68 Wiper Door Actuator

[Rich G.]

Installed a new actuator can from CC. The old one had a shaft break. Wiper door opens and wipers work. The door does not close when the wipers park, or ever. The door seemed free when it was disconnected and I installed the new one with the door closed and the actuator at the closed position. Now the actuator rod is extended and the door remains open.

Before I take it apart again, looking for advice. The old can worked fine open and close until the rod broke. The rod broke trying to open the door one day. It had the 1/4 shaft. The new one has the 3/8 shaft and was supplied with the proper hex connecting nut. I have not driven the car, it's raining but just started it in the garage. It is a L71. Is it possible I didn't build enough vacuum to pull the door closed?

Any advice appreciated

Rich G

[Edward J.]

Re: 68 Wiper Door Actuator

Rich, Theres a vacuum switch under the door that is made of plastic, its a common problem on the 68-72 wiper doors, It can be broken easily. The problem is there not the most reliable part in the repro world, You may want to get a couple as I did.

[Mark D.]

Re: 68 Wiper Door Actuator

Rich, Theres a vacuum switch under the door that is made of plastic, its a common problem on the 68-72 wiper doors, It can be broken easily. The problem is there not the most reliable part in the repro world, You may want to get a couple as I did.

Good advice and, if your going to have your car judged, before you install the repop, paint the top black. The repops are white but originals were black plastic.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 68 Wiper Door Actuator

Do 68s have that vacuum switch?

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Wiper Door Actuator

I put the old can back on the vacuum hoses and it operates properly except that the shaft is broken. Turn wipers on the shaft goes out, turn wipers off, the shaft goes back. When the can was off the door moved freely.

I guess I'll take this can off again and see if it works when not connected to the door. The problem is that with the door open, the connection is not accessible.

Where is the switch you are talking about? Do I have to take the cowl grill to get to it? In case I have to change it

Rich

[Michael M.]

Re: 68 Wiper Door Actuator

I thought the vacuum switch under the right hand wiper arm was a 69+ thing and not found on 68's.

[Mark D.]

Re: 68 Wiper Door Actuator

68 does not have it. Sorry, I had 69 on the brain.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Wiper Door Actuator

All fixed. I had the rod mis-adjusted. I didn't realize that the link nut also controls the length of the rod since it must have different pitch threads on each end, so the effective length changes depending upon how much each end is into it.

Since the old one broke off, I didn't have a reference. I also found it's easier to do and get the boot on if you get the actuator on the open (extended) position and hook things up before putting the bracket bolts in. I have shop manuals but the detail of assembly leaves something to be desired.

Rich