Windshield Wipers.....Final Update


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Posted by Paul (in NY) on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:04PM :

This is a final report on the Specialty Power Window Remote Wipers that I received for fit testing.

I received 3 incomplete dummy transmissions with only the front mount plate and the threaded shaft that would go through the body. The size of all 3 transmissions is 2 13/16" wide and 2 1/4" high. Thickness is unknown as I only have 1/2 of the unit. I also received a video tape with some 'very' basic instructions. The Video Tape directed one to the actual install manual. Pictures of the 3 transmissions have been uploaded to my Image Event Site in the Wiper Album. The transmissions are marked A,B, C.

Transmission 'A' has a threaded shaft 5/16" in dia and 3.0" long
Transmission 'B' has a threaded shaft 9/16" in dia and 3.750" long
Transmission 'C' has a threaded shaft 9/16" in dia with a angle collar, thread area just long enough for a thin nut and dress ring on the windshield outside.

The tubing that the drive cable runs in appears to be approx 3/8" dia aluminum tube. The Video shows a tube bender is used to bend the tube. This tube must be run from the motor location to one transmission, and then another section to conect the 2 transmissions. Transmission A will just fit in the wiper area on a PW/WC, however the long shaft will mount the tube toward the rear of the wiper motor area and in conflict with the windshield hinge assembly. Transmission B is to long to fit in the wiper area, it would have to stick quite a ways outside for the wiper motor cover to fit. Transmission C appears to be the best fit with the angle collar, however, being short, the drive tube would have to run in front of the windshield hinge, some conflicts will happen the windshield hinge.

The Drive Tube, 3/8" Hard Aluminum will have to be formed to no less that a 3 inch radius, exit the windshield overhead and travel down the A Post. The A Post is hollow, but there is no exit point. A large hole would have to be made in the A Post under the dash to exit the Aluminum Tube going to the Motor. Its going to be real tricky to get the tube in, down and out of the A post and maintain a 3 inch radius. Also flared ends have to be dealt with inside the wiper motor area.
I was not able to actually insert a transmission in my WDX Cab. The Original wiper shaft holes are to small for any of the transmission shafts to fit through. I was not going to drill my cab just for a test fit. Based on the above observations, I don't believe the install in a PW/WC will be easy, it will be downright tricky. And at best keeping the 3 inch radius and not kinking the tube will be difficult if not impossible.

While I was waiting for the test transmissions to arrive, I received a email from a friend who used this remote wiper on one of his street rods. I have great respect for this friends ability to install and adjust the product correctly. Here is a quote from his email to me;

"I installed this product on my Studebaker streetrod in 1993 and have regretted it ever since. While the theory is good, I have never been able to make the thing
work reliably, and it requires much tinkering to keep it functional at all.
The torque is transferred to the flared fittings, causing them to pull loose
from their fitted slots. No matter how I mount the box with the rotating
cam, it jumps out of place every once in a while, causing the mechanism to
lose its timing, so I have to take it apart and re-time it. They may say
they have some in areas which get snow, but I cringe every time I turn them
on with snow on my windshield - they can barely handle rain much less snow ".

Based on my findings and my friends email, I will NOT buy/install these wipers on my trucks. If anyone wants to try the dummy transmissions and see the video tape, let me know and I will send them to you. If more than one wants to look at this product, we can share and pass it around.

My quest for good wipers continues

Paul



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