Re: 64-9 Americans

[farna@xxxxxxx]

No electric wipers will fit pre 63 Ramblers (pre 64 American) without heavy modification. The reason is the way the wipers work. Instead of going side to side in unison, the wipers go toward/away from each other. You'll find a similar setup on 60s and early 70s Mercedes Benz models (at least on some), and some late 50s Chryslers. The Chryslers used an electric motor which can be adapted with a bit of work. Basically you need to modify the vac wiper plate (remove motor) to hold the electric motor (or make a new one) then remove the vac wiper arm and modify it to fit the motor. There will be a change in sweep that can only be modified by moving the pivot points on the motor arm. You also need to remove the return springs from the wiper arm pivots. You can try one of the universal single arm motors (where the arm attaches directly to the motor) -- they should work. On the 58-63 American there is a space problem. I made one work, but the motor protruded just through the vents. I!
  had to cut two of the vent bars out for a corner of the motor to poke through. I left the screen in and covered with bondo. After painting only the very closest inspectors noticed the little bump -- most didn't. You should have more room on the Classic, the motor isn't tilted as much as on the AMerican. I used a late 50s Chrysler motor. You can also get a cable driven (sort of like a rack and pinion) setup from aftermarket hot rod places. They are universal and adjustable, arms can be set to run in unison or away/to each other, but cost around $300 (http://www.specialtypowerwindows.com/powerwiperkits.htm). Another company has a more affordable kit, around $200 (http://www.newportwipers.com/opt.html). They don't make one for Ramblers specifically, but the 41-48 Nash or 51-55 Studebaker Champion will be close. Not sure if they would sell a kit knowing it woud be modified, but might work with you to create a kit. 

Another thing -- the Metropolitan uses a cable drive like the Specialty Power Windows wiper kit. Don't think they are far enough apart though. Check other British cars -- Jaguars and MGs for the same type drive. The cable is basically a rack that is pushed in/out by an electric motor on one end. The pivots have a pinion gear that follows the rack movement. It's just a matter of getting a cable the right length. A long cable can be flexed or shortened, but short cables are a problem. 

On July 7, 2005 jamie smith wrote:

> Would those electric wipers fit a 62 classic?
> 
> Jamie
> 


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