C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

[Donald H.]

I'm not able to get my transmission cables attached to the wiper drum on my 1960. Here's what I have and what I have done:

1. I had original transmissions which were frozen so I used a set of instructions (not sure where I got them) that provides great guidance and details for overhauling the transmissions. Due to various problems, maintly not being able to get the cables around the wiper drum due to not enough slack in the cables, I gave up on the ones I had restored and paid an outrageous price for a set of NOS wiper transmissions.

2. Now I am unable to get enough slack on the NOS ones either. Yes, from the article I have, I know about releasing the two cables and pulling them away from the transmission to provide slack in the cable. I've done that until the cable have almost cut a grove in the leather gloves I'm using to pull with. I'm pretty sure I have all the slack pulled out that I can get, but will continue to try this approach.

3. I checked the full cable lengths (all four cables on the two transmissions) against the article and from the lengths provided in a Restorer article off the CD and the cable are within 0.2". Some longer, some slightly shorter. But they are much to short to go on the drums.

4. I've had the wiper motor both attached to the drum assembly on the firewall (and in park) and off to allow me to freely spin the drum. Neither has helped

Before I take these NOS ones apart and replace the cables with longer ones, does anyone have any more suggestions?

Also, the wiper moter will attach to the drum plate in two difference orientation, 180⁰ apart. Please look at the photo attached, this shows the orientation of the wiper drum on the inside of the firewall. The two outer groove attachment points are on the driver side in the photo. Is this the correct orientation?

Thanks,
Don




Wiper Drum.jpg

[Stan G.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

I also had the same problem several years ago kept thinking I was installing them wrong finally I think I took the drum loose or loosened it partially so I could slip the cables over the drum and the tightened the drum up . None of the manuals said to do this but like you I could not get it done the correct way . They work
fine .

Stan

[Rod K.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

If you have Noland Adams' Restoration Guide, there is an instruction at the end of the 1956-57 section (p. 204) which tells how to install these cables. It may be the same info you already have, but explains that the transmission shaft has to be pushed in from the outside by a second person to release the pulleys allowing the cables to be extended to attach to the motor drum.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

If you have Noland Adams' Restoration Guide, there is an instruction at the end of the 1956-57 section (p. 204) which tells how to install these cables. It may be the same info you already have, but explains that the transmission shaft has to be pushed in from the outside by a second person to release the pulleys allowing the cables to be extended to attach to the motor drum.

Thanks, yes I have all of that information and have followed the instructions completely. It just seems that my cables are simply short by about 1 1/2" on one side and 1/2" on the other. The instructions say you should be able to pull out / extent the cables by the instructions about 3/4". I've managed to get on side pulled out 7/8" inch and the other a full 1", but they are still to short to get around the wiper drum on the firewall. I may try Stan's suggestion in post #2 above.

Anyone else who can shed any light on what to do?

Thanks,
Don H.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

Don, I recently did this on a '59. I rebuilt the two transmissions.

To get the maximum length of cable on each transmission, I put each one in a vice, held the top end pushed in, and pulled on the cable to stretch the spring to it's max. Then I installed them in the dash loosely with just the chrome escutcheons. I recall I had trouble with one of the outer cables on the drum to get it on. Seemed way too short. Then I looked at the diagram again and realized I was placing on the wrong groove. After that it was fine. Tightened the escutcheons, and pushed in on the top of each trans and they both popped the cables up tight. Then I attached the brackets underneath. That itself was a PITA. Hard to get little wrenches up in there for the 10-24 nuts with the defroster vents in.

I may have the cable lengths recorded and can check in the morning when I get out in the garage. I'll check drum position also but I think yours is ok IIRC. But actually, it won't matter once the cables are on as they will self locate on the drum. The last cable will set it in the correct position. You just have to make sure the outer pivot bar is in the right position and the wiper motor is in park before attaching it.

