1968 Wiper Door Installation.....

[Brad K.]

We've inherited a '68 rusted frame, basket case that was nearly totally disassembled when we took possession. All body components were removed and thrown into several boxes. We've done a body off, replaced the frame, rebuilt the engine and drive train, new exhaust, replaced all calipers and brake components. We've reset the body on the frame and repainted the car......but I digress.....

This is the first time that we have ever worked on a C3 and what I am really asking for is advice on how to properly re-install the wiper door (of all things!).....I'm feeling very stupid about how to do this as we did not see it disassembled and my hands are simply too big to get in there. What special tools are required and what procedure should be followed???

[Brad K.]

Re: 1968 Wiper Door Installation.....

Duh.....I solved my own problem.....We were trying to install the wiper door with all the linkage mounted intact....hence the problem. When we finally figured out that the linkage can be easily removed by removing 10 small screws and the vacuum actuator, the whole linkage assembly can be removed and the wiper door easily installed outside of the car. The linkage and wiper door can then be easily re-installed as a unit.....

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 Wiper Door Installation.....

Did you rebuild the original engine? What transmission do you have, three speed, four speed, or turbo 400?

[Henry J.]

Re: 1968 Wiper Door Installation.....

Brad:

If you are tempted to separate the door from the linkage mechanism, be aware that the bolts holding the door to the mechanism often shear off in torsion. For this reason, many restorers decide to leave the door in place.

[Brad K.]

Re: 1968 Wiper Door Installation.....

Jim...Yes...we did rebuild the engine and we did not rebuild the Muncie 4-speed transmission. The guy we got the car from said the trans shifted just fine before he tore the car apart....we'll see after we get the car up and running!

Henry....Thanks for the advice.....I think what you said was the bolts tend to break when trying to re-install the awkward wiper door/linkage mechanism combo. We haven't tried to re-install the assembly yet but I think we'll tape it up completely so the pieces don't move around when we're re-installing the whole mess together. The guy we got the car from had already removed the wiper door because it was easy to do....it's a whole lot tougher to put it back on!