C60L Wiper upgrade query

[DarrenCollins]

G'day All.
My current C60L project has the windscreen wipers missing.
I do have a pair of vacuum original wipers on my spare cab.
I am considering a conversion to 12 Electric wipers.
I'd like some opinions on the following.

Pro's & Con's on Electric Vs Vacuum Wipers?
What are the most common wiper conversions?
Thanks in advance

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Darren


I have been driving my CMPs for years and tried to get the vacuum wipers to work or work better for years. The flat fact is that vacuum wipers only work when going down hill, just not enough vacuum to make them work. Even re-engined with 261cu.in. which is producing good vacuum (5-10 inches) on the flat even NOS vacuum motors that have been cleaned and relubed with the proper wiper grease only work lazily.


But I've found a better solution is to treat the windows both sides with Rain-X. Even when driving in heavy rain the reverse-slope windshield will stay surprisingly clear. Here is a video of driving in the rain in HUP (OD) https://youtu.be/wruelyqEHBc


I'll have to find a video of showing the effect of Rain-X in my Patter 13 C60S on the highway in a heavy rain. The Rain-X seems to work better as the speed goes up. Only thing is you do have to clean the windshield of mud and dust to get it to work best. Generally I reapply the Rain-X if I know I'll be driving in the rain.


Cheers Phil

[Harry Moon]

I concur on treating the windows with Rain X. Driven a lot in the rain rarely turn on the widshield wipers. mainly because my line of sight is in the crescent that doesn't get wiped.

[DarrenCollins]

Good idea guys. I'll be sure to try it. However to get a roadworthy here in Australia to drive on the road everything needs to be fully functional. Headlights, wipers, brakes etc.
So I need to go one way or the other. The going uphill comment I heard before and watching Phil's Video did make me chuckle. It has pointed me towards going electric tho. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Lynn Eades]

Darrin, you could fit a vacuum tank to give you some reserve if you decide to go for the original look.

[DarrenCollins]

Thanks for the idea Lynn. I have however discussed this with some old mates in the mechanic game and they have convinced me that electric will be more functional.
All the advice was very helpful and managed to pick up some marine wipers that look to be a perfect fit. Thanks

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Darren

The vacuum wipers will, or can be made to, work well enough to pass a stationary test.

The reason I say this is I have large stuffed bear that rides with me in parades he waves his arm and hand to the crowds. His arm is animated with a CMP vacuum wiper motor in his left shoulder his arm waves energeticly at idle and driving low speeds.

You have not mentioned, if your C60L is a Pattern 13, but I see from your avitar is, so the inherent nature of reverse slope works much better in rain or snow than vertical or forward slope winshields. That the wipers did not work all the time when first use is clear by the fact that they had inside levers to manually operate them.

I have a problem with adding a vacuum tank for the wipers as its inlet line size and isolation valve would need to be careful thought thru so as to not take vacuum away from the brake booster.

Keep us posted on how your project develops, aways great to here about another CMP back on the road.

Cheers Phil

[Ganmain Tony]

Now Im going to sound like an old grump but...

How often to you are you going to drive it in the rain?.... Honestly.

I have driven my truck plenty of times in the rain, the vacuum wipers work OK.

Going up hill? Just lift off the accelarator enough to give a couple of sweeps. You have the little lever there to move them manually as well.

If you decide to go electrical, dont chuck the old wipers out. You may want to refit them in years to come.

Cut a spud in half and wipe it on the outside of the glass. Works.. amazingly well.