Which wiper motor to install?

C-Val

Member
Hi Fellow C-brats
I am going to install power wiper motors on my 82' Classic

I have been studying Defenders website but there are so many to choose from!

Do I have to have the 2 1/2" or will the 1 1/2" shaft do?
Will the 90 degree be too much ? Should I only get the 80?
Any other suggestions?

Since I am installing from scratch my thoughts were to install overhead
on both the port and starboard sides. I also have heard an intermittent switch can be installed before the motor.

I lean on your counsel as I have done before.
Thank you

David and Val
 
Hi David and Val,

I can tell you mine are on the bottom. Don't know the shaft length. I don't know if it makes a difference, top or bottom. If I was starting from scratch, I would be tempted to go with pentographic, top mounted, and I would try to figure out a way to also do the center window, even though it opens.

I would also, absolutely, put in a momentary / intermittent switch system. It may cost more on the front end, but you will thank yourself every time you don't have to reach down and flip that switch for one swipe (especially on the port side).

Don't know if that is much help but it's the way I would lean.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
David, there is plenty of discussion here on the site about wipers, and various ways to switch them. I'm surprised you haven't had more input here yet.

Try the search the c-brats box or the search up top under the Memberlist on the top banner tool bar.

Put in "wiper AND electric" and hyou will probably get a ton of hits.

Good luck,

Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
C-Val

You need to hear from other owners of the pre-1987 Classics, as the interior configurations of the boats are somewhat different.

The area above and below the windows available in which to mount wiper motors varies with the pre- and post 1987 model design changes.

The overhead electronics shelf and the dashboard shelf/package tray below that are featured in the 1987 and later models restricts wiper motor placement in those boats.

Your "Classic" should have more room above and below the windows, but, not having one, I'm guessing. (!)

Additionally, the pre-1987 "Classic" models may also have a slightly different roof line, further affecting your choices.

The Classics don't feature an opening center window, so that's not an issue. (Unless you add one.)

Pantographic wipers are nice, as is an intermittent switch.

The intermittent switch can simply be on/off (momentary), or a timed interval device, such as found in cars. There's a discussion of how to add the interval timer and some circuit plans on this site from a few (3-6 years) ago.

Some like the port side window switch available to both the passenger and helmsman. Placing a single momentary switch where both persons can reach it simplifies wiring and installation issues.

Some folks have even added windshield washers to their set up, a nice feature if you boat in salt water.

How about a wiper on the rear door window? Lots of room for a motor and wiper back there! Might be of great help help in trolling situations. Be the first on your block with this feature to make your C-Brat neighbors envious!

Not enough choices to confuse you yet?

Add a wiper to your searchlight like the wipers on Mercedes Benz (and other) expensive European cars have on their headlights. Would be a sure thing conversation piece at the next C-Brat Get Together! :lol:

Good Luck!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
C-Val

Here's what I should have said as an introduction to my previous post: (!)

Fitting a motor, wiper arm and blade to a window can seem to be a formidable bunch of choices because of all the variables:

1. Different motors- speed choices, angle covered (some adjustable), shaft length, cost, power, casing size, etc.

2. Arm type, length, design, etc.

3. Wiper blade width, various designs (some intended for curved windows, but they will work on flat ones, too.)

4. Motor placement, fitment, shaft length, etc.

5. Switch / control type, placement, extra convenience features, etc.

So it's kind of a struggle, at least the first time around for many. I know it was for me, too!

For this reason, it's probably simplest to copy someone's finished design that they're happy with, as you have generally concluded.

So who's out there with a Classic with a wiper system that works well? :wink:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Sea Wolf

Your contributions on this and every other topic are always informative,
interesting to read, and to me (and probably everyone else) very valued.
I always look for you input on posts
Thanks for being there
David and Val
 
David and Val-

Thanks for the comments!

It's always fun writing these posts, and the newer topics are most interesting, since they're not repetitive.

I often try to be funny to relieve my own stagnation with topics, and while it sometimes works, I'm sure there are duds that miss the mark.

Hope someone comes forward to give you some specific ideas soon!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
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