Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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01-07-17 04:15 PM - Post#2669898
I got caught out in the rain the other day and decided to get electric wipers and ditch the vacuum operated type. As with most of my adventures with the 46, I don't have a clue where to look or what to look for. Has anybody here swapped to electric and what do yall recommend?
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
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 Broo102
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 479
Loc: RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA.
Reg: 09-30-14
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01-11-17 01:44 PM - Post#2670593
In response to Jack Crain
Ive been looking for some also. I know that disassembly of the original chain from each transmission is impossible. So if you want to use your originals and they need to be re-chromed, they have to be done with everything intact, chain & all!
They have conversion kits where the motor fits on your originals from around $200. there was an article on the internet on a guy who did make his own bracket & bought a wiper motor for $20.
Sounds like a good project, Im guessing a lot of time.
Thanks!
Bru
John 3:16
32 Chev. 5 Win. Sports Coupe
47 Chev. convertible in progress |
Edited by Broo102 on 01-11-17 01:46 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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 lofat46
2nd Year Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 228
Loc: Bloomingdale, IL
Reg: 08-12-13
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01-12-17 07:25 AM - Post#2670710
In response to Jack Crain
Newport Engineering is a bolt-in replacement for the vacuum wipers. Connects up to all the stock mechanicals. I've had their 2-speed motor in my '46 for 15 years and never a problem. I believe they now have an motor with an intermittent setting. Specialty Power Windows has a cable operated system. A little harder to install but a friend with a '41 Chevy loves his. Both are a tad pricey but well worth the change.
www.newportwipers.com
www.specialtypowerwindows.com
1946 Chevy Fleetmaster 4-door Street Rod
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Edited by lofat46 on 01-12-17 07:44 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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REBORN55
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2208
Loc: DeSoto, Illinois. 62924
Reg: 01-21-01
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01-12-17 02:22 PM - Post#2670785
In response to lofat46
I have had Newport in all but one of my 47-48 chevies. Have an extra complete setup with linkage and towers if any interest
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-09-17 07:19 AM - Post#2695190
In response to REBORN55
Ok, I looked into the electric conversion and found out that I can't use my original A.M. radio if swapping over. So, that set me on the path of trying to get my vacuum wipers working better. Some of the ideas/suggestions were an accumulator in line with the vacuum hose, an electric vacuum pump to power the wipers, or changing out the mechanical fuel pump to one that a vacuum pump built in. All of the people I talked with had NO experience with vacuum wipers but each one thought they had the perfect fix. Any ideas on the suggestions? I was hoping to drive the 46 down to South Louisiana, but I will definitely need a good wiper system to drive there.
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
|
 raycow
Honored Member
Posts: 27353
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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06-09-17 11:13 AM - Post#2695211
In response to Jack Crain
I grew up with vacuum wipers, and would be the first to say that the technology definitely has its shortcomings. A conversion to electric would always be my first choice, but I haven't until today heard of a situation where this was incompatible with a factory radio.
If you must keep the vacuum system for whatever reason, the combination fuel/vacuum pump is a patch that offers only a minimal performance improvement. IMO, it's not good enough for a car which is to be regularly driven in the real world.
A standalone electric vacuum pump is a much better choice and would be my preferred solution if I had to keep the vacuum wipers. Now with that said, the electric pump is not a fix for a vacuum motor which is presently working less than optimally.
Do your wipers operate satisfactorily when the engine is idling? If yes, go ahead with the electric pump and you should be done. If no, then the vacuum motor must be overhauled and restored to as-new performance. A search will bring up specialty shops which offer this service. If you would rather DIY, parts kits with instructions are also available. Google is your friend here.
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-09-17 03:40 PM - Post#2695245
In response to raycow
Ray, The size and location of the original radio is the problem. I have an original 5 tube radio that works and just for the " I've got a 70 year old radio that WORKS!" bragging rights, I'd like to keep it.
I've found a vacuum pump online, but all it says is it is for a Ford 250 and gives a range of years, but doesn't give the application, or the psi it pulls. Right now, at idle, I have a 18 psi vacuum and the wipers work great. The wiper motor itself looks to be recently overhauled, ie, nice and clean and "tight".
What do you think of the canister idea? Like maybe a gallon paint can?
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
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REBORN55
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2208
Loc: DeSoto, Illinois. 62924
Reg: 01-21-01
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06-09-17 08:35 PM - Post#2695278
In response to Jack Crain
Ford vacuum pumps that are belt driven like the one on the diesels usually pull around 21 inches of vacuum---some of the cars in the 70's used a can for a vacuum container--might try that
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raycow
Honored Member
Posts: 27353
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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06-09-17 11:18 PM - Post#2695285
In response to Jack Crain
What do you think of the canister idea? Like maybe a gallon paint can?
Canisters are fine for power brakes but useless for wipers because of the airflow volume through the vacuum motor. Remember, a PB booster doesn't flow anything. It is blind, just like the vacuum advance on a distributor.
Is the Ford pump electric or mechanically driven from the engine? If electric, is it 6V or 12V? I assume your car is still running on 6V if you have the stock radio.
