The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1954 Vacuum Wiper Motor

My '54 has the old mechanical/vacuum wiper motor and I would like to keep it if possible.

I've taken it out, cleaned and lubed it, see no excessive wear, but it still doesn't work very well. The vacuum line looks decent, but I'm going to replace it anyway.

The problem I have is it is very slow, stops frequently and hangs whenever I stomp on the gas. Can anyone tell me if that is normal? I see they sell an electrical replacement, but again would like to keep it original if I can.

It will all ways stop when you step on the throttle, your vacuum drops off when the throttle blade is opened, this is why they went to a electric wiper system.
Add some oil to the wiper motor, the old leather seals tend to dry out over time. Use a leather oil, I heard motor type oils will degrade leather over time.
If there is a question about vacuum, install a gauge at the wiper motor to monitor how much vacuum there is. Mine used to run like yours, slow and unsteady, I had them rebuilt and now they all most throw the wiper off the arm they are so fast. My engine idles with 19.5" of vacuum. They are easy to rebuild, but getting parts is tough. Joe

I have had these motor professionally rebuilt and as Joe say's they tend to throw the old style wiper blades off the arm. Check out www.wiperman.com


I need to go to a more modern arm and blade to cure this problem. If you guys have a source for a better than stock arm/blade I'd like to know.

I use Rowlands parts in Wa. You pack it up & send it with a check & they send it back working great. You can,t turn it up all the way or like Joe says they go too fast. There phone number is 509-829-5026.

Here is a photo of where to apply oil - from Vintage Truck magazine.

Tim