Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

The windshield wipers on my 1956 "400" don't work, although they do try to move a tiny bit. I'm wondering what the usual fix is for this problem.

Steve in Indiana

Take the motor off, which is about a three minute procedure, and send it Ficken Wiper Repair. He advertises in Hemmings etc.

While it is away, lubricate all of the cables and pivots under the dash with light oil and check that you can easily pull the wiper blades back and forth. Then renew all of the rubber hoses to the motor and also the two small ones that run through the firewall to the control on the dash.

At this late point in time I can guarantee all of the above will be necessary if not accomplished before. Contrary to folklore those vacuum wipers will work quite well with a little maintenance once every sixty years or so.

My dads works just off the oil pump vacuum .

He has a vacuum gauge on the intake manifold vacuum.

I sent a message to Mr. Ficken this morning. Many thanks for the information.
Steve