Adding windshield washers to C1?

[Ian G.]

OK, I know this is frowned on, but I really want windshield washers. How involved would it be to add washers to a car that desn't have them? I probably won't do it, since it would probably be very expensive, but I've been kind of entertaining the idea. My car is a 59 fuelie.

What do you guys think?

[Gary C.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Ian, it's the same as the brake flasher and courtesy lights. If not there originally wouldn't add them - it's just something else to go wrong on a PV. And PV's don't need any more help with more components. Gary....

[Steven B.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Ian, I am in agreement with Gary. The assembly manual identifies parts and locations which should help you determine difficulty and parts requirements if that is what you decide to do.

Steve

[Stephen R.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

I added them to my 59. Not too difficult to do and the parts are available. You'll need the hoses, nozzles, water reservoir, pump, vacuum tank, coordinator and it's mounting bracket, and the proper knob that fits on the dash. Getting it to work and keep it working is another story. The GM engineers were smoking some really good stuff when they designed this Rube Goldberg set up.
There is a guy, I believe, in Maryland who works on and restores the systems.

[Jack H.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Sigh....

The issue of adding factory stock WS washers (Trico Co-ordinated system) is one of the reasons the Judging Reference Manual calling for a full deduction on options that are added OR DELETED has the deletion clause...

As mentioned by others in this thread, the vacuum based washer system was pretty marginal when it was factory fresh and new. Rounding up all the parts you need will be time consuming and rather expensive. THEN, you're staring at trying to get them all to actually WORK...

Don't laugh! That can be a SIGNINFICANT challenge...

I've sat through more than one 'good ole boy' discussion where those who drove these cars when factory new, talked about their washer actuation 'secrets'... Things like, anticipate when want the squirter, rev the engine and then let off to blow a surge of vacuum and time your finger to the washer button just 'right' with that of your foot on the accelerator!!!

I'd tell the thread initiator that he should be GLAD his C1 lacks that particular factory option and forget about adding it. Plus, if the reason for wanting the washer function is for general driver use OR to comply with State safety regulations, go ponder installing an after market electric pump system for a few dollars and forget about the factory authenticity of a correct/original Trico Co-ordinated washer system...

[Ian G.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Ok, fine you guys scared me off :P Sounds like I might be lucky not to have them lol

[Valeria H.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Ouch! I'm hearing them too!!!
Thanks Ian for asking them before I did.
Valeria

[Joe M.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

I purchased a rebuild kit for my 1960 pump + new hoses. The system put out one squirt out of each nozzle and that was it! Since I have a driver, not worth the time or money to make it work and stay working. I have heard that once the rubber diaphragms get dry, the system stops working.

[Stewart A.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Are you planning to get your screen dirty Ian. If your car is like mine it wont need squirters and you will never need to use your wipers either. Stewy

[Valeria H.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Stewy, it sounds like you needed more than wipers last week when you left your baby out in the rain with the top down. Ouch! that really had to hurt. It hurt me when I heard about it. I hope you beautiful car is fully dried out and will be fully protected from now on. Any chance of rain during the day and my car stayed in the gargage. I'm exhausted with the expense of restoration of these cars, but I still want my car to look as good as possible and as original.
I don't plan on getting washers on my car because in essence they are like "tits on a bull". Totally unnessecary as I will never take my girl out when they might be needed.
Sorry to be so gutteral in my explanation but I could not resist. The devil made me do it!
Valeria

[Stewart A.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Mother nature throws curved balls every now and again. So it's only a matter of time before you get caught. You will go for a big cruise with a club and you will eventually get caught out. Hey it's all part of the fun. Just don't shoot anyone Valeria. Stewy

[John S.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

do not add washers as the above say...use lots of Rain-X and ur wipers dont even have to work....John

[Stewart A.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

I'm pretty sure when Ian's car hits the road the last thing he will be doing is driving in the rain. I reckon his car will be in cotton balls. Stewy

[Ian G.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

I'm definitely gonna drive it, but not intentionally in the rain. Just want them for that time when I get bugs on it, etc. but I'm not gonna bother. Sounds like the concensus is I will spend a lot of tiem and money to hunt down the parts and install them, for the stupid thing not to work as likely as not.

[Stewart A.]

Re: Adding windshield washers to C1?

Hey Ian I never use my wipers on any car !! I hate that noise they make it's kind of like chalk down the board for me !! My wife goes ape at me when it rains and we can't see shi. I just hate using wipers and will only use them in torrential rain. I'm a sick puppy ah !! Stewy