I use Joe Calcagno's guide whenever I do these. http://www.rarecorvettes.com/RARE/WiperTrans.html

Rich
p.s. I agree. It is a pain to do these!

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

Don, I recently did this on a '59. I rebuilt the two transmissions.

To get the maximum length of cable on each transmission, I put each one in a vice, held the top end pushed in, and pulled on the cable to stretch the spring to it's max. Then I installed them in the dash loosely with just the chrome escutcheons. I recall I had trouble with one of the outer cables on the drum to get it on. Seemed way too short. Then I looked at the diagram again and realized I was placing on the wrong groove. After that it was fine. Tightened the escutcheons, and pushed in on the top of each trans and they both popped the cables up tight. Then I attached the brackets underneath. That itself was a PITA. Hard to get little wrenches up in there for the 10-24 nuts with the defroster vents in.

I may have the cable lengths recorded and can check in the morning when I get out in the garage. I'll check drum position also but I think yours is ok IIRC. But actually, it won't matter once the cables are on as they will self locate on the drum. The last cable will set it in the correct position. You just have to make sure the outer pivot bar is in the right position and the wiper motor is in park before attaching it.

I use Joe Calcagno's guide whenever I do these. http://www.rarecorvettes.com/RARE/WiperTrans.html

Rich
p.s. I agree. It is a pain to do these!

I have also used Calcagno's guide. If you have the measurements I would appreciate you letting me know. Also what the measurement is of, I.e., fully extended cable measured from the housing to the tip including the slag. Or, exactly what your measurement included.

Thanks,
Don

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

Don, sorry but I don't have the actual measurements. I only marked them Long or Short when I rebuilt them.

This may help......

http://www.carols62.com/59/wiper_trans.htm

Rich

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

Don, sorry but I don't have the actual measurements. I only marked them Long or Short when I rebuilt them.

This may help......

http://www.carols62.com/59/wiper_trans.htm

Rich

Thanks for looking. I also have the document you attached above. That is what I was referencing for correct cable lengths. I was surprised at how much the lengths varied in the examples.

I finally got the driver side attached. With the cables fully extended, I needed an additional 1/4", so I attached one cable, then grabbed the swag with needle nosed pliers and levered it over and into the the drum retainer slot.

Unfortunately on the passenger side, even with the cables fully extended, I need another 3/4" to even get to where I could possibly grab the swag and lever it onto the drum. But, I'll tray a few more times before I give up and install a longer cable

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

You're probably aware, but I have to ask.......Are your pass side cables criss-crossed to the drum? Also IIRC, I had the motor off of the drum when I put these on. This way I could rotate the drum to aid it getting them on.(edit, ignore this I just reread that you did this). FYI, I did Passenger side first, then Drivers side. I did have a little trouble with DS, but PS was easy.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

Don, I haven't done it this before but wondering if it may help.....

Before you install the Pass side transmission, try to attach the cables to the drum first, then place the transmission in the hole in the dash. Maybe it can't be done this way but it may be worth a try.

Rich

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

You're probably aware, but I have to ask.......Are your pass side cables criss-crossed to the drum? Also IIRC, I had the motor off of the drum when I put these on. This way I could rotate the drum to aid it getting them on.(edit, ignore this I just reread that you did this). FYI, I did Passenger side first, then Drivers side. I did have a little trouble with DS, but PS was easy.

Rich

I do have them crossed per the instructions. I've also had the wiper motor on and off. I'll keep trying, but really seems that I need another 3/4" to 1", and that is with the cables extended tto their max

I do appreciate all your suggestions as you've been there

[Stephen G.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

I had the same problem. The Solution is simple. Don't tighten the nuts on the transmissions until after you have the cables on the drum. The bit of tilt you will get gives you the extra slack required.

[Stan G.]

Re: C1 Wiper Transmissions - HELP PLEASE

Steve's and Rich's post is the only way I could get them on as I said in my first post . In a perfect world you can use the books , all other times you have to wing it .

Stan