'78 standard wipers to intermittent?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
'78 standard wipers to intermittent?
I am interested in retrofitting my perfectly functional stand hi-low windshield wipers w/washer..to the intermittent style..or delay..(which was a factory option in '78 I think)
I'm curious what is involved in making this upgrade...
Does anyone know what is required to make this change-upgrade?
I really don't want to redo wiring harnesses or wiper motor...IS the proper dash switch and perhaps a relay all that's required..or more involved?
Thanks for your thoughtful replies, Jim
I'm curious what is involved in making this upgrade...
Does anyone know what is required to make this change-upgrade?
I really don't want to redo wiring harnesses or wiper motor...IS the proper dash switch and perhaps a relay all that's required..or more involved?
Thanks for your thoughtful replies, Jim
Last edited by jim in oregon; Nov 13, 2016 at 08:27 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Boy.. it's been a long time since I crossed this path, probably back to 1982 or 1983.
But 1978 cars with or without pulse wipers used the same main harness... the only issue is they also used a intermittent pulse wiper harness that is no longer available or being manufactured... I'm looking at the factory schematic and you could (I could) jumper around this with a home made harness.
So what's needed:
The pulse controller box was mounted inside the shifter console,
The pulse controller harness,
The pulse wiper switch
and you'd also need a different wiper motor cover that has the contact in it for tracking the sweep. (shown below).
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...w-pulse-wipers
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...l-module-78-79
and a switch
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-w-delay-78-82
But 1978 cars with or without pulse wipers used the same main harness... the only issue is they also used a intermittent pulse wiper harness that is no longer available or being manufactured... I'm looking at the factory schematic and you could (I could) jumper around this with a home made harness.
So what's needed:
The pulse controller box was mounted inside the shifter console,
The pulse controller harness,
The pulse wiper switch
and you'd also need a different wiper motor cover that has the contact in it for tracking the sweep. (shown below).
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...w-pulse-wipers
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...l-module-78-79
and a switch
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-w-delay-78-82
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Nov 13, 2016 at 09:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
Boy.. it's been a long time since I crossed this path, probably back to 1982 or 1983.
But 1978 cars with or without pulse wipers used the same main harness... the only issue is they also used a intermittent pulse wiper harness that is no longer available or being manufactured... I'm looking at the factory schematic and you could (I could) jumper around this with a home made harness.
So what's needed:
The pulse controller box was mounted inside the shifter console,
The pulse controller harness,
The pulse wiper switch
and you'd also need a different wiper motor cover that has the contact in it for tracking the sweep. (shown below).
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...w-pulse-wipers
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...l-module-78-79
and a switch
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-w-delay-78-82
But 1978 cars with or without pulse wipers used the same main harness... the only issue is they also used a intermittent pulse wiper harness that is no longer available or being manufactured... I'm looking at the factory schematic and you could (I could) jumper around this with a home made harness.
So what's needed:
The pulse controller box was mounted inside the shifter console,
The pulse controller harness,
The pulse wiper switch
and you'd also need a different wiper motor cover that has the contact in it for tracking the sweep. (shown below).
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...w-pulse-wipers
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...l-module-78-79
and a switch
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...-w-delay-78-82
Thanks very much..The 1978 Corvette 'convenience group' option stated that it didn't include intermittent wipers..They probably used them in the Cadillac and other GM vehicles..
Considering how little we need to drive in rain(even in wet-stern Oregon..Reckon I'm not going to attempt to do the upgrade..
ALL the best, Jim
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Smart move Jim.. You can do this a different way as others have.. The issue is the wiper timing controlled by the rub block on the pump cover. This block tells the controller what position the blades are in. At one point a few years ago we breached the idea of making a kit for any C3 car. While this can be done without a timing block, it's really hard to make sure the arms are in the correct place.. I hope this all makes sense.. but it smart on your part to just leave it alone.
Willcox
Willcox
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 64
From: Bocabec, New Brunswick
I ordered my '78 new and the convenience group was supposed to include the intermittent wiper function but before I took delivery I was told that the feature was not available and I got a $15 refund off the price of the package.
I thought about adding it on over the years but never got around to it and probably won't now. It would cost me a lot more than $15 to do it now too!
I thought about adding it on over the years but never got around to it and probably won't now. It would cost me a lot more than $15 to do it now too!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Many many years ago, I added int. wipers on my '72 vert.....I made my own timer and mounted the controls in the stock/modified position....
works the door and all, just make sure the blades are in park before lowering door....the limit switches are burglar alarm window magnets/sw glued into position on the door, w/s glass and louvered piece.....
electric open/close too.....
works the door and all, just make sure the blades are in park before lowering door....the limit switches are burglar alarm window magnets/sw glued into position on the door, w/s glass and louvered piece.....
electric open/close too.....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
Thanks all..I looked at the '78 AIM and the various catalogs I have as well as Wilcox' links-explanations.. and I don't think the effort would be worth the trouble..The cost isn't significant deterrent for us..I just don't have the willingness to get under the dash, remove console covers etc that the retrograde would require...After 10 months of radiation-chemo and surgery to remove a malignant terminal GBM4 brain tumor..I'm still struggling to button my darned shirt...a fellow has to realize and accept his limitations..I'M thankful I'm still here, still able to drive, walk..eat a bit (tho appetite is slow coming back)....read, type with one finger..hug my wife and children and grandchildren....So this matter I pass on is a small thing..Jim
Always wrenching
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 137
Likes: 11
From: Plano TX
Thanks all..I looked at the '78 AIM and the various catalogs I have as well as Wilcox' links-explanations.. and I don't think the effort would be worth the trouble..The cost isn't significant deterrent for us..I just don't have the willingness to get under the dash, remove console covers etc that the retrograde would require...After 10 months of radiation-chemo and surgery to remove a malignant terminal GBM4 brain tumor..I'm still struggling to button my darned shirt...a fellow has to realize and accept his limitations..I'M thankful I'm still here, still able to drive, walk..eat a bit (tho appetite is slow coming back)....read, type with one finger..hug my wife and children and grandchildren....So this matter I pass on is a small thing..Jim
I recall our exchange in the past where you had shared this with me and the prognosis at the time was not as good as it appears to be now. You were kind to me and sent me some memorabilia related to our common bond... the 78 SA cars.
I am so glad you're still here friend, happy when I read messages like yours which serve as a reminder to cherish every moment.
Merry Christmas!
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 781
Likes: 113
Jim,
I recall our exchange in the past where you had shared this with me and the prognosis at the time was not as good as it appears to be now. You were kind to me and sent me some memorabilia related to our common bond... the 78 SA cars.
I am so glad you're still here friend, happy when I read messages like yours which serve as a reminder to cherish every moment.
Merry Christmas!
I recall our exchange in the past where you had shared this with me and the prognosis at the time was not as good as it appears to be now. You were kind to me and sent me some memorabilia related to our common bond... the 78 SA cars.
I am so glad you're still here friend, happy when I read messages like yours which serve as a reminder to cherish every moment.
Merry Christmas!
I heard a truism years ago..possibly snoopy and Charlie Brown..?
Charlie Brown..'One day we will All die'..
Snoopy's response:
'Yes but on ALL the other days we are alive.."
jim..
