55 Fairlane vacuum wiper woes

[Jim.UT]

My wipers try to work, but not completely. Here's what happens:
With engine running, I turn the wiper knob and the wipers start up and swipe across the windshield. When they get to the full extended position, they stop. If I manually push one of the wiper blades back toward the center of the windshield at a certain point they will move on their own back to the bottom of the stroke and start back up again on another swipe. But they stop at full extension again and have to be helped back to the starting spot. Looking under the dash, the wiper motor looks clean, no obviously broken or bent linkages, not all gunked up. It seems like whatever problem it has must be internal.

Questions:
1. Is the wiper motor shot? Or can it be repaired?
2. Does anyone have a working wiper motor for sale? Do you know of anyone that sells refurbished motors?
3. Which years/models will interchange? Will a 54 or a 56 wiper motor fit in my 55? Will a T-bird motor fit?
4. Does anyone know of an electric wiper motor substitute that will fit in the same spot under the dash?

[miker98038]

The motors can be repaired or restored. There’s been articles about reviving the leather seals, using brake fluid if my memories is good. Try a search, or hope someone who remembers chimes in. I did an electric conversion 25 years ago, so I haven’t paid a lot,of attention. Cleaning and lubing the linkage itself may also be necessary.

[paul2748]

Try this - this is for a TBird, but s/b the same for your sedan


https://www.ctci.org/gilsgarage/impr...iper-function/

[KULTULZ]

If the car is a driver and driven in weather, bite the bullet and go electric -

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133769

[evintho]

Bite the bullet. You'll be glad you did!
https://newportwipers.com/product/19...d/#wiper-motor

[RossL]

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Do most people install the electric motor with the dash in place?

[evintho]

Originally Posted by RossL

Do most people install the electric motor with the dash in place?

It can be done but it's alot easier with the dash out......

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1748908537

[55blacktie]

Only if the dash has already been removed, or you intend to remove it for another reason.

[paul2748]

Agree 100 %. All my old cars have been converted to electric. Tbirds have a kit you can buy. New Port Engineering may have a kit for you (if you have gone to 12V).

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

If the car is a driver and driven in weather, bite the bullet and go electric -

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133769

[paul2748]

Ditto. I did my 54 with the dash in (took the front seat out), the Bird was done with the dash out (restoration in process).

Originally Posted by evintho

It can be done but it's alot easier with the dash out......

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1748908537