Windshield Wiper Motor replacement

[akintosyali]

The 40 year old ones on my boat don't work. I thought that I would not need it much, but actually did indeed wish I had them a few times...

I Do not have a hardtop, but a heavy duty canvas top. So the area is prone to moisture. Has anyone replaced the wiper motors?

I looked at few online, and they are a) expensive, and b) mostly white in color. The current motors are chrome, so - it looks like I will not be able to keep the same look and feel.

Has anyone tried putting a car wiper motor there?

 

[DCMY #92]

Akin,

I have the same model and year Hat as you - also with a canvas top. I replaced the original wiper motors about 25 years ago with units identical to the originals, but without the chrome. I painted the new motors to match the anodized finish on the windshield frame. They have held up fine with one repaint about 9 years ago. They are just getting where they could use a touch up again.

I used Dupont acrylic enamel auto paint. There are two silver mixing pigments (one dark, one light) used when mixing metal-flake paint. I used the lighter color of the two full strength. If you use the mixing pigments alone like this the store will have to add an activator (can't remember what they call it - drying additive I think). It has to be sprayed, so if you don't have the equipment to do this I'm sure you can find a body shop to paint them for you.

It is not unusual to see new wiper motors of this type in marine surplus stores. They are still expensive, but you might save a few bucks. If you look long enough you might even find chrome units.

I would not bother trying to have painted units chromed. Even if you could take them apart sufficiently to have them chromed without ruining them, nothing will fit back together due to buildup of the chrome unless the chrome shop really pays attention - and they rarely do.

I also replaced the original arms with pantagraph arms that give a larger wiped area. These motors drive these larger arms just fine.

 

[drburke]

Hey Akin,

I think I have the same motors as you--was going to dump them next year anyway. Would you like them if they test functional?

DAN

 

[akintosyali]

Why were you going to switch? Something stronger? The reason why I am asking is because I am starting from scratch anyway, so I might as well hear why you did not like them and see if your issue with them would be an issue with me or not..

 

[drburke]

Hi Akin,

Why were you going to switch? Something stronger? ...so I might as well hear why you did not like them.

That's easy to answer: I am simply going to glass over the windshield.

Mine are old, but because they are inside and protected from the weather, might be better off than yours (but they ain't new!). They are the chrome originals from my '68 boat, however I know they have seen very light duty.

Anyway, just offering to check them out if you have any interest.

DAN