'48 F-1 Truck Wipers

[1948F-1Pickup]

Ok, I've got this system working..... kinda.
Once you connect the linkage to run the
passenger side, you'd better have a wet
windshield to run this system. I see why
a vacuum motor setup is not too robust,
even with a freshly rebuilt one.

I wonder if you could run two motors
and have more gusto? Or would you get
the same performance since you're
"sucking" off the same vacuum supply?
Anybody ever try this..... run a second
driver's side motor on the passenger side.
(might not fit; I haven't looked)

[mtflat]

I pulled the linkage apart on my 48 after discovering the same issue you have. For 10+ years as a daily driver in Montana I used only one wiper. From where we sit it is adequate to see most of the windshield and all the required field of vision.

If you find a solution, let us know.

[Ross F-1]

While working on mine (factory electric), I was amazed at how much friction there is in the wiper pivots (the stubs the wiper arms attach to). I couldn't really take the shaft out of the pivot, but I sprayed Kroil in there, carb cleaner, etc., and it made a huge difference. Unless you've done it, I'd about guarantee they haven't seen a drop of oil in 60 years.

[redmodelt]

How about 69 years!

[1948F-1Pickup]

Originally Posted by Ross F-1

While working on mine (factory electric), I was amazed at how much friction there is in the wiper pivots (the stubs the wiper arms attach to). I couldn't really take the shaft out of the pivot, but I sprayed Kroil in there, carb cleaner, etc., and it made a huge difference. Unless you've done it, I'd about guarantee they haven't seen a drop of oil in 60 years.

No, I haven't lubed any pivots or connections in the linkage. Definitely worth a shot before I do anything more extreme. Engine is pulling about 18" of vacuum
and yet to be rebuilt.

[1948F-1Pickup]

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Ok, everything is up and running. Going into it, I had
already gotten the wiper motor rebuilt, then I.....

1) Added a Trico Electro-Vac pump.
2) Lubed up the passenger side pivot and the linkage
connection on the passenger side too.

That's about all it took. Ross F-1 was right on the money about the
passenger-side pivot...... the frictional drag on that pivot before I
lubed it was a pretty ridiculous amount.

My wipers will now cycle on a dry windshield, so I know they'd
be ok in the rain.

[Ross F-1]

I rarely get to (have to) use my wipers, but twice I've had to use them while on the interstate at 55+. Both times the force of the wind pushed the wipers past their normal full-left position, putting the linkages in a bind, and in one case, causing the wiper arm to come clean off. I'd be interested to know if this happens to others or if something is out of whack on mine.