Rebuilding wiper door system 70-72

[Lyndon S.]

My next project is to rebuild my wiper door components , other than the assembly manual dose anyone know of a good book on the subject that would typically show all the system but also have a trouble shooting guide? Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: Rebuilding wiper door system 70-72

Lyndon, This my recomendation if the system works clean everything up re-plate the vacuum accuator. and clean everything else up, if the hoses are intack, use a little mineral sprits to get the color back to the hoses,Since this system is so complex or temperamental its best to do only what needs to be done. My 72 is still wearing all its original parts but the vacuum valve under the wiper grill.I did have the vacuum modulator replated. In the judging since its best to have as much originality as possible. the after market hoses are not even close to the originals.

[Lyndon S.]

[Joseph K.]

Re: Rebuilding wiper door system 70-72

check on the dr rebuild site. they have a lot of info on that site that will help you.

[Curt S.]

Re: Rebuilding wiper door system 70-72

I recently finished redoing a 69 system.At the beginning,I thought the job complex,but found that with the correct procedures it became easier. The vacuum tank behind the driver's inner fender is where I began. Check with a hand pump type vacuum pump that will tell if it will hold a vacuum. If the tank has never been out of the car you will be very lucky if it will hold vacuum. I had mine repaired / resealed by a gas tank renew business. It can be a character building task to remove the tank,but keep telling yourself that this is probably the last time you will do this task.After the tank is reinstalled,branch out from the tank testing every component with the pump or visually to make sure they will hold vacuum. Hope this helps Curt

[Edward J.]

Re: Rebuilding wiper door system 70-72

Lyndon, As Joe says doc. rebuild has a troubleshooting guide for the wiper door. The biggest failure parts on the wiper door is the vacuum valve under the wiper grill area. and sometimes the solenoid under the dash drivers side( It affixes to the back of the tach).without a troubleshooting guide it would be hard to point a finger at what the problem is. some of the pieces like the vacuum valve, and solenoid can be tested easily out of car.

[Jim T.]

Re: Rebuilding wiper door system 70-72

Lyndon do you have the factory service manual for your 1971? Like Edward Johnson mentions in his post, the vacuum valve under the wiper grille is a replacement piece to purchase. The wiper opening vacuum unit's external seal is one of the easiest seals to replace. I read about this replacement in Vette Vues over 20 years ago and did it. This external seal can be replaced with a baby bottle nipple, old fashioned style. I bought a silicone baby bottle nipple. I punched a hole for the actuating rod in the nipple's end with a tool that cut a perfect round hole smaller than the diameter of the shaft for a good seal. It is still in use. The seals for the headlight vacuum units can be obtained from Corvette parts suppliers and installed.