Hub454

I am putting in a big block with tall valve covers and will have to eliminate my vaccum system for the wiper door on my 68. Has anyone installed an electric actuator for this? I saw years ago a post where someone made a bracket and installed an actuator. Does anyone have plans to build this bracket?

Garys 68

Couple ways to do it. I used a linear actuator.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...onversion.html

Hub454

So you went with the 2" mini actuator? What are the deminsions of the brackets? I want to make sure they will clear my tall valve covers.

Garys 68

yep 2" actuator.
The assembly sticks out 4 1/2" from the original can mounting surface.

7t2vette

Where did you attach the end of the actuator to? Right to the linkage? It looks like some of your actuator is inside the wiper valley. Any more pics of it? This is next on my list, just did the electric headlight doors.

Garys 68

There's a 4 piece scissor mechanism in the well. I removed that and connected the actuator directly to the lever on the rod.
The actuator is about 8" long. I clearanced the firewall and bracket so about half the actuator is inside the well.

Hub454

Thanks Gary I will have to try this.

Stingray-Jer

Just curious why are you having to eliminate the vac system for the wiper door. Is this due to a space issue or lack of vacuum from your engine??

BMENZEL

I finished the install of the wiper door actuator. I used a 2" linear actuator I bought off Ebay for $40.00. I drilled and tapped the end of the aluminum rod for a 5/16 x 18 tpi rh thread to accept a threaded stud that screws into the long factory hex adjustment nut. I cut 2 aluminum angles from Lowes stock and bolted them to the factory bracket the vacuum motor was attached to. The factory rubber bellows even fits over the actuator. For now I am using a separate DPDT momentary contact switch to operate the door. I may add relays etc later to work off the wiper switch. I plan to try to hide more of the actuator in the firewall later on but this mounting is OK for now.

ezobens

More pics please!

1427

Do you have power brakes? What valve covers? I have Brodix RaceRite heads w/ tall Moroso valve covers and Felpro gaskets on my big block.
The vacuum canister bracket is slotted to raise it up some. I have plenty of room. On the other hand I have power brakes and had to cut and weld a clearance area for valve cover. I can remove this cover very easy.
Have some pics in My Garage if you want to look.
1427

BMENZEL

The Vette is a 72 coupe, 350 with factory AC & power brakes. Regular height small block chromed steel valve covers (low). I used the factory wiper linkage system including the long hex adjustment nut. I drilled and tapped the end of the actuator push rod for a 5/16-18 tpi right hand thread. I cut a piece of all thread about 2 inches long to attach the push rod to the hex adjustment nut. Be careful when drilling the end aluminum push rod to get the hole in the exact center of the end of the rod. I also filed out the metal supports behind the fiberglass firewall to provide clearance for the push rod. I only filed out to match the fiberglass opening. When the actuator rod moves in and out it also moves up and down because of the arc of the lever arm inside the firewall. That was a lot of trial and error. As you can see in the pictures the aluminum angle worked pretty good. Bought it at Lowes in the hardware section. Couple of bucks for a 4 foot long piece. The long bolt is a 1/4 x 3-1/2 hex head and I used a self locking nut. I suggest attaching the angle first to the bracket. Cut the angle oversize to allow for determining where to drill the hole for the mounting bolt and by trial and error determine the final mounting point for the bolt.