Wiper Door-- electric conversion questions
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 8
From: Centreville, VA
Hi Gary, was reading your old post converting wiper door to electric actuator. I like your setup, it looks clean. Just wondering if you can help me and give me more details about this setup. I'm in the same process on my 71. part numbers for components you used, wiring details, where you installed your micro switch and any picture you can provide. appreciated
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
Any linear actuator with a 2" stroke will work. The one I used is no longer available. Get one with internal limit switches. Higher force linear actuators tend to be slower, preventing the wiper door from closing on the wiper arms.
I removed the scissor mechanism in the wiper bay and connected the actuator to the arm that comes off the cross shaft.
You replace the OEM limit switch with a dpdt microswitch (ebay). It mounts in the same place.
You can manually operate, making it simpler. I chose to use 2 relays to reverse polarity so it would work with my dash wiper switch.
List:
2" linear actuator
Diode
dpdt microswitch
2 relays
Couple pieces of metal for bracket
Switch
Schematic:
Pic showing actuator, dpdt limit switch/diode
I removed the scissor mechanism in the wiper bay and connected the actuator to the arm that comes off the cross shaft.
You replace the OEM limit switch with a dpdt microswitch (ebay). It mounts in the same place.
You can manually operate, making it simpler. I chose to use 2 relays to reverse polarity so it would work with my dash wiper switch.
List:
2" linear actuator
Diode
dpdt microswitch
2 relays
Couple pieces of metal for bracket
Switch
Schematic:
Pic showing actuator, dpdt limit switch/diode
Last edited by Garys 68; Apr 28, 2016 at 08:24 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 71
Likes: 8
From: Centreville, VA
firgelliauto part #
I eliminated all but the main arm of the mechanism and used a 2" acuator.
http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_...roducts_id=136
http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_...roducts_id=136
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
It looks like they don't make that one any more. But any 2" stroke will work.
It requires very little force, but higher force actuators are generally slower. This allows the wipers to park before the door closes.
It requires very little force, but higher force actuators are generally slower. This allows the wipers to park before the door closes.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,741
Likes: 1,383
Garys 68 - is wiper door interlocked?
Is your wiper door interlocked to prevent the door closing on the wipers? it appears so, but you mentioned the linear actuator speed; therefore the question.
I looked at those linear actuators and it looks like their temp range is a high of ~150°F..... doesn't it get warmer than that in the engine compartment.
It is a beautiful setup you have going there though.
I looked at those linear actuators and it looks like their temp range is a high of ~150°F..... doesn't it get warmer than that in the engine compartment.
It is a beautiful setup you have going there though.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,065
From: Virginia USA
Unless you have a monster motor with little vacuum to use to run your headlight and wiper door why bother IMO. Just take some time to fix the vacuum circuit. It's pretty easy and everything is already there and no extra wiring, relays, actuators, brackets etc. to fabricate. Why is some so amendment that electrics are better than the vacuum system? Both have their ups and downs but to me the up side of the vacuum system is that:
1. It works
2. It's already all there
Not bashing you guys just wanted to voice my opinion.
1. It works
2. It's already all there
Not bashing you guys just wanted to voice my opinion.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 253
Likes: 42
From: Moultrie Ga
Got my idea straight from Garys68...
Untitled by Bill Smith, on Flickr
Haven't hooked up electric yet but battery on the actuator opens and closes great!
Untitled by Bill Smith, on Flickr
Untitled by Bill Smith, on Flickr
Untitled by Bill Smith, on Flickr
Untitled by Bill Smith, on Flickr
Untitled by Bill Smith, on FlickrHaven't hooked up electric yet but battery on the actuator opens and closes great!
Untitled by Bill Smith, on FlickrUntitled by Bill Smith, on FlickrUntitled by Bill Smith, on FlickrUntitled by Bill Smith, on Flickr
The ORIGINAL and bestest
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 10,009
Likes: 240
From: Toronto Ontario
Toronto Events Coordinator
I did a conversion that has both safety interlocks, and works exactly the same as the factory vacuum system. You can check it out here:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...onversion.html
Last edited by 7t2vette; Oct 28, 2016 at 03:52 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 19
The switch has 2 functions. It prevents the wipers from starting as in the original configuration. It also serves as a limit switch to stop the door from opening too far.
There's nothing there to prevent the door from closing before the wipers park, same as the original 68 design too...... I simply chose a linear actuator that was too slow to close before wipers come down.
There's nothing there to prevent the door from closing before the wipers park, same as the original 68 design too...... I simply chose a linear actuator that was too slow to close before wipers come down.
Is your wiper door interlocked to prevent the door closing on the wipers? it appears so, but you mentioned the linear actuator speed; therefore the question.
I looked at those linear actuators and it looks like their temp range is a high of ~150°F..... doesn't it get warmer than that in the engine compartment.
It is a beautiful setup you have going there though.
I looked at those linear actuators and it looks like their temp range is a high of ~150°F..... doesn't it get warmer than that in the engine compartment.
It is a beautiful setup you have going there though.
Last edited by Garys 68; Oct 30, 2016 at 02:12 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 253
Likes: 42
From: Moultrie Ga
I haven't wired mine yet so I'm not sure how it will end up. Since the wiper mechanicals seem to be haunted (pass side connecting rod flops around and I haven't found the problem yet) I'm on the fence whether or not to just go long hood.
