1955 wiper switch cable question

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Old January 9th, 2016 | 01:07 PM
  #1  
Fenian16's Avatar
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From: Massapequa Park,NY
1955 wiper switch cable question

Trying to troubleshoot a wiper problem today. The cable that runs from the dash switch to the vacuum wiper motor appears to be original on my 55. It looks like a thin steel line inside of a steel sleeve. Am I correct in assuming that when the dash switch is turned, the sleeve is supposed to remain stationary while the steel line moves within the sleeve and pulls (or pushes) the control tab on the wiper motor?

Or is the whole cable supposed to move back and forth?

The cable was not hooked up to the motor when I got the car so Im not sure how the cable was originally supposed to operate. The steel line does not move within the sleeve on my cable so I need to know if it is, in fact, supposed to do so.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dan
Old January 9th, 2016 | 01:56 PM
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Fenian16's Avatar
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From: Massapequa Park,NY
1955 wiper switch cable question

Trying to troubleshoot a wiper problem today. The cable that runs from the dash switch to the vacuum wiper motor appears to be original on my 55. It looks like a thin steel line inside of a steel sleeve. Am I correct in assuming that when the dash switch is turned, the sleeve is supposed to remain stationary while the steel line moves within the sleeve and pulls (or pushes) the control tab on the wiper motor?

Or is the whole cable supposed to move back and forth?

The cable was not hooked up to the motor when I got the car so Im not sure how the cable was originally supposed to operate. The steel line does not move within the sleeve on my cable so I need to know if it is, in fact, supposed to do so.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dan
Old January 9th, 2016 | 02:55 PM
  #3  
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You'll usually get a better answer if you keep all responses to a question in a single thread, so others can read and if necessary correct mistakes.

The control cable from the switch to the vacuum motor is an inner sliding steel cable riding in an outer sheath. The sheath serves only to stabilize and route the inner cable; the outer does not move under normal operation. This is just like heater control cables in most cars. If yours does not move, it is likely rusted stuck. You may have success by removing it from the car, clamping it so it hangs vertically, and allowing penetrating oil to run down the inner cable into the sheath. It can take days for the oil to work its way down, so be patient. I was able to free the e-brake cable on my 62 using this method. Good luck.
Old January 9th, 2016 | 03:42 PM
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Fenian16's Avatar
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Thanks for the info, Joe. Sorry about the double post.
Old January 9th, 2016 | 04:57 PM
  #5  
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Smile Wiper Cable

Dan, you may not have the luck that I had but I sprayed mine with P.B. Blaster, while on the car, waited till next day ,and it worked fine. Larry
Old January 9th, 2016 | 09:25 PM
  #6  
redoldsman's Avatar
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The cable connects on the upper left hand side of the wiper motor. The housing goes in a small trough and you will be able to see how the tiny washer on the end going into the wiper motor. There is a small flat piece of metal with a screw in it that tightens down on top of the cable housing. The cable pushes a slide on the wiper motor to turn the wipers on and then it pulls it back to cancel them. The wiper motor on my 54 is a rebuilt one from Fusick but I have a hard time getting it to turn on. The cable doesn't have enough force to turn the motor on. I have only had to use them a couple times because I do my best to not get caught in the rain.
Old January 10th, 2016 | 06:14 AM
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Mine was seized up so much,that when you turned the switch to the right,it would snap back to the off position,and got that way through 3 months in my basement,but PB Blaster.freed it up and I didn't spray under the dash.
Check to make sure that the cable is moving the switch completely,if not,you aye end to adjust the cable sheath toward the drivers side at the tiny screw and washer. Good luck, X2 on not driving in the rain. Larry
Old January 10th, 2016 | 08:40 AM
  #8  
Fenian16's Avatar
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Thanks for all the help guys. Rocketowner, mine is the same way...snaps back to the off position immediately. I'm starting with PB blaster with the cable still on the car. With the weather being crappy, I've got nothing but time on my hands anyway. If that doesn't work after a while, I'll pull it and hang it vertical like Joe said. Again, I appreciate the info and the help.

Dan
Old January 10th, 2016 | 10:34 AM
  #9  
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I have a feeling that the trouble with mine was near the end of the cable toward the wiper motor.If PB Blaster is allowed to sit for a day or two and it still won't turn at the dash switch ,take it loose from the wiper motor ,hold the sheath in place with pliers then try to move the cable with vice grips fastened to the cable itself, and be sure be sure that the slide on the motor moves freely. Larry

Last edited by Rocketowner; January 10th, 2016 at 10:50 AM. Reason: Correction
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