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**904Bronco** · 02-03-2019, 06:39 AM

Re: Windshield wiper motor vacuum vs electric

Option #1 - stay with what you have, vacuum

Option #2 - Drill out holes to 3/4" (If I remember correctly), and extend linkage on the drivers side. Drill holes and install nut-zerts for longevity. I have seen it done with sheet metal screws and self tapping screws.

Option #3 - Plug the Drivers hole and make a new hole inline with measurements from later electric wipers rigs.

Option #4 - Aftermarket... non synchro and synchronized types
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Option #1 - Vacuum wipers work so-so, not sure how they will work since you eliminated vacuum/fuel pump and will need to create another source.

Options #2 - gives you a slightly altered sweep pattern on the drivers's side, it works, but not optimum. And you only have two means of support for the motor assembly vs. 4 with a factory electric windshield, which has small studs welded in place.

Option #3 - well there is the body work issue in filling the hole, not done if you already have fresh paint. But I think the cleanest way the go... Still have to deal with the motor support issue, which can be done by placing a metal plate, with threaded holes, in the windshield channel.

Option #4 - cost, wiring if you are challenged by that... I sold the non-syncho wipers, an early style from WH's, that was in my 67. I didn't think they worked any better that the vacuum ones.

**904Bronco** · 02-03-2019, 06:44 AM

Re: Windshield wiper motor vacuum vs electric

Here are a bunch of notes that I took from some Classic Bronco threads when I did this conversion on my 68... That Dirtdonk owns now... I will look for some Pictures.
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I have a 68 that I converted to electric wipers. I bought a complete set up from a later Bronco - linkage, motor, wiring. I installed the arms/pivots it in the factory holes in the windshield frame. I installed the wiper motor in the stock location for a 69 and up Bronco so the right wiper was in the stock location. Then I extended the linkage over to the driver's side arm. I did this with a round rod I clamped in place then cycled the wiper motor (by powering it by tapping to 12 v so I could stop/start the motor). Once I had it close I tack welded it in place. It was pretty close but I ended up cutting the rod and threading the ends then connecting them with a turnbuckle so I could adjust it to make it perfect. Works much better than vacuum!
I did the Cherokee wiper arm mod but that was rubbish. Just modify your existing arms to hold a 9" blade.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/sho...lectric+wipers

Vacuum to Electric Wipers
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Some measurements from my '73 windshield frame, using the weather-stripping edge on the driver side as the starting point.

10 1/4" from the edge to the driver side hole center
29 15/16" from the edge to the passenger side hole center
19 3/4" center to center of the two holes
13/16" hole size on a electric wiper set up.

I can't answer the overlap question, I'll be converting my '68 vacuum setup to electric soon and so I'll know that one soon.

I've pulled the wiper delay switch from the late 1970's F-150s and Broncos.

I converted my '67 vacuum setup to electric recently. I enlarged the holes slightly with a dremel and lengthened the rod between the left and right side (I'll post the measurement when I get home). I kept the stock wiper arms and blades and used a replacement switch and bezel where my choke used to be. It works well, but would probably be better with the Cherokee upgrade. The toughest part was getting the length of the extension right followed by getting the vacuum line out and fishing the wiring back through there. I should tell you that my measurements are based on a bikini top drop bracket.

The measurement is 3 and 5/8 inches. I'll post some pics shortly

I wouldn't use ANY measurements to make sure it fits your Bronco... I'm not sure there are two measurements that are the same on any Bronco!

I think I did it this way back in 1976 when I converted my vacuum wipers to electric:

Enlarge the holes on both sides
Put the wiper "post" thru each side and anchor both of them like it's permanent
Mount the motor. Make sure you space the motor so it won't bind with the passenger side "arm" on it. After the motor is attached to the frame, make sure it will rotate the pass side assembly smoothly before attempting to attach the drivers side arm.

Cut the main wiper arm that goes between the two wiper posts
Park both blades in the at rest position at the top of the windshield (what were those engineers thinking anyway)
I then clamped a pc of steel with visegrips btw the drivers side arm that you cut to space the posts correctly and the remaining pc of steel that is attached to the the rest of the system.

When turning the system on for trial and error/fitment, make sure you toggle the KEY on QUICKLY in case something isn't lined up right... just eyeball things carefully. Key shuts it off completely, switch can still make the system go to "park".

Anyway, without pics it might be hard to follow this BUT you will not have a bare spot if you space the wipers correctly and it sure beats having a 9" wide bare SIDE of the windshield on the pass side.

Might have forgotten something, but this worked better than my Dad's '69 w/electrics and anybody else that watched them work removing snow.

Good luck, use the original holes...
Of the three Broncos I've owned, two were electric. The area on the right end of the windshield not covered by the electrics is not a problem for the driver. You're seeing it at a shallow angle so it's not 9". You want the glass clear in front of you. It makes more sense to keep the electric wiper spacing. Just drill a hole and fill a hole. The stock cover-visor-dome light will work and look good. The passenger may lose some visibility, but they're not driving.

**904Bronco** · 02-03-2019, 07:01 AM

Re: Windshield wiper motor vacuum vs electric

Electrical Diagram, Position of wiper linkage when in Park (76 Bronco), One way to add linkage length, Wiper exploded view, Another way to add length, Testing for proper linkage length, re-enforcing plate.

Additional linkage material came from a F series truck of that vintage... (Thx again for that Brad aka: 14Justice)