Fitting electric windshield wipers?

[kingsgate]

I just bought a 1953 Kaiser Deluxe.

I am about to change the electrics to 12 volts, with an alternator.

Given that my vacuum-driven wipers are not currently working, I was wondering about simply swapping the vacuum motors for 12 volt electrical ones.

Has anyone else done this?

I found this web site offering electric wiper motor "conversion kits" for old Kaiser-Willys jeeps that originally had vacuum wiper systems:

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/product/54/willys-jeep-wipers-parts-electric-conversion-kits-parts-accessories

I wonder if these kits would just go onto a Kaiser car?

They look pretty good value (US$39.99 each set) - if they will fit - anyone know?

The same company offer "factory rebuilt" vacuum motors:

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/product/1856/willys-jeep-wiper-parts-original-vacuum-parts-accessories

But these cost $125 each.....

All information on this very gratefully received!

[brian.b]

whats wrong with your vacum wipers,,,,i have a 48 and mine didnt work so i took it apart and cleaned it and greased the paddle and now they work great....

[HJ-ETEX]

The motors I have used run a single 10" wiper - slowly. If you want electric wipers, the easiest route I know is to find a 51-53 Manhattan and take off everything including the arms and switch and use it on your car. I did not need to use a voltage drop resistor on my 51 Deluxe or my brother's 52 Manhattan - runs fine on 12V.

[kingsgate]

Is the wiper motor on the Kaiser Deluxe the same as on the 1951-1954 "Henry J" cars, does anyone know?

https://www.newportwipers.com/products.php?year=1951-54+Henry+J&make_id=18

This kit would be ideal, if the same wiper motor was used on both models.

Anyone know?

[joefrazer]

The Kaiser and Henry J vacuum wiper motors are not the same. They're listed using different part numbers.

[kingsgate]

Thanks for that.

So, what's the best way to fit an electric wiper motor to a Kaiser Deluxe then?

[MilesP]

Unless you are willing to do what HJ suggests don't. I had my vacuum motor rebuilt for my 51 and it works better than the electric one on my 55. If you re careful you could do it yourself it is a simple unit