Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

As I check off the many boxes getting to the bottom of my unserviceable and non-functioning list of items on my car, I have arrived at the windshield wipers. Any who have read my previous posts know that I thought the controls for them were the chrome knob marked 'W'sticking out from under the dash. Turns out THAT knob was, in fact the heater switch and, as it was all wired backwards, did not activate the heater, so I mistakenly thought 'W' was for wipers... (sounds like a Sue Grafton novel! LOL) I have since purchased a proper heater control (marked 'H' with 'heat' on one side and defrost on the other, and have it properly installed and working perfectly. In the back-and-forth posts with the many helpful Packard owners, I have now come to learn that the hole in the top, middle of my dash, is where the wiper controls SHOULD be. When I look underneath, the gray, pot metal casing of the wiper motor looks clean and newish; there are brand new bolts holding it in place and I am wondering if all I am missing is the knob. There is a forked lever that moves back and forth a good 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch and I presume the proper knob would simply turn back and forth, clockwise and counter-clockwise. Is this correct?? And does anybody know where one could be found?? I am guessing that the correct control would span at least a couple of years, so hopefully this is not a '39 Six-specific search. I have some other mechanical issues under way right now and the car is not running, so I can't test them, but will need the control knob regardless. Any suggestions or sources would be appreciated.

That sounds about right. I vaguely remember seeing a photo of a knob with a piece of bent wire looking end aiming off toward the wiper motor. If I can find the photo I will post but you might also PM flackmaster. He would probably be the best source for something like that.

Would be glad to help, need to know year, model, body style

I tried to isolate just one page of the following link to show just the control knobs,with no luck, but if you scroll down to where they are shown, there are a variety in the '39 range. Does anyone have any experience with Bob Drake Reproductions?? And/or does anyone know if any of these will work in a '39 Six?? I am presuming the wiper motor in the Packard was used in numerous other vehicles and makes of the time.

http://www.bobdrake.com/images/sales/minicats/wipers-minicat.pdf

Me thinks I gots '39 specific wiper knob...will verify tomorrow. If I forget, remind me.
And no, I am not ignoring your prior email regarding door handle/lock dilemma,,,,just have not had time to prove assembly to myself before replying...

I don't recall a control knob on my 1940 110, which had electric wipers and I don't recall t all what by 1939 had. Did 1939 Six still have vacuum? On the 1940 110, it was a two-speed switch.

Thank you David, and no, I didn't think you were ignoring me, just figured you were busy - no problem.

Fred - '39 Six 1700 touring car

Don, yes '39 is a vacuum wiper motor. Somebody posted a picture of their car with a seagull sitting on the hood; the wiper switch showed perfectly in it. I'll try and find and post.

Here's 'where it is and what it looks like'........

a little clearer, maybe??

Attach file:

---

  (19.77 KB)