Delay Wipers uncovered

[JHunter]

-UPDATE- I've developed a functioning switch and you can see more about it, as well as order one on the following website: https://sites.google.com/site/huntersswitch/

I searched to the ends of the internet and wasn't able to find anyone who was able to break the code on how to make a fully functioning home-made version of DSE's "Selecta Speed" wiper motor - so I did it.

Here's what you need:

- The ability to solder
- A wiper motor and pigtail* from a 2000 Cadillac Deville*. (1. You can reuse the pigtail or order a new weatherpack connector if you want to // 2. Wipers from other GM makes & models will work - this is what I used and what my wiring diagram is built for)
- A rotary switch with at least 8 positions
- The required carbon fiber wound .25 watt resistors
- Lengths of 14ga and 22ga wire

What you'll need to do if you want to remove the motor from the junkyard:
The wiper motor is on the drivers side of the cowl, underneath the plastic wiper blade cover plate. You'll need torxs bits to remove the motor from the bracket as well as metric sockets. The wiper arms need to be removed in order to gain access, so bring a pry bar. I also brought a battery operated sawzall to cut down the mounting bracket. You don't need the bracket, but I got it to make hiding the motor under my fender (68 Camaro) easier - I can just trace the mounting holes easier.

When complete, the wiper will have a "mist" setting, 4 different delay modes, low and high speed. There is also an option to have the wipers make two passes when you use your windshield washer. As with the DSE model, this wiper motor does not have a washer pump - so you have to rig up a separate switch. I've got an idea of how I will do that, and will post details if/when I do it. I would like to find a rotary switch that also has a push button feature or a momentary first position on it, but haven't sourced that yet. If I do, you would then have a full functioning wiper motor from one switch, just like in the Cadillac (or most other modern cars).



Switch settings will result in the following:
1 - Off
2 - Mist - 20 second pause between wipes
3 - Delay 1 - 8 second pause
4 - Delay 2 - 4 second pause
5 - Delay 3 - 2 second pause
6 - Delay 4 - 1 second pause
7 - Low (continuous)
8 - High (continuous)

Other helpful hints before I get into the wiring diagram - if you're wanting to play with modern parts on an older car - try looking at Auto Zone or Advance Auto's website for wiring diagrams. I think I used Advance Auto (can't remember) and after signing up I had access to Cadillac's wiring diagrams - incredibly handy.

Below is the wiring diagram from Cadillac:





Below is the connector details




I'm waiting on my battery to charge on my camera then I'll be able to post a movie of the motor - in case you want to verify it works.
Another note in case you're wondering - the motor will self park. So if its in mid wipe and you turn off the switch, it will move back to its parked position. This motor will not however work for those with hidden wipers that need to 'retract'. I believe I've seen a post on how to modify the motor to work for hidden wipers, but since my Camaro doesn't need them, I didn't pay much attention to it.

I may solder it all up tonight or tomorrow, and I'll post pictures of how the switch looks with the resistors when that is done.

Let me know if there's any interest in more details - I'll be glad to help out if I can.


More to follow - John

[Roberts68]

Following! Or at least trying to... what an impressive amount of effort and detail. Thanks for sharing it!

[regal454]

Great write up John. I checked Rock Auto and they do list a motor with delay and a washer pump for an '80 Deville, A1 Cardone part number 401681. Do you know if it will work with this mod?

[JHunter]

Thanks for the kind words guys. Marc - I'll look at that part number when I get home, but the real challenge to make the washer function work (whether part of the wiper motor or a separate unit) is sourcing a switch that either has a push button or momentary first position option on a rotary switch. I could do it using the first position now (1st washer / 2nd off / 3rd mist etc) but that wouldn't be ideal because you could drain your washer bottle quickly because it would continue spraying until you manually turned it off. I'm going to call a couple electronic supply shops when I get home and see if they can track down a better switch. I'll add some better details this weekend for the wiring diagram, I know for some it can be a bit confusing. I have pages of scribbled notes and drawings piled up on my desk at home which is what it took for it to finally click for me.

It appears that my video camera has died, so I might post up a iphone video later so you can see the motor in each setting. I'm pretty excited that I got it to work.

Thanks guys -

[JHunter]

Well, I found the switch that would work perfectly - a momentary switch counterclockwise to activate the pump and wiper, return to the off position and then turn clockwise for the remainder of the delay settings. Great - except they have a minimum order of $700.oo. I'll continue to search for a cheaper solution to make the switch work the pump while retaining all delay positions.

[regal454]

Well, I found the switch that would work perfectly - a momentary switch counterclockwise to activate the pump and wiper, return to the off position and then turn clockwise for the remainder of the delay settings. Great - except they have a minimum order of $700.oo.

