bob1220 Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 I would like to convert the vacuum operated windshield wipers on my 1955 Century to electric. Has anyone done this? Is there a conversion kit available? What all is involved in this modification? Are there electric motors from Chevy/Olds/Pontiac that would fit? Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks.Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Thriller Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Bob,The windshield wiper on my '62 Special died - we just replaced it with a generic one. They are out there, so I'm sure you shouldn't have too much trouble putting something together.As to getting it to work with wipers that are normally operated by vacuum, I'm afraid I have no experience with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Try Here for a site that sells conversion kits.Try here for a vacuum motor restoration sourceIf it was my money, I'd go with the vacuum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 I'm with Mr. Earl,www.wiperman.com is the man. Restored cheap, looks great, works great, no alterations.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 I would try taking the unit apart for a good cleaning and lube job before anything else. Watch how the little valve pieces go in and be careful of the thin paper gasket under the top lid, otherwise a very simple evening project. If it is more serious inside, send it to the pros for a rebuild.Also check your vac lines to be sure they are good.FInally, if it is only working so-so, the vacuum side of the fuel pump may be out. This is often overlooked when the fuel pump is rebuilt, and not hard to do yourself with the proper kit.I say keep it stock. Like the Dynaflow, it's all part of the car's personality, which has almost vanished anymore. How often are you driving in the rain anyway?Happy wrenching, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
progoofoff Posted August 11, 2007 Share Posted August 11, 2007 (edited) Here`s a simple solution. Use a `55-`56 Chevrolet electric motor. It worked for me. If you decide to go this way, email me for detail instructions. Edited June 10, 2010 by progoofoff (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob1220 Posted August 12, 2007 Author Share Posted August 12, 2007 Thanks for your replies. I appreciate your input.Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmartens Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 I'm facing the same issue on my '56 Century. Despite the drought, I think it <span style="text-decoration: underline">will</span> eventually start raining here in NC...My concern with my vacuum system is that there are so many possible points of failure. I know my fuel pump doesn't work (I'm using electric), to be honest I don't know if the vacuum side is working (I need to check on that first, I guess), I'm not sure I have no leaks in my hoses, I have no idea if the switch/valve in the dash is working, etc...For a daily driver the electric conversion sounds like a simple long-term solution (I assume it is a simple bolt-in replacement?), especially since I'm currently garage-less and limited to one small toolbox.The link provided for conversion kits is for Classic Motor World. Has anyone here bought and installed their product? How did it work out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airy Cat Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 I used Wiperman to rebuild my 1954 wiper and he did a great job and it works excellant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest century55 Posted February 23, 2009 Share Posted February 23, 2009 my name is danny from michigan.i have a 55 century and would like to go to elec. is it worth my time == how hard is it to do? thank you . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poolgame Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I used the newport system on my 53 super and 55 century.works perfectly on either,chuck that weak suck original. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billtoddjr Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I had my vacuum wiper motor rebuilt in Long Island. Found the address in Hemmings. The wipers work like new!Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick man Posted July 18, 2010 Share Posted July 18, 2010 After reading all these replies I still have a question.I take it all of you guys are running off of engine vacuum with no assist?What I mean to say is I have a 1957 Buick and it has a vacuum assist pump attached to the engine oil pump inside of the pan. A line goes through the block and up to the vacuum wiper motor mounted onto the firewall. Does anyone of you have a 57 and if so, would not this oil pump mounted vacuum pump need to be working well before one would send out the firewall mounted wiper motor to be overhauled?I have a post out on this topic already, so I won't beat it to death, but if anyone knows where I can get mine rebuild, it would be cherished. Then I will send my fire wall mounted wiper motor out to be rebuilt!Thanks in advance.David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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