C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

[Rick M.]

Does anyone have a picture of a 72 wiper door actuator vacuum valve that I could see? I am not suure mine are correct. Thanks

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

There is/was a drawing in the 1970-72 TIM&JG. I don't have my copy with me at work or I would look it up for you and cite the page #.

[Rick M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

It shows the valve on page 87 for 70-71 but not 72. In the manual it talks it says the 72 has 1 arm are they talking about ports?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Does anyone have a picture of a 72 wiper door actuator vacuum valve that I could see? I am not suure mine are correct. Thanks

Rick-----

I'm not sure what part you are referring to. Where is the one you are talking about located on the car?

[Rick M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Behind the passenger side wheel well.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

It shows the valve on page 87 for 70-71 but not 72. In the manual it talks it says the 72 has 1 arm are they talking about ports?

No it is describing the impressions in the metal (gold colored) top of the valve that is shown in htat drawing. If the drawing is for 1970-71 it will show two arms -- facing each other. The 1972 has one longer arm. Sounds like we will have to get a drawing/picture for the next revision.

[Rick M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Thank you. Do you know where I can find an original?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Behind the passenger side wheel well.

Rick------


The part in question is called the WIPER DOOR ACTUATOR RELAY. The exact same piece was used for the headlight vacuum operating system. It is known as GM #5638427 and has been from the beginning of its use in 1968 through its last use in 1982. It's still available from GM for about 140 bucks, GM list, although there have been some changes in configuration, most notably the center top cover losing its dichromate ("gold") finish.

Attached is a photo of a guaranteed original 1969 5638427 shown installed on the car. Obviously, some parts of the relay are unseen but the top is quite visible. As far as I know, there were no changes in configuration or, even, any nuance differences between 1969 and 1972.

Well, I guess there will not be a photo attached. I tried to attach a photo and I'm getting the same problems I have before. Plus, now I cannot even find the button for the "basic uploader" which I did use successfully before.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Thank you. Do you know where I can find an original?

You can find an original (or two in your case) under the nose of your car as the headlamp actuator relay valves. Pick the best of the two and have it refinished and replace the one you "stole" with a new one or the incorrect one from the fender well. The judges will never be able to see the ones under the nose -- or see enough of it to determine whether they are correct or not. Be sure to put a new square foam filter piece in the bottom of the valve. The judge can and will see that on all three vacuum valves.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

I know someone who has (or had) a picture illustrating three different styles of the metal top piece of the relay valve. In fact he posted that picture on here in the distant past. I will PM him and see if he still has the image and can figure out how to post on the "new" board.

[Rick M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Thank you so much. Rick

[Grant W.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Here is a pic of a 68 only far left.(plating was gold bronze and I don't like it so I will restore it later. 69 to 73? This is more of the right gold irrate plating (center) then right side 74 to 82 and current same GM replacement?

Incidentally I had a 68 valve the plastic body was cracked so I took a GM replacement valve and switched tops. Came out like NOS. However the embossing words of the newer body is a little bigger than the old 68 style. I am not sure the judges will pick that out but functions just great. I hope to get this Refitting in the restorer one day.
Hope this helps.
GrantHeadlight vacume pods.jpg

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

Hi,
If I may I'll stir this pot a bit.
My mid-January 1971 built car has 3 of the relays with the single long 'finger' in the depression. It's the configuration shown on the relay on the right in Grant's picture.
They are the relays it left St. Louis with.
Regards,
Alan

[Lyndon S.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

What is the best way to access and remove this part? Would it do to take the side grill off, or just go from inside the engine compartment to remove it?

[Rick M.]

Re: C3 wiper door actuator vacuum valve

You can take it off without takine the grill off.