Re: BigKev's 1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Sedan

Posted by BigKev On 2010/2/1 16:04:09

Well for it was spending $40 for electric wipers, which I can convert back in about 10 mins with a single flathead screwdriver, vs spending $125 to have my vacuum motor rebuilt. So at this time it was economics that won out.

The neat thing about this is that besides the small little bend in the firewall lip that is required on the 51-54s (which is hidden by either wiper motor), both motors are interchangeable.

As my car is a 12v conversion, the electric motor simply takes its power off of the ignition switch side of the firewall mounted ballast resistor (this is how they are hooked up on Tri-Five Chevies). So no additional splicing into the harness is required. I would imagine that 55-56 owners could do the same thing even easier as there cars are already 12v with a ballast resistor, plus the firewall lip doesn't interfere.

You could switch this back to vacuum motor at a car show in the morning if someone wanted to maintain the original look and feel.

My car is really not destined to ever be a Show Car ever. My car was on it's way to the crusher before I rescued it as folks said it was to gone to restore (economically speaking). So another Packard back on the road with a few "driver status" changes, versus just another crushed car.

I dont have any problem with people making easily reversible modifications to their cars that are "drivers" if that is what they think they need to do. Just as long at they don't evangelize these modifications as the "2nd coming" and put down anyone that indeed wants to maintain their cars as close to original as possible. There's a place for everyone, and it all about mutual respect.

To sum it up, it just another option that is available for folks that perhaps are unhappy with there vacuum motor, or need something to get them by until they can get the vacuum motor rebuilt.