Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette.
#1
Le Mans Master
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Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette.
In an earlier post the price of an replacement intermittent wiper control circuit module for an 80 'vette was reported as over $200!!! This got me looking for an alternative, well for anyone that has any experience in building electronic projects here's a link to a simple 1 IC circuit that can add intermittent wipers to non-intermittent wipered cars and replace broken modules on cars that need them.
http://www.wenzel.com/pdffiles/wiperkik.pdf This is a PDF file so you'll need Adobe's PDF reader installed to get it.
It looks pretty simple and looks as though it could be built for a few dollars. I haven't done much real research, maybe someone already sells something like this (probably find it in J.C. Whitney.)
http://www.wenzel.com/pdffiles/wiperkik.pdf This is a PDF file so you'll need Adobe's PDF reader installed to get it.
It looks pretty simple and looks as though it could be built for a few dollars. I haven't done much real research, maybe someone already sells something like this (probably find it in J.C. Whitney.)
#2
Drifting
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (Smokehouse69)
I agree that 200 bones is outrageous for that assembly. Thanks for the info., I have buddies that are pretty good with electronics. I was going to have them possibly get my current set up back on its feet or check out your option. Thanks again for the info.
#3
Team Owner
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (CVT4ME)
That circuit is good, but I built one with a 555 timer chip, which has lower parts count....
one thing that is a problem these daze is getting a 500k Pot controll....used to be really easy, they all were, back in the daze of Vacuum tube electronics, but these days, the only readily available cource of electronic gear is Radio shack and they don't carry anything above 10k, meaning the cap has to be increased in size by 50x just to keep the time constants the same....
it'a a PIA with the 555 circuit....if my alternator drags for any reason, MY circuit every once in a while will double fire.....meaning 2 strokes of the wipers, then quit.....
but the trick is to do it with the wiper door.....;-)))
GENE
one thing that is a problem these daze is getting a 500k Pot controll....used to be really easy, they all were, back in the daze of Vacuum tube electronics, but these days, the only readily available cource of electronic gear is Radio shack and they don't carry anything above 10k, meaning the cap has to be increased in size by 50x just to keep the time constants the same....
it'a a PIA with the 555 circuit....if my alternator drags for any reason, MY circuit every once in a while will double fire.....meaning 2 strokes of the wipers, then quit.....
but the trick is to do it with the wiper door.....;-)))
GENE
#4
Safety Car
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (mrvette)
hi Gene...1st of all let me say that i know ZIP about electronics but i was curious about what you said about the availability of certain parts...
what about on the internet instead of the local store?
can these peices be readily found there?
just wonderin...
what about on the internet instead of the local store?
can these peices be readily found there?
just wonderin...
#5
Pro
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (CVT4ME)
Here are some links to intermittent circuits that are already built.
3 positions 5sec. 10sec. & 15sec. http://www.qkits.com/serv/qkits/vell...ages/K2599.asp
variable (kit or assembled) http://www.quasarelectronics.com/1093.htm
3 positions 5sec. 10sec. & 15sec. http://www.qkits.com/serv/qkits/vell...ages/K2599.asp
variable (kit or assembled) http://www.quasarelectronics.com/1093.htm
#6
Drifting
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (GATOR454)
Thanks for the links. What I would really like to do is keep the original switch in place if at all possible. I want the look and functionality to be as original as possible.
#7
Burning Brakes
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (CVT4ME)
Speaking of JC Whitney, has anyone used one of these: http://www.jcwhitney.com/item.jhtml?ITEMID=5763&BQ=jcw2
it looks like you keep your original switch, and if the wiper delay is set to "off" the stock switch works normally. You could mount this somewhere inconspicuous and only turn it on if you needed it.
At least, that is what it looks like. I may be totally wrong; that's why I wanted to know if anyone has used one of these.
Anyone?
it looks like you keep your original switch, and if the wiper delay is set to "off" the stock switch works normally. You could mount this somewhere inconspicuous and only turn it on if you needed it.
At least, that is what it looks like. I may be totally wrong; that's why I wanted to know if anyone has used one of these.
Anyone?
#8
Team Owner
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (Shrike)
Yes, years ago I did a JCW controller into a '73 Grandville Convertible I had....
car even had rally pack full gauges....I took out the clock which naturally didin't work, and installed a mini tach....
GENE
car even had rally pack full gauges....I took out the clock which naturally didin't work, and installed a mini tach....
GENE
#10
Le Mans Master
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (mrvette)
That circuit is good, but I built one with a 555 timer chip, which has lower parts count....
one thing that is a problem these daze is getting a 500k Pot controll....
one thing that is a problem these daze is getting a 500k Pot controll....
I don't drive my car in the rain often, but when I have, intermittant wipers sure would be nice :yesnod:
#11
Drifting
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (Alwyn678)
I guess that would be me as my Vette is my daily driver. If it really pours down then I take the wifes mini-van and hang my head in shame. It is those light rains where some variable speed wipers would be quite handy.
#12
Melting Slicks
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (Smokehouse69)
The module is missing in my car. What about finding a used one? Will something work from a similar year camaro or other gm car from the junkyard? My other option is to steal the module from my brother's all original 1980. He never drives it anyway and would never notice the non functional intermittent wipers.
#13
Melting Slicks
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (Frankenvette)
For all you engineering guys, check out http://www.partsexpress.com. You can order a free catalog. Lots of electronics stuff at what appears to be reasonable pricing.
#14
Safety Car
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (Alwyn678)
Who drives their old vette in the rain :lol:
got home today 5 minutes before the sky opened up!
WHEW!! that was close!
#15
Team Owner
Re: Add intermittent wipers to your old 'vette. (SIGNGUY)
Some years ago when my car still had the 4 speed in it,...make that around '96 or so, I drove it through a left-over hurry-caine...call that a tropical.....I did stop in S. Carolina....just after the peak of the storm passed it turns out....killed a 6 pak and went to sleep....
woke at 4am and drove clean through....vette did fine....
GENE
woke at 4am and drove clean through....vette did fine....
GENE