'53 Wiper speed with original Vacuum motor

[rustytractor]

The wipers on both of my '53 run slow - well, at least I think they do anyway.

I know that speed is a hard thing to describe but the wipers move fairly slowly across the screen and (as usual) slow right down or stop while accelerating, going up hill etc. The speed they travel at wouldn't be adequate in anything other than light rain.

I had the same problem on my '41 but replaced the vacuum hoses under the dash and now the speed is variable from a slow creep to almost a blur when the valve is fully open - should the '53 be the same ?

I've checked vacuum to the motor and that seems fine (admittedly, by feel and not with a gauge), do the motors seize up and are they nightmare to disassemble and overhaul?

[Steve Passmore]

They are not a nightmare to dismantle, but overhauling is a different thing. The die-cast body eventually gets worn away by the paddle. 70 years old grease go'es solid and scores up the body even more. Even New Old Stock will more than likely have scores through solid grease and people continually moving the paddle when the grease is solid.

[Jay Friedman]

The 2 best solutions to any vacuum wiper problem are:

1. Replace all the hoses as RustyTractor mentions;

2. Re-build the wiper motor.  Don't bother trying to do it yourself, as they are tricky and parts are hard to find.  Send it to www.wiperman.com (Rob Ficken) in NY.  He has all the needed parts, does a great job and the cost is reasonable.  In fact, the rumor is he bought the remains of the Trico company when it went out of business.  He rebuilt my '49's wiper motor some years ago when it was working poorly and now it works like your '41's. 

[Bob Schuman]

Ditto to everything Jay said. Wiperman (Rob Ficken) rebuilt the motors on my 51 Cadillac and 48 Oldsmobile and the very slow action is now very fast if wanted.  After rebuild if your wipers still slow very much or stop when accelerating, the problem will be with the vacuum booster section of your fuel pump.

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

I actually have a video of the 55 after installing the rebuilt motor. Can't load it here. Tried to email you but no attachments. Pm me your email and I will send I to you.
Jeff

[rustytractor]

I actually have a video of the 55 after installing the rebuilt motor. Can't load it here. Tried to email you but no attachments. Pm me your email and I will send I to you.
Jeff

Thanks Jeff - sebd to rustytractor@hotmail.co.uk

Hotmail can be a bit limited with file sizes so if it won’t send let me know and I’ll give you a different email address 👍🏻

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

Just sent you a couple.
Good luck.
Jeff