Wiper Door-- electric conversion questions
 

I've searched the old threads on this topic and have found where some of you guys have converted the wiper door operation from vacuum to electric operation, but I can't find any posts that actually have photos of what you used. I'd love to see some photos of what you have done.

If you have done it, which way did you go: linear actuator rod or rotary actuator and why?

If you went with the linear set up, what stroke length?

I look forward to seeing some examples of your mods.
:cheers:

:lurk:

:lurk:

As large as the vac actuator is and the long rubber boot that covers the rod..........I would fit a screw jack actuator inside the vac valve and boot and no one would know it was their.

I just fixed my wipers and door but next time I will go the electric route for sure.

linear actuator. Used 2 relays to change polarity. The actuators internal limit switch stops at closed. I use a dpdt microswitch instead of the spst wiper door switch to limit the door open, and energize the wiper motor. Works like a charm.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...14actuator.jpg

Gary,
That is exactly what I'm talking about! Thanks for posting the pic.

What stroke length actuator did you use?
Do you remember the manufacturer?

:cheers:

I eliminated all but the main arm of the mechanism and used a 2" acuator.
http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_...roducts_id=136

I used a ~6" actuator, Chris, 69myway, got it for me, I used Radio shack burglar alarm contacts with magnets on the door itself, the reason is they are waterproof, microswitches are not waterproof, and in the wet may well fail....the contacts are readily available and cheep too....

the relays are basically easy...I used 3 of them, could go Solid state if I wanted to, but why bother?? the red WSW wiper motor wire is not needed, I put in a more 'normal' GM wiper motor setup, sans the pump action, used a 15 buck aftermarket pump and a button for that action...

I glued one contact to the windshield, and the other to the grill in front, two magnets on the door....4 wires through to inside behind the map pocket area where the 3 relays are glued/wired together with the main power relay support bolted to the cowling...ground to another bolt, one of the relays is a reversing relay, sole purpose is to reverse the polarity of the motor +- wires, the others are to turn on/off, and interact with the switches to limit the travel....
been there about 4 years now...

:thumbs:

Pics man we need pics :toetap::D

I guess I'm going to have to look into this but is there any reason you couldn't set this up like power door locks,push the toggle and it opens then push the toggle to close ? (no relays )

That's the easiest solution. I just wanted mine to work off the factory switch. Besides, relays are cheap, a couple bucks each, and the dpdt limit switch was under $10 and fit perfectly where the original wiper door switch fit.

The Firgelli actuators are pretty decent. We use them all time for linear motion. :thumbs:

Thanks for the added info.

I had found the Fegelli actuators on the internet, and also saw some from AutoLoc, part # 6179E, that were only about 6.25" (158mm) long. I'll have to go back and look at the FA's but I think they were almost 10" long for the 2" stroke.

Keep the info coming!
:cheers:

Oops....website is www.route66supply.com

I did mine over 25 years ago. I didnt know about actuators then, so I used a Mazda RX7 pop up head light motor.
I welded its mounting bracket to the vacum mounting bracket, modified the vacum shaft to fit on the rotary arm of the headlight motor. Then used a DPDT relay to sense power to the wiper motor to lift the wiper door when power goes to the wipers & more importantly not close until the wipers are parked.

I havnt touhed this setup in 25 years & it works every time.

If you want to go down this path, I will try to post some pics.

Otherwise, goodluck with whichever method you decide to use.


Cheers from Aus. :cheers:

Thanks Andrew. I'm guessing the linear actuator is smaller than the Mazda setup, but if you can post a pic I'd love to see how it looks. I have not ordered anything yet, but I need to within the next week.
:cheers:

Please post the pics AAJC.....
 

sounds a little different....and interesting

I like this idea and would like to see some pics AAJC

:iagree: pics please

I am hoping to do the same thing with mine.

I wound up ordering the linear actuator from Route66Supply.com that is from AutoLoc that I referenced above. Awaiting delivery now. I'll post an update after I get it.
:cheers: