57 windshield wiper motor question

[57kansastruck]

I'm getting close to finishing my 57 short bed and only have a few things to button up. One of them is the windshield wipers.

It has a cable operated vacuum wiper motor. Apparently the wiper motor seals are out because I hear a massive vacuum leak when the wipers are activated. and the arms stay still. The cable and knob works freely, and the other hardware is all complete.

If I had a replacement working vacuum motor, I could replace it and be done. Anyone have a working one for sale? As often as it sees an rare rain shower during a drive home, a vacuum motor should work for me. It already has rain-x on the glass.

I was interested in an electric conversion, and have already converted my 57 chevy bel air to electric. I checked for kits, but the LMC kit states that their kit is for trucks that originally had electric wipers, and will not work on trucks with original vacuum wipers. Other kits are vastly expensive and I'm leery about them even fitting correctly.

Anyone have experience in this area? What did you do?

Thanks for any advice or help in advance.

Jason

[_Ogre]

keep up on the rain-x and drive it

[paulspickupparts]

There are a couple of companies that will rebuild your vacuum motor. However even a vacuum motor when brand new was marginal in performance depending on how much vacuum your engine was producing. Very little going uphill a lot going downhill.

Original electric setups are not that hard to find and appear on ebay often.

Someone also makes and aftermaket setup to retrofit into your truck. I do not know the quality as I have never owned one. Odd that LMC says the retro fit will not fit as original vacuum and electric used the same mounts from 55-57(not 58-59). Over the years I have found out many resellers have no idea what fits what.

I would go electric if you plan on driving the truck very often or if you live in a rainy area.

[57kansastruck]

Originally Posted by paulspickupparts

There are a couple of companies that will rebuild your vacuum motor. However even a vacuum motor when brand new was marginal in performance depending on how much vacuum your engine was producing. Very little going uphill a lot going downhill.

Original electric setups are not that hard to find and appear on ebay often.

Somewhat also makes and aftermaket setup to retrofit into your truck. I do not know the quality as I have never owned one.

I would go electric if you plan on driving the truck very often.

I would prefer to go to electric if I can. But the vacuum isn't an issue. I run a fuel injected engine with plenty of vacuum. The search continues.

[1project2many]

It would not be too difficult to install an electric vacuum pump for consistent wiper operation. In some cases the vacuum wiper motors will "magically" return to life if a light oil is introduced to the internal motor and valving.

[paulspickupparts]

Originally Posted by 57kansastruck

I would prefer to go to electric if I can. But the vacuum isn't an issue. I run a fuel injected engine with plenty of vacuum. The search continues.

Ok , I think Golden State will rebuild your vacuum motor or find a used original electric for an easy bolt in. They usually are in working order. I usually clean them up and oil them and they work just fine.

[57kansastruck]

Originally Posted by paulspickupparts

Ok , I think Golden State will rebuild your vacuum motor or find a used original electric for an easy bolt in. They usually are in working order. I usually clean them up and oil them and they work just fine.

I found an original electric motor on ebay. It says its for a 6 volt. Were all trucks back then 6 volt wipers? My truck has a new 12 volt harness in it. I could run a reducer, but would rather not if I can avoid it.

[paulspickupparts]

If it is an original Chevrolet electric wiper motor it will be 12 volt. I cannot see the one you are looking at but because it is a 6 volt I would say it is an early GMC which used 6 volt. Try to find and original Chevy 55-57 truck which will be 12 volt.

[Wingnut1]

then there is this https://www.newportwipers.com/produc...s+55&make_id=2

[Russell Ashley]

I recently removed the factory electric wiper motor from my 57 and installed a Newport Eng. setup to get the intermittent operation. It bolts in exactly like the original did. You do have to pay extra for the control that provides intermittent operation but it also operates the washer. It is a nice upgrade.

[57kansastruck]

Originally Posted by Russell Ashley

I recently removed the factory electric wiper motor from my 57 and installed a Newport Eng. setup to get the intermittent operation. It bolts in exactly like the original did. You do have to pay extra for the control that provides intermittent operation but it also operates the washer. It is a nice upgrade.

Any interest in selling your old motor and switch?

[Russell Ashley]

Sorry, I sold it to another forum member already. They are fairly common on EBay but my suggestion would be to pay the money and get the Newport Engineering setup. Most of the used ones on Ebay run over half the cost of a new one.

[57kansastruck]

Ok, thanks for the info