I have been completely through the linkage on the wipers on my 55 Ford,Everything operates smoothly and with almost no effort.If I turn the wipers on they will move VERY slowly.Vacumn is good and I am running the wipers right off the manifold. Does anyone have any ideas? Anyone know where I can get parts or a replacement motor? I do not want to convert to electric if I can help it.Thanks.

I’m going to guess that the leathers within the wiper motor are not sealing well.  I’ve long switched my ’55 to electric wipers so I don’t remember all the old fixes for this but brake fluid in the intake port of the wiper motor comes to mind.  Maybe someone has a better fix? 

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

is this any help?http://www.wiperman.com/
stuey

Back in 2010 I had the vacuum wiper motor (Trico) for my '56 pickup rebuilt by Rowland's Antique Auto Parts in Zillah Washington.  Worked out well and cost $57.00 plus shipping.  Don't think he has a web site.  Phone (509)829-5026.


Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

Thank you all very much! Ted I will try that and if it doesnt work I will send it off and get it rebuilt.I wonder if Lexol  leather conditioner would work better than brake fluid? 

I've had a couple of friends use this and their wipers improved.  Basically what this does is saturate the leather "paddle" and makes it swell for a better fit so the vacuum can work.

Disconnect the rubber line in the engine compartment that goes to the wiper motor.  Stick it in a jar of regular brake fluid (not silicone) and manually work the wipers up and down about ten-fifteen times. You should have two people working the wipers.   This should suck the fluid into the wiper motor. Reconnect the vacuum line.  Let sit overnight and then try it the next day..  Put a rag on the carpet under the wiper motor to catch any drips.  The engine may smoke some upon start up as it may suck some of the brake fluid into it.  It will go away.

If this helps but you still not satisfied, repeat the process as the "paddle" may need more time to swell. 

This will not fix your problem if its not the paddle that is the problem or if the paddle has seriously deteriorated.
In my opinion, electrical wipers is the way to go, but if your car is still 6 volts it can be a problem getting something.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks to all of you.The brake fluid trick worked just fine!

Paul, question, when you do this, should the valve (your wiper switch) be in the on position? I am going to assume it is yes, hopefully not a stupid question!  LOL 






I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

Yes it should be on so that the fluid can get into the motor.

The switch does not have to be on when moving the wiper by hand to get the fluid into the wiper motor.





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