Wiper Arms

[Jeff Davison]

It will be a while yet before I actually get to install the windshield, let alone the wiper arm, but I like to be in parts acquisition mode long before the part is needed in hand.

I'm using the Lucas wiper motor / mechanism that Gerry supplies. It will have to be modded so the moter can be mounted on the left side and the pivot point to the left of center, but that should be a very easy cutting the length of the "tubes" and reflaring the ends to fit in the gear box.

Reason for this post is that the splined shaft that the wiper arm sits on is not a familiar one (or at least my experience) in the States.

Talking with Gerry, he mentioned that Guy Mayers used a Citroen arm. I didn't get the model or year info. Citroens are less common (considerably) then even Betas and less then the perverbial "hens tooth". Also Scott McGill mentioned that John Rutter was using Gerrys wiper assembly.

So the question goes out:

Which wiper arms (that are readily available), that is of the appropriate length that can be used with the Hawk supplied Lucas setup? Mention of a possible supplier would be appreciated as well.

Thanks all,

Jeff Davison

[mogul_x]

Jeff,

You might not need to modify the wiper mechanism to get it installed, unless it's because you are using a Tilton pedal box. Well, that, or you are copying an original car.

I think Gerry's kit usually goes on the right hand side in a left hand drive car, and I've found a position that seems to work well for mounting it to the front bulkhead. No modifications required, except possibly reversing the switch contact inside the gearbox to park on the opposite side. I won't know for sure until I get power to it.

The location that I picked managed to avoid fouling any of the frame members, and even leaves room for a full sized spare. The only thing that might have a problem is the heater blower. There isn't much space left to run the dryer hose from an external blower, past the wiper motor, and into the front bulkhead.

I could take some dimensions and make a sketch if you need it. I have a couple of photos, but they aren't developed yet. Still have to finish the roll.

[Jeff Davison]

Scott,

the modifications that are needed are the length of the tubes themselve, regardless of where the pedal box is. the distance between the motor and the gear box being to long for the unit Gerry supplies out of the box. Gerry even says this in the build manual about shrtning and reflaring the tubes to suit.

Just need that danged wiper arm. The 18" length is not stocked here in the US as no brit car here uses it. Even calling to a Lucas part British specialist yield no results as the go strictly by make and model that the part is from. This is frustrating to say the least.

Jeff

[colin artus]

For the wiper arm the main requirement (apart from the metric spline fitting) is that the arm should be straight i.e. no crank. You could always shorten a longer one. The early series SEAT Ibitha had an ideal arm and spares are still available from dealers although the sprung section has been made a bit differently and so does not look quite as close to the original.
I rejected the Beta wiper assembly as being to big and heavy and instead used the rear wiper from a Ford Escort which is small enough to fit directly under the wiper arm. It is wired for park and multi speed. Only downside is the sweep which is about 5 degrees too big - I can live with that.

Colin

[mogul_x]

Originally posted by Jeff Davison
the modifications that are needed are the length of the tubes themselve, regardless of where the pedal box is. the distance between the motor and the gear box being to long for the unit Gerry supplies out of the box. Gerry even says this in the build manual about shrtning and reflaring the tubes to suit.


You'll have to show me some pics of your installation once you get it together. The way I have mine installed, I didn't need to change the length of the tube between the motor and gearbox. A longer tube might have been helpful, but I couldn't have lived with a shorter one the way it is installed now.

It's entirely possible that I've got it in wrong, but it's as close as I could get to the diagram in the manual. I'd definitely like to get a look at yours, and see if my installation could be improved.

[Jeff Davison]

Scott,

For LHD cars, the manual says to mount the wiper pivot gear box to the left of the central washer nozzle. This is where I mounted it. The manual also says that the motor should be mounted on the right side of the vehicle. This would let the arms remain long.

I am, however, going to mount the motor on the left side of the car above the pedal box and below the windscreen. This puts the motor very close to the pivot gearbox. I want to mount it on the left side to try to present a standard looking under bonet layout.


I'm still in search of a wiper arm.



Jeff Davison

[mogul_x]

So you are attempting to duplicate the original layout :D

[Jeff Davison]

I are. May even paint the motor housing black with epoxy paint and the drive brown ;^P....nah....

Jeff

[David May]

I'm using a Citroen AX wiper motor with a Fiat Bravo arm, not that either are much use outside Europe...

Dave May