Have you ever seen a early 5044518?

[Joe M.]

Have you ever seen a early 5044518 1963 wiper motor with the following open leg as well as a step in its cap? Its a real motor never restored as you can see by the rivets in the cap. My question is when did they make the changes with the open leg and the cap?Thanks,Joe007.jpg008.jpg022.jpg

[Joe R.]

Re: Have you ever seen a early 5044518?

Think you could post a pic and we'll try!

JR

[Brian T.]

Re: Have you ever seen a early 5044518?

I have seen many through the years. Have 2 in my shop right now. Each time that I have been able to verify with confidence, it was off of an early 63. If I had to guess, first couple of months. The case is passenger car, unlike the typical #s 15 or 16 that we are accustomed to seeing. It is not terribly unusual to see a #14 case on a 5044518 motor. And each time I have been able to verify with confidence, its origin, it was a 64. Just. Finished one of these yesterday in fact.
Seems odd to me that with GM's typical procedure, there would be the same assembly part number, with a different MAJOR component as part of the assembly. If you look at the physical difference in a 5044266 and a 5044479 it is so minor, and internal!
Maybe Joe Lucia would care to add his thoughts?

[Joe R.]

Re: Have you ever seen a early 5044518?

The pump has a 518 motor case but that is where it stops being a 1963 Corvette Wiper Motor. The body is for a passenger car and the pump is for a 1964 thru 67 GM something.
Would guess that this did not come off a Corvette ever and did come off a 1964 thru 1967 GM Passenger Car or truck.
Just a shot in the dark but it would never pass NCRS judging for a 1963 Corvette.

JR

[Brian T.]

Re: Have you ever seen a early 5044518?

Disagree Joe, If this is an early car, it is correct. Pump appears correct, except for the 2 pc Trico design nozzle. Should be the 1 pc. Rochester valve. That may have been changed. Without a better shot of the pump, it appears correct from this angle.
Can owner provide vin?
Brian

[Joe M.]

Re: Have you ever seen a early 5044518?

Your right, this did come off a unrestored very early 1963 Corvette untouched. Its my understanding the open leg was only this first several months of production. The other unique feature is the step in the motor, If you look at the rivets on the cap you can see they are the original rivets untouched. Also, look at the spade board and the shade.The motor came in for restoration and before anything came off of it, I wanted to share the findings. I asked for the VIN and waiting for the reply.Thanks,Joe

[Brian T.]

Re: Have you ever seen a early 5044518?

That car did not roll off of the assembly line with a 2 piece washer valve. I would use a 1 piece.