1947 Cadillac 62 Sedanette Rear Wiper

[stokes47cad]

I purchased a 1947 Cadillac Fstbk last year and it has a rear wiper option. Does anyone know about this option? Is there any printed info on this system? Thanks, also wanting to verify correct switch under dash.

[Jeff Hansen]

Dick,

I don't see in my literature where the rear wiper option was specifically offered in 1947 - however, it was offered in 1942 on both the series 61 and 62 fastback models.  Being that the body styles for both series fastbacks were identical between 1942 and 1947, the rear wiper option could easily be installed on a 1947.

Attached is a page from the 1942 Accessory Data Book describing the option.  I've left the scan large so you can see things in detail.

I chair the Class 12 (1942 - 1947) Authenticity Committee and I have never seen this option on a car.  Would you be willing to share photos of the wiper and the knob?

HTH,
Jeff

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

What a great option.   Wonder why it was stopped.

Bruce.

PS.   This is another feature that put Cadillac scores of years ahead of other car makers.   These days, nearly every SUV has them.

[cadillac ken]

Funny that I had a sports car with a rear window wiper option and while it was rare and I was really excited about it-- I found I almost never used it   

But on a '47 Caddy, that is pretty cool-- and what a conversational option at shows!

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

I remember seeing this after WWII. Usually, it was on Pontiacs. (1946-1948.) Also, as I remember, Pontiac really pushed aftermarket accessories for some time after the war. I saw a Pontiac accessory catalog at one time, but can't remember the year And, of course, the "B" body was also used by that marque.

[stokes47cad]

Here are photos of the wiper and switch. They do look legit. I attached a photo of the body plate, note this is Fisher #6 body for 47. Doesn't get much lower than that! Thank you Jeff Hansen for the info and photos. A side note, I grew up at a Cadillac dealership, the owner was a huge V12/V16 guy in Ohio.

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Dick, was that Dave Towell?

[Jeff Hansen]

Dick,

You are welcome for the photo and information - and thank you for the pictures of your car, wiper, and knob!  The knob looks consistent with knobs that I have seen on the larger series rear seat radio albeit a different color.  The bracket is also authentic.

You have a gorgeous automobile!

Jeff

[Roger Zimmermann]

Yes, this is a nice car. If you are looking at the wiper blade: it's one for a flat windshield. I would install one which is flexible like a blade from the forties or fifties. Maybe they are too long, they are usually 12".

[stokes47cad]

Dick, was that Dave Towell?

Yes it was. My father was the service director in the 60's.