Hey all, I have the wiper motor off the 56 special to be rebuilt. That was easy, but the problem is that
There seems to be a small cable that goes through the fire
wall from the top of the wiper motor to the wiper switch
that is rusted frozen. I have soaked it for weeks with
solvent but I can't free it up. It is still connected to the switch. I have two questions: what does that operate, as
it is not a vaccum line, and , how hard is it to get at the wiper switch to take it off? It looks like lots of fun...

Thanks, Tom V

There was as I remember, an article in this forum somewhere from old-tank ( Willie) on how to remove the vacuum switch from the dash.

I previously saw the post and was hopeing that someone with a 56 would respond, since the dashed was changed significantly in 56. IF the wiper switch is the same as 54/55 pull/pry the arm straight out and then use a screwdriver on the spanner nut to get the bezel off...the rest comes out behind and under the dash.
Willie

Thanks Old Tank!
I don't see a slot in the nut or bezel on the switch
to remove it. I have been told the cable I have that
runs through the fire wall is part of the switch. I
have located the switch for $50.00. I'll just have to
crawl under there to see how it is attached. Thank you
for the response.

Tom V

I know the cable you mean. It's called the control cable and I believe it has to do with the wide / fast setting on the wipers. I never did take out my wiper switch. I did however spray that cable with PB Blaster both under the hood and under the dash to lubricate it and I think if you have been using a similar solvent if it was my car I'd try to get that cable moving first.

I just had the vacuum wiper on my '56 Century rebuilt.

The control cable controls basic on/off operation. The wide/fast switch operates off of vacuum, as does the washer pump switch.

I'm not currently running any vacuum to the switch (doing some testing) and the cable operates the wipers fine--albeit at the fast speed, meaning a fairly narrow sweep. I do not have any vacuum connected to the wide/fast port on the wiper motor.

Hope this helps.

Rick