can anyone help with the install procedure for the wiper door for a 1969.

specifically how to get the linkage assembly in the up position so I can get the bolts in.

any help appreciated.

 

Push on the actuating rod on the firewall middle. On my 69 the linkage was almost frozen and stiff. I used Kroil spray for several days and loosened them up. Install new bushings and bolts. I put anti seize on the bolts. I had 1 bolt broken off, I broke 2 off getting them off and 1 came out. Drilled and cleaned out the threads. I stuffed rags in the corner and used a spring nut driver to install the bolts. Wrapped black electrical tape to keep the bolt on the socket and pulled it of once the bolt was started. You don't want to loose the bolt into the fender well, gone forever. I found it a rather easy job other than the broken bolts.

 

Its easier to install it with the door attached to the linkage (before installing the linkage). I have done it that way numerous times.

 

 

If your linkage is already installed, actuate it to the UP position (mechanically or via engine vacuum). Use the manual-open switch under the steering column to keep it in UP position, then turn engine OFF.

Get two large towels and loosely stuff them into the "bottomless pits" at the rear of each fender. When you try to install the plastic bushings and bolts, you will inevitably drop something into those passages if you don't plug them up during the assembly process. [Ask me how I know?]

Put a wipe/daub of white lithium grease on a bushing and place it in its bore; then (with someone else holding the other end of the door in approximate position) position end of door properly and loosely insert one bolt. Do the same on the other side. {I prefer to do the FRONT bolts first, then the back ones.}

Follow up with installing the rear bolts. Now SNUG those bolts up a bit. My AIM indicates they are to be torqued to 20-30 INCH-pounds; thats 2-3 FOOT-pounds. A good snugging is all they need. With the bushings greased and in place, there is no significant force trying to loosen them. It might be good to put just a bit of anti-seize lube on the threads of each bolt...just so you can remove them in the future. I DO NOT RECOMMEND PUTTING ANY LOCTITE ON THOSE THREADS. That will almost guarantee that the bolts will snap off if you ever try to remove them.

Don't forget to remove the towels!

 

thanks for the advice everyone. I will give it a go again tonight.

the idea with the towels in the fenders is a great one. I think I have a few hundred dollars worth of screws, nuts and bushings at the bottom of my so far.

the anti seize is also a great idea. took a while to get the holes rethreaded.

I had looked for a spring nut driver at harbor freight thinking it would help but did not find one, may have to look harder, seems like that would be the best tool.

I thought about putting it on before putting the assembly in the car, but it seemed like it would be difficult to get to the nut which attaches to the limit switch arm to tighten it down.

thanks everyone