Ouch! well put me down for 1 lol

[JHunter]

Ouch! well put me down for 1 lol

Great - now I just need 13 more orders lol

[regal454]

Is it possible to adapt the factory '80 Deville switch to work?

[regal454]

Is it possible to adapt the factory '80 Deville switch to work?

Nope, different style switch.

[JHunter]

Nope, different style switch.

Yeah, that's the problem that I think has prevented most of the swaps from working like the wiper was intended - unless you graft the original donor switch into your car, you're stuck modifying an older rotary style switch to work. Of course most of the older "stock" switches only have a few positions. I found another switch - actually the same one I bought, that according to the spec sheet can be supplied with a momentary position, but I have to contact the factory. By the time I tried they had closed. I'll try them on Monday (hopefully they're open). I have to make sure I'm not reaching for the stars though, I've at least replicated what DSE produced, for far less. However, the OCD in me means I'll continue to search for the perfect switch so the washer works (either an 80 Deville model like the one you found, or a separate pump, which is what I'll probably go with).

[JHunter]

Here are some pictures of the switch being soldered:



Brace added to ensure the wires don't get pulled out (I drilled out the rivets used to hold the switch together and replaced with machine screws which gives me some standoff):


Resistors shrink wrapped and tied into speed selector/low speed wire:






Now I just need to find some large diameter shrink wrap for the outside of the switch.


Video of the wiper working:

[Roberts68]

Unfortunately I watched your video at work this morning and recently lost my speakers with a monitor swap and they have not gotten me new ones yet. I could tell you were narrating but missed out.

As for the heatshrink, best of luck finding something to suit you. The big stuff for 3 phase power etc would work but is messy and not easily integrated down to a smaller diameter such as you will need.
Last time I had such a need a local Xcel energy lineman gave me a few hunks. Buying the stuff in onesie-two-sies is pretty daunting, in my experience anyway.

Have you considered a urethane or epoxy instead? I work with a lot of submersible pumps and thought of that. You could then mask off where you don't want it, even make a small mold out of some split hose of appropriate diameter with a masking tape, cardboard or wooden disc as a backer with a slot or hole for your wires to exit. This would allow a neat package where you could elect to have the wire exit clocked in any position you prefer.

I for one would like this style of setup especially if it allows the use of the original knob for aesthetics. I do not want to integrate a black plastic or billet knob into my classic interior. I like the looks of the matching chrome knobs in my '68.

It has occurred to me though to find another purpose for the lighter, and replace it with a switch... moving the power port down to the console for phone charging etc...

Have you kicked around the notion of doing a run of these? A group buy of sorts?

[JHunter]

That's a great idea - I might try making a mold and using some two part epoxy and see how it turns out. If it works, I wouldn't need to make the tedious bridge to secure the wires. Nice idea - thank you.
I've thought about making these up if there was enough interest, I'd have to figure out what my batch cost would be, and honestly, time is money, so I'm not sure what the tipping point would be if someone wanted one.

[Roberts68]

It never gets old being told you had a great idea!

Keep your costs and time in mind. You have captured the interest of a few already.

All due respect to Kyle and Stacy Tucker for all of their contributions to the hobby, but free enterprise is something to keep alive and well in the hobby too... especially when the roots of the hobby are in guys figuring it out on their own.

As for me, I would think keeping the pump and wiper motor separate is beneficial... It is easy to hide a little pump and have it be a flooded suction in my car anyway. The closer the pump is to the tank the better it will function.

[JHunter]

Epoxy works nicely A few air bubbles, but I'm pretty happy.

[Roberts68]

Nicely done! Compact, clean looking and well insulated and protected.

[JHunter]

Thanks, I appreciate the idea of using epoxy. With over 350 views in 8 hours I'm surprised there aren't more questions or comments.

[XLexusTech]

I love you man!

Thanks for the work!

[JHunter]

Ok, maybe no comments is ok lol.

[Roberts68]

Thanks, I appreciate the idea of using epoxy. With over 350 views in 8 hours I'm surprised there aren't more questions or comments.

I love you man!

Thanks for the work!

Well there ya go... although I dunno if that was the exact comment you were after.

Seriously, we all have different talents and your ability to decipher the electro gremlins and make the thing go, then convey it to the masses is greatly appreciated. Lots of guys will just look away from a DIY project involving resistors and soldering but yet they will strike an arc with a welder?

You mentioned $700 minimum, if you end up doing some sort of group buy please be sure to drop me a line. I miss a lot of content on the forums but I would be pretty interested. Back when I drove my car the wipers had failed so that is on the "to do" list. Like everything else I hope to make it better than new if I have to mess with it.