Re: Wiper Switches/Concord n Eagles/Early AMX/Javs

[TABunsey@xxxxxxx]

On September 25, 2004 AMC of Memphis wrote:

> I was looking on Ebay as I normally do for a CHEAP 2 door Concord anywhere
> near me.  Well, I saw a wiper switch from an Eagle/Concord.  I decided to
> look at the larger pictures.  To me, it looks VERY similar to the early
> model Javelin/AMX wiper switches.
> 
> My question is.....would they work?  Are they close?  It seems to me that
> it's only wires and I'm pretty sure that most wiper switches work the same
> except for the difference in intermittent and non intermittent wipers.  They
> all run on 12 Volts.
> 
> Anyone know for sure if they are possibly the same switches, just used at a
> later date?  Or if they are 'close enough' to use?
> 
> Mike Serpe



The short answer is NO, THEY DON'T ELECTRICALLY INTERCHANGE.

Now for the long answer:

The switches are physically the same size, but the electrical internal connections and switching are different. 

The early AMC electric wiper setup is manufactured by Prestolite. The later wiper setup is manufactured by Motorcraft. I'm talking about the entire setup (switch and motor). You can't "mix & match" components between the two systems, just as you can't use the parts from the "early" AMC electronic ignition (prestolite 1975-77) with parts from the "late" AMC electronic ignition (Motorcraft 1978 & up), even though they accomplish the same thing!

You CAN, however, convert your 1968-70 AMX or Javelin from the one-speed electric wiper (or even the vacuum setup) to the setup used in Concords, Eagles, Spirits, etc. You would then have a 2-speed wiper with variable-speed INTERMITTENT wiper that bolts right in. This is what you need:

Wiper switch from Concord, Hornet, Gremlin, Spirit. If you want intermittent, you need the intermittent switch and timer harness.

Wiper motor from same car.

Wiper mounting plate from 1972-4 Javelin.

Wiper linkage (under cowl that connects motor to wiper arms) from 1972-4 Javelin.

Wiring harness and connectors from the car that donated the switch. Best to strip the wiper wires from the rest of the wire harness. An AMC service manual will show the wiring.


Several years ago I wrote an article for the AMO newsletter after I converted my 1970 AMX to the newer setup. I have even sold several conversion kits to happy customers.

I did have one unhappy AMO member that wrote me complaining that his wipers wouldn't work after attempting the conversion, but I discovered that all he converted was the wiper and linkage. He didn't bother to replace his existing wiper switch! He only followed half the instructions. Then he wondered why it didn't work!

If you replaced your AMC 360 intake manifold with one from a Chrysler 360, why would you think that they would interchange? Just because they are both 360 V8 engines? Same issue.

Tom Bunsey


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