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-10-17 04:08 AM - Post#2695308
In response to raycow
It says 12 volt electric. The car was converted to 12 volts but I use a resister to get it down to 6 volts for the radio and heater motor
http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/MC/5337-07 0174...
http://www.autozone.com/engine-management/vac uum-p...
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
Edited by Jack Crain on 06-10-17 04:29 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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raycow
Honored Member
Posts: 27353
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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06-10-17 10:05 AM - Post#2695339
In response to Jack Crain
Jack, sorry to poop on your party, but the pumps you linked to appear to be for power brakes rather than wipers. Consequently, they could very likely have the same flow rate issue I mentioned earlier regarding canisters.
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-10-17 11:41 AM - Post#2695353
In response to raycow
I just found that out. I got the one from AutoZone, hooked 12 volts to it and realized there was not the volume I needed. Took it back. Oh well, still looking!
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
Edited by Jack Crain on 06-10-17 11:42 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-11-17 03:49 PM - Post#2695511
In response to Jack Crain
Scratch the canister idea, too. Didn't work. Looks like I'll either have working windshield wipers (electric) or a working original radio. 
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
|
Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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 06-12-17 04:11 PM - Post#2695701
In response to Jack Crain
Screw it, I'm going for the electric wipers. Seeing is better than listening
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
|
raycow
Honored Member
Posts: 27353
Loc: San Francisco, CA
Reg: 11-26-02
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06-12-17 11:31 PM - Post#2695747
In response to Jack Crain
Jack, how about one like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trico-Electro-Vac -Vacuum-P...
Not necessarily this particular one, of course. Ideally, you would find one which you know is in working condition. However, this is definitely the type of pump you want. It was made for vacuum wipers.
If you are more adventurous, you might want to consider one like this if you can devise a way to mount it and drive it from the engine. I presume the stock setup had some way of clutching it so it didn't have to run all the time. You could also drive it with a 12V motor.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1937-1938-1939-19 40-Ford-M...
Ray
| Those who choose an automatic transmission want transportation. Those who choose a manual transmission want to drive. |
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-13-17 03:50 AM - Post#2695754
In response to raycow
Ray, Those look like they would do the trick, all right. However, I am an impulse type of person and after the two "failures" I went ahead and removed the radio and ordered an electric wiper motor from Newport. I have a AM, FM, CD, Bluetooth, etc. do everything radio. I should be able to fit it in the existing radio hole with minor modifications. The old radio is self-contained, with built in speaker so I'll just hook up an antennae and a six volt power supply and use it in my shop.
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
|
REBORN55
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2208
Loc: DeSoto, Illinois. 62924
Reg: 01-21-01
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06-13-17 08:03 AM - Post#2695785
In response to Jack Crain
Wish I had been quicker--have complete setup sitting on the shelf--newport wiper, switch---linkage and towers
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-14-17 05:18 AM - Post#2695882
In response to REBORN55
Linkage and stuff are in good shape. Actually, the whole system looks to be in great shape but like I said, the vacuum design just don't quite cut it, no matter how good a shape it's in.
Hopefully, this will sort out my wiper problem then on to something else. Seems there is always something to do on the 46. 
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
Edited by Jack Crain on 06-14-17 05:20 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Jack Crain
Contributor
Posts: 845
Loc: Wichita Falls, Texas
Reg: 07-24-11
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06-19-17 04:36 AM - Post#2696489
In response to Jack Crain
I got the electric wiper motor in and am really happy with it. Keeps up the wiping speed no matter if I accelerate or not. I would put this mod right up there with disk brakes for safety. 
1946 Fleetmaster 4-dr Sedan with '57 235
Fenton Dual Exhaust and Intake
Dual Carter Webbers 2 barrel Carbs
HEI ignition
Front Disk Brake
T-5 Tranny |
|
 RoadRocker
"4th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 189
Loc: Kentucky.
Reg: 12-13-13
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06-22-17 02:31 PM - Post#2697071
In response to Jack Crain
Sounds good Jack! I need them too! Tom
48 sports coupe
63 C-10 long fleet
17 Tacoma double cab longbed
17 Toyota Rav-4
Been down most all the roads nowhere left to go?? |
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robhill
Member
Posts: 48
Loc: Oregon
Reg: 09-19-04
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07-10-17 07:27 AM - Post#2699423
In response to RoadRocker
Has anyone considered using a stepper motors, and driving them with a microcontroller? It would be easy to control speed and angle. Plus they are used in higher torque applications like as stage motor on CNC mills. Plus they don't take up tons of space. Might be ideal for this application.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RakXequOrSY
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012QFRKAO/ref=asc _df_B0...
| 1946 Chevrolet Fleetamster Town Sedan |
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Broo102
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 479
Loc: RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA.
Reg: 09-30-14
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08-02-17 09:48 PM - Post#2702600
In response to Jack Crain
Did you see the article on an electric wiper motor swap for under $20? Its pretty good
Thanks!
Bru
John 3:16
32 Chev. 5 Win. Sports Coupe
47 Chev. convertible in progress |
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