1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

[Clark E.]

After a year's pause I've restarted the final 10% restoration of my 1970 small block roadster and quickly realized the "vacation" came at the expense of forgetting practically everything I knew about what I had put where on the car. Specifically, the issue before me now is whether the location of the subject actuator is on the right front inner fender as per the Judging Manual or positioned just above the master cylinder on the left firewall. Having owned the car since 1972 and with numerous pictures over the years of the engine compartment the actuator has always been above the master cylinder. There is however, a reinforcing plate riveted to the right inner fender. I'd appreciate some clarity and guidance. Thanks...Clark

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

After a year's pause I've restarted the final 10% restoration of my 1970 small block roadster and quickly realized the "vacation" came at the expense of forgetting practically everything I knew about what I had put where on the car. Specifically, the issue before me now is whether the location of the subject actuator is on the right front inner fender as per the Judging Manual or positioned just above the master cylinder on the left firewall. Having owned the car since 1972 and with numerous pictures over the years of the engine compartment the actuator has always been above the master cylinder. There is however, a reinforcing plate riveted to the right inner fender. I'd appreciate some clarity and guidance. Thanks...Clark

The Judging Manual says for 1970 the windshield wiper relay (I know you called it an actuator, but from the locations you mention it has to be the relay you are talking about) is mounted in the inner fender? I would like to know the edition and page number with that information, please.

The windshield wiper door actuator is always on the upper passenger side of the engine compartment. The configuration changes grossly from early to late 1969 and slightly from 1970 to sometime in 1971, but it is always in that same location.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

From the latest and greatest JG, which I would highly recommend Clark purchase ASAP:

"The windshield wiper door is controlled by a vacuum actuator located on the passenger-side firewall. It resembles two pie plates crimped together and is cadmium-dichromate plated. The actuator for 1970 has a straight front vacuum pipe, while on 1971 and 1972 models, the pipe bends outboard at a right angle....

The actuator is controlled by a vacuum relay valve mounted on the firewall near the master cylinder on 1970 and some 1971 models and in the passenger-side inner fender apron on some 1971s and all 1972s. The location in 1971 seems to be dictated by engine type rather than VIN."

Since you admit to forgetting a lot of the details you might as well take advantage of those of us who researched them and put them in the new JG. It's nothing like the previous version(s).

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

Hi Clark,
Is it possible that the bracket you're seeing on the fender apron is for mounting the windshield washer fluid reservoir?
It was mounted low on that apron on cars without a/c.
Regards,
Alan

[Mike F.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

1970 VIN #9516

[Clark E.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

Thanks Guys...Guess I shouldn't post before supper. It's the Vacuum Relay Valve I was having an issue with its location and if I had correctly read the JG (4th edition) I wouldn't have confused the Actuator with the Relay Valve. I'm good.


Back to the bracket on the right fender apron. The car has factory air (thanks Alan) so the washer bag is under the left fender. Was the bracket (more like a small rectangular reinforcing plate) therefore unused or shouldn't it be on the car? Clark

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

Thanks Guys...Guess I shouldn't post before supper. It's the Vacuum Relay Valve I was having an issue with its location and if I had correctly read the JG (4th edition) I wouldn't have confused the Actuator with the Relay Valve. I'm good.


Back to the bracket on the right fender apron. The car has factory air (thanks Alan) so the washer bag is under the left fender. Was the bracket (more like a small rectangular reinforcing plate) therefore unused or shouldn't it be on the car? Clark

On a 1970 with AC (C60) I would not expect a bracket there. While almost anything could have happened at St Louis, when seeing this circumstance I would look for signs of the inner fender or nose of the car having been replaced with a later year or non-AC donor.

[Sam G.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

Patrick,
Right on. Just received the new 5th Edition today. OMG! What an improvement. Great photos in color, just easier to to understand and maneuver within the manual. Kudos to all in producing a great manual.
Sam

[Clark E.]

Re: 1970 W/S Wiper Door Actuator Location

Thanks Terry. Having owned the car since 1972 and talked with the original owner (99% sure the front end is original) I'm inclined to look to St. Louis as the reason for the bracket. The frame off also indicated the inner fender is original.