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Wiper Switch


AceCollins

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Need a little help with the 37 LZ wiper switch. Is it the same as the ones found on the 30s Fords? When I first got my car back on the road, the wipers would not work. In the entire first month I drove the old girl they make one swipe. Now suddenly they won't stop. The switch seems to be broken as they will not cut off no matter what direction that the switch is turned. This can't be a very expensive item. Who knows where I can pick one up? It looks a bit strange to be driving down the road in beautiful fall weather and have the wipers moving back and forth.

Ace

http://www.acecollins.com/37zephyr.html

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While you're waiting for someone better informed to answer <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />, I'll take a shot at this.

If I remember right, there should be a small metal wire-like linkage between your dash knob and the actuator on the wiper motor that opens the vacuum. Could it be that it was stuck closed, you gave it a firm (but not angry, no not angry! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />) tug or twist, and now it's stuck in the on position and/or the linkage has fallen off? Do you feel any resistance when you tug or twist on the knob? You might be able to look under the dash and see. If not, you may have to take off one side of the console.

Ok, now we'll wait for Phil, Bill, and Dale to offer *useful* advice!

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Dear Ace,Cecil had a good idea,see if the linkage is connected to the motor.There is a small rod connecting the switch to the motor,if not try turning the motor off by hand,pull or push the rod or the bracket it is or was connected to.I believe a 37 Ford phaeton or station wagon switch will work,the color of the knob is probably not correct.The CLIP with the spring holds the two arms to the motor.If the wire clip or rod is broken or missing it is the same part as a Ford.Believe all fore mentioned parts are available from Dennis Carpenter.I HOPE this makes some sense.diz <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

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Hi Ace,

If you have the knob assembly, you're in luck. A Ford "switch" will NOT work and a Zephyr one will not be cheap! When I got my '39 Zephyr, it had no wiper switch at all, hence no way to turn the wipers on for the Texas safety inspection. I bought a NOS '40 Ford "switch" (which is nothing more than an spring loaded "L" shaped shaft passing through a bezel) hoping that I could use it, but no luck. I finally bought a Zephyr switch from Bob Boos and was able to get the wipers to pass the safety inspection. What may have happened is that the link (I used part of a coat hanger on mine) connecting the switch to the vacuum motor has fallen off, or perhaps your vacuum motor has experienced an internal failure causing it to remain in the "on" position. These cars should never be out in the rain anyway and if they are, Rain-X on the windshield is all you need. I would pull the vacuum hose off and stick a screw in it until inspection time rolls around again. I registered my '39 as an antique and it won't be inspected again for a LONG time!

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Phil,

I have discovered that it is the link between the motor and the switch that is missing on mine. Think we can build something that will work. Right now we just shut everything down and drive it without wipers. I am planning on avoiding rain anyway, when at all possible.

Did take "Abe," as we are now calling the car, on a 55 mile round trip this weekend. At one point my wife followed me for a few miles to check out the speed and compare it to the read out on the speedometer in the LZ. It is pretty close. I was on a great Texas two-lane highway and averaged about 55-60 miles per hour for the trip. In the middle of it I participated in a parade in Hubbard, Texas. Car performed great! I am blowing a slight bit of smoke between shifts, but, as we did not touch the valves or rings, that is to be expected. No smoke at all other than that. The car ran cool in the 80 degree fall weather and handled the strong wind very well. I think Abe is a keeper.

Ace

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Wow Ace!! If that is your maiden voyage, that was a great one, and bodes well for the future, congratulations. The WS link on my '41 is just a very simple bent wire about the size of a coat-hanger, that sets in rubber grommets in the dash switch and the arm on the motor, a little hard to control the speed, but that 60 year old wiper motor still works like a champ, press on clips to secure the rod would probally be a good idea too, good luck, Rolf

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