Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: arnep on December 22, 2010, 03:50:44 PM

Title: Windshield wiper motor replacement on 48 Frazer Manhattan
Post by: arnep on December 22, 2010, 03:50:44 PM

Hello:

The 1948 Frazer Manhattan I inherited from my grandfather (the original owner) is almost roadworthy now, so I am finally getting around to the windshield wipers.  The car has the original vacuum-driven wiper motor, but it does not work at all (even after connecting it up directly to the carburetor).  So I am looking for a replacement, so far unsuccessfully.  What do others do when these units give out?  Is there an electric replacement that anyone can recommend?

Thanks,
Arne

Title: Re: Windshield wiper motor replacement on 48 Frazer Manhattan
Post by: AZ_HJ on December 22, 2010, 04:46:54 PM

You might want to think about sending your vacuum wiper motor to the Wiper Man for restoration. He did my Henry J unit and I was quite please.

Vacuum wiper motor rebuilding service.

1-2 week turnaround, 3 year warranty,

30+ Years experience.

$99 plus $8 S&H (UPS Ground)


webpage: http://www.wiperman.com/

Ficken Wiper Service
132 Calvert Ave
West Babylon, NY 11704
(631)587-3332 M-F 9-5 EST


Robert Ficken
sales@wiperman.com

This is only a suggestion!

Title: Re: Windshield wiper motor replacement on 48 Frazer Manhattan
Post by: Gordie on December 22, 2010, 05:27:45 PM

The wiper motors usually have a piece of felt that moves back and forth in the housing.  Many times this felt dries out and won't create any vacuum.  Try taking the screws out of the top of the motor so that the felt is exposed.  If it is dried out try putting oil on it until is is flexible again.  That trick doesn't always work but it is worth a try.  It has worked for me several times.

Title: Re: Windshield wiper motor replacement on 48 Frazer Manhattan
Post by: Jim B PEI on December 22, 2010, 08:52:49 PM

oil--would that be light oil like sewing machine oil for preference? Same principal as oiling the wick in ditributors?

Title: Re: Windshield wiper motor replacement on 48 Frazer Manhattan
Post by: Gordie on December 22, 2010, 09:23:12 PM

I always used 30 weight but probably any good oil would work.

Title: Re: Windshield wiper motor replacement on 48 Frazer Manhattan
Post by: arnep on December 23, 2010, 12:28:32 PM

Thanks so much for the suggestions.  I will try oiling the felt, and if that doesn't work I will send it to have it reconditioned professionally.

Arne

Title: Re: Windshield wiper motor replacement on 48 Frazer Manhattan
Post by: Fid on December 23, 2010, 01:11:36 PM

I've had good luck using the method Gordie describes.