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76 intermittent wipers?

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captaincarnage

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My 76 blazer doesn't have intermittent wipers, and living where I do, they are practically essential. How much is involved in converting them to intermittent? I know on the later years all you need is a "brain box" and the intermittent switch, but will that work on a 76? Thanks,
 
captaincarnage said:
My 76 blazer doesn't have intermittent wipers, and living where I do, they are practically essential. How much is involved in converting them to intermittent? I know on the later years all you need is a "brain box" and the intermittent switch, but will that work on a 76? Thanks,
Click to expand...

There plenty of aftermarket units you can retrofit, my 77 has one added by the previous owner.
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Hey, no fair blaming the previous owner! [NB: *I* would be that PO :D ]

It's actually not easy to FIND those aftermarket intermittent controls any more. Since all modern cars have wiper controls, the auto parts stores don't carry them like they used to. That one came from JC Whitney, as I recall, but I can't find anything on their site now.

-- A
 
OK since you chimed in, would you say it was easier than trying to retrofit a newer steering column?
I don't think they had that option for earlier style columns?
I am sure if he looks on ebay he'll find something, I know I found some smaller electronic gizmos made in china before when I had my 74.

dremu said:
Hey, no fair blaming the previous owner! [NB: *I* would be that PO :D ]

It's actually not easy to FIND those aftermarket intermittent controls any more. Since all modern cars have wiper controls, the auto parts stores don't carry them like they used to. That one came from JC Whitney, as I recall, but I can't find anything on their site now.

-- A
Click to expand...
 
imiceman44 said:
OK since you chimed in, would you say it was easier than trying to retrofit a newer steering column?
I don't think they had that option for earlier style columns?
I am sure if he looks on ebay he'll find something, I know I found some smaller electronic gizmos made in china before when I had my 74.
Click to expand...

I've always swapped in identical ones, never tried to put in a newer column. I'd guess that mixing and matching the wiring would be a pain.

I do recall having a tough time wiring that thing up, but eventually sorted out that the factory wipers are constant hot and switched ground.

-- A
 
I would have to do some research, but it should be possible to retrofit a factory module to an older unit.
Just keep the factory switch and add a rheostat that has the same value as the one on the stalk.
 
Fordum said:
I would have to do some research, but it should be possible to retrofit a factory module to an older unit.
Just keep the factory switch and add a rheostat that has the same value as the one on the stalk.
Click to expand...

The older style column doesn't have the stalk, that is the point.
It's just a 2 position switch in the dash, hi, low or off.
 
Well there are dash switches with intermittent, my 83 had one. I am aware of the aftermarket ones, and will use one in a pinch, but I would rather use factory stuff if possible.
 
imiceman44 said:
The older style column doesn't have the stalk, that is the point.
It's just a 2 position switch in the dash, hi, low or off.
Click to expand...

Arghh, this is why I like to post long posts. When I get brief, I leave something out.

What I meant to say, was to add a rheostat to the dash somewhere with an additional switch to trigger it into intermittent.

I knew that he did not have a stalk, and was trying to suggest that he might not have to change the column and get one.

Just leave the 2 position switch, and add a switch and a knob.

Although, the dash mounted intermittent models would be the easier answer.
I just don't know what years had them. I know some did, because I drove one.
As I remember though, the rate adjustment left a lot to be desired. It was a very short distance from fast to slow on the slider.
 
Intermittent wipers were'nt available until 1977. In 1977 the switch and module were one unit and unique to that year, and are almost impossible to find. I saw one on E-Bay about two months ago and was I outbid at $140(I got caught up in the moment). 1978-1983 used a seperate dash mounted switch and module, and wires in differently than the 1977.(I tried)
LMC list one for $100 but I'm sure if you shop around you can find it cheaper.
 
Well it looks like I have a few options, I think I will try to locate a 77 switch. Stupid thing is I had a 77 K5 for parts a few years ago. Wish I woulda known that then.:doah:
 
Bumping this.... Did you do it? I cannot stand 2 speed wipers, hardly ever remember that until the one day it rains in Texas. I'm worried I'll break the switch turning the on and off. I want to add/convert, whatever, but I k kw nothing about the wiring and I hate working on anything in the cab.

If you did do it, how did it go?
 
Can't help much on the older wiring/issues, but LMC truck sells some of the switches http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/csb/full.aspx?Page=177

If it were me, I'd probably consider going with the later column setup, unless you can find someone with the switch you need. I have a feeling there aren't many of them left around.

The wiring *should* be pretty easy to figure out, with the proper wiring diagram for the 1976 and the diagram for the donor year column. Still going to be a decent size job.
 
I did end up finding a 77 switch, but it was a dud. I never did change it and recently sold the truck. Hoping to find a newer K5 that doesn't need the conversion :pimp:
 
I built an aftermarket intermittent wiper add on many years ago for one of my friend's sister's car.
No, I was not dating her. Wish I had been, I would have been better than the crumb she married the first time.
Don't remember the exact circuit, but it would not be hard to figure out.

NE555 timer chip, probably $.50, couple of resistors, $.05 each, couple of capacitors, $.75, a rheostat, $2.00, and a relay, abount $5.00.

Add some kind of box and a couple of wires, and you are in business
 
I converted my '77 to the '78-'83 intermittent wipers. It involved changing the wiper motor, the switch, the module, the pigtails at the wiper and the module, running one more wire, then finally modifying the dash to fit the newer switch. In the end, it was worth it.
 
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