Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I have acquired a nice Trico windshield washer bottle and would like to install it as an accessory on my 51 200. I have the nozzles for the wiper arm base. My question is what does the control button look like, and does anyone have one for sale? Thanks

If it is the standard Packard issue washer for prior to sometime in 53 it is operated by the regular WS wiper knob.

The vacuum for the 51-3 washer comes off the nipple on wiper motor drivers side. Turning the knob opposite from the regular direction & holding against a spring moves the valve to apply vacuum to the washer port and charges the washer. Upon release and then starting to turn the knob in the normal direction lets the water discharge. Continued turning of the knob starts the wipers.

If you have a later electric actuated model, then the button for those was in the center of the regular knob and needs an entire new switch, cable and knob/button assy. Not sure exactly when those first started -- mid to late 53 since there is a first and second type sw/cable assy for 53's.

If electric washer actuator and you didn't want to change the regular wiper switch assy you could get an ordinary starter type push button and mount it under the dash edge. You would still have to work the wipers separately.

thanks - mine has the vacuum wiper motor, so it should be a fairly easy installation.