71 Vette wiper bay restoration

[John O.]

My '71 has been in and out of storage over the last two decades due to my military career. I am the second owner and have had the car since the 90s. it was mostly original except for the exterior paint that I had returned to the original color. As I was recently repairing a wiper vacuum issue it occurred to me I needed some technical advice from restoration experts so I joined NCRS. My priority is to drive and enjoy my vette. I recently joined a local Corvette club and I am looking forward to taking the car to events once it is back on the road.
So my vacuum repair job led me deeper and deeper into the wiper system and now I have all the wiper components removed. And yes there are a lot of wiper parts. Chevy should win an award for the most complex wiper design ever. My dilemma is how to restore the components and the wiper bay area. Should I paint components to restore cosmetic issues or attempt to retain the original look even if it is scratched or worn. Specifically, some parts hidden under the wiper door are rusted and need paint to preserve them. On the other hand, the wiper arms and washer tubes have some minor cosmetic issues except for the metal tabs that hold the nozzle that are rusted. Should I just paint the metal tabs?
Should I retain the original factory paint over spray in the wiper bay and engine compartment?
Were the wiper arm transmissions originally painted black or bare metal? It is impossible to tell under the coat of tar.
What about replacing the original wiper washer bag on an air conditioned vette that has yellowed. It looks really bad but it doesn't leak. And what were they thinking when they decided on this location? Almost makes me wish I didn't have air conditioning.
What is the recommended method to seal areas that need waterproofing? How do you repair mopped on tar or should I use a 3M/permatex type sealant?
I was able to clean up all the vacuum lines. Should I re-install the original vacuum lines that are nearly 50 years old or go new?
The original wiper vacuum switch internal rod is rusted beyond repair. Are parts available to rebuild the switch or do I replace the switch with a replacement designed part?
The vacuum hard lines and retaining clips have areas where the finish has worn and/or eroded. How are they restored?
I appreciate your assistance in guiding me through this process. Thanks, JC

[Larry M.]

Re: 71 Vette wiper bay restoration

Hello John,

Welcome to the NCRS and this discussion board.

I can't speak specifically to the wiper bay area, but as far as reusing the original vacuum hoses, I replaced the hoses on our 1972 last year with Doc Rebuild's kit. He supplies this kit for early 1971 models:

https://shop.docrebuild.com/1971CorvetteearlyMoldedHeadlampandWiperDoorVacuumHoseKit.aspx

There is another kit for late 1971 models. His product description identifies the difference. There's a note on the site's homepage that says he's currently not taking or shipping orders; I don't know how long- or short-term that will be.

In case you're considering restoration of the vacuum relays and actuator, Bob Demmel in Texas does this work:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?124462-Vacuum-Relay-and-Wiper-Door-Actuator-Restoration-Before-and-After&p=861943#post861943

Best of luck with your car as you bring it out of storage.

Larry