet to reduce the hole in it to the rod size--about 3/32 to 1/8. The rod ends have a double 90 degree bend to stay in place. If the motor doesn't work, think FICKEN.

You might want to look around in the cab. I found my wiper link under the floor mat when I got my truck.

Try adding a few drops of light weight oil in the input side of the wiper motor this will soften up the seals and improve wiper performance. Rebuild service is avail for the motor. http://www.wiperman.com/ he does nice work.

I have a wiper control out of a '54 6400 if you need it.

I'll have to give the lightweight oil trick a shot. With the condition of the rest of the rubber on the truck, I'll be astounded if the motor holds up. I thought about converting the wiper system to 6 volt electric so I've got more speeds than incredibly slow and off, but I'm not sure. Hopefully what I've got will get me by for the remainder of the summer/fall. Guess we'll see. I'll have to post some pictures of it in the gallery, the truck's a fine piece.

Jake, Fiken rebuilt my wiper motor and it works great. You can also get the grommets for the control arm from Jim Carter if you need to replace them.

I'll have to think about sending it in and having it re-done. I found a motor in a box of old truck parts I bought awhile back that works for now, but I have a feeling it's days are numbered. Anyone know how much getting one re-built might cost? Or would it be more prudent to pursue a 6 volt electric wiper conversion?

I would go with a 6 volt electric over vacuum.The vacuum wipers slow down under engine load , just when you need them the most.

Where is the best place to buy a 6 volt wiper motor?
Thanks,
Chris

48 1 Ton

I recently installed a 12volt wiper motor from jim Carter. Now the wipers are off/extremely slow/slow. I thought they would go faster, but at least the origional linkage won't get too stressed.

Yeah, when I was hanging upside down under my dashboard like a monkey getting the wipers to work again I noticed those linkages left alot to be desired. Was the 12 volt motor from Jim Carter reasonably priced?