VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Rear Wiper set-up

When I purchased my 48 Fleetline, it came with a rear wiper, which I understand is a fairly uncommon option. However, it's not set up. Does anyone know how the vacuum line is run and where it gets hooked up to? I'm assuming it operates off of the front wipers somehow, or is there an independent control and set-up for it?

rear wiper
Contact Johnny Johnson at 1948 chevy.com. He might have the instruction sheet.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Modiol!

Well, after looking at the instruction sheet, it seems like I'm completely missing the switch and housing that goes underneath the panel - at least, I can't find one under there. I wonder why the PO would have removed that? GRRRRRRR. I also wonder if it would be possible to tap into the existing vacuum hose lines and just have it operate off the front wipers? I doubt very much I can find the switch and housing alone. So right now, the rear wiper is for cosmetic looks only....

Does anyone have a good pic of the control knob and how it looks mounted on the dash? Does the knob differ from the front wiper knob, or is it the same? I've found a vacuum switch, but there is no knob or bezel with it.

Until you can find an original switch I think a trip to your local Home Depot, Lowes or hardware store is in order and you'll probably be able to find a valve and tubing in the plumbing department (PVC) to cobble together a working control.

Click on the above link (rear wiper). The knob is pictured. Just a small almond color knob. It hangs down below the dash.

Yeah, I saw that link before, but the pic is so small that I was looking for a better one. I'd like to see one installed in the dash too, if anyone has a pic of it.

Looks a lot like this one on ebay 400992193570

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-FORD-M...92193570?hash=item5d5cff4c22&vxp=mtr

here are some pictures of the knob. these pictures are from a closed ebay auction.

Thanks for the pics - I appreciate it. BTW, I was told by The Wiper Guy that the 41 Ford wiper vacuum switch is the exact same piece - all made by Trico.

Wow great pics!!!

Hey Chef-Chevy - do you have the rear wiper set-up? If you do, any comments on the installation? I looked all around the trunk and underneath for evidence that the rear wiper was ever even hooked up, and can't find any holes that were drilled to allow the vacuum lines to run. However, the dash seems to have a hole under the shelf on the far left, where the switch would go, next to the hood release, so I'm a little flummoxed as to if this was ever hooked up at all.

Conwayde, do you have a windshield washer bottle on the firewall?

Cause the switch to activate my washer bottle was on the far left bottom of the dash next to the hood release. It was a chrome button with vacuum connections. Similar to this one on ebay. 331636613158

No, Modiol, I don't have the washer accessory and there's no evidence there ever was one. I'm wondering if that hole in the dash on that area was a factory hole that was put in there on all dashes for the future use of any accessories. The hole is really clean - doesn't look owner made.

The hole on the far left is a factory hole and was intended for the windshield washer switch but can also be used for the rear wiper knob if I recall correctly from the rear wiper instructions.

That's the hole I plan on using. I've ordered a NOS vacuum switch that came complete with a bezel, but no knob. I figure I can jerry rig the Y connector from some copper tubing fittings. I'll try to find either a correct knob or another that fits and works. The vacuum hoses still seem to be readily available. Not sure why two different sizes were required though.

Once I gather everything, all I'll have to do is drill the holes, run the lines and secure them to the frame, and tap into the existing wiper hose. That's about the time that Murphy will show up. He always seems to be around when I'm doing something.

I do not have the rear wiper but as mentioned I use the hole by the hood release for the washer button....
I doubt if there were specific holes dilled for these accessories...maybe Gene could give a comment

If I'm not mistaken there are 4 threaded holes for switches and one for the windshield washers button that are factory placed for accessories on the dash board lower lip. GM also had holes on the fire wall for the radiator overflow, various heaters, windshield washer bottle and dimple markers for the fresh air unit on the inner fender panels. They were definitely thinking ahead.....

Yes Johnny, the firewall holes are like knock outs...Pretty good designers

I'm getting ready to woodgrain this 48 dashboard, but here is a picture of the bottom. All the holes seem to be factory holes.

Some of the larger holes appear to be closed?Are they knock outs?

Are you referring to what I think are the spot welds to the channel on the back side of the dash ?

Dick I think that is what I see