C1 Hybrids...windshield wipers or not?

[WayneC]

The original C1 system is constructed fron multiple exposed cable and wheels. It wire has a tendency to break or fray over time. The replacement we are talking about is a is a enclosed cabel that runs inside a tube. The wiper transmissions are gear driven.

If the reply was meant for me, I understand that; my question dealt with why it is a complex/expensive cable system when most windshield wiper designs use a much simpler design: a rotating motor arm swings 2 pivot arms in an arc via connecting rods. I assume there is some reason for the more complicated cable setup.

 

[John Mcgraw]

Wayne,

There simply was not enough room under the dash for the lever system.

 

[vintagecorvette]

I have Porsche 911 Cabriolet. The wiper setup in it is very compact about 18"x8"x10" give or take. The whole thing comes out as one unit. For my next project I was planning to use it and making it fit. I wish I had photos to show, but My unit is back in the car. oWEN

 

[JohnZ]

If the reply was meant for me, I understand that; my question dealt with why it is a complex/expensive cable system when most windshield wiper designs use a much simpler design: a rotating motor arm swings 2 pivot arms in an arc via connecting rods. I assume there is some reason for the more complicated cable setup.

The C1 wiper system was designed in 1952, based on using existing passenger car components, which used exposed cables and a vacuum motor; that's all there was in those days. It was considered a "great leap forward" when the vacuum motor was replaced by an electric motor in 1956. More powerful geared motors with drive link rods instead of cables didn't appear until 1963.

 

[IH2LOSE]

I know this is probably a dumb question, since I'm not familiar with the C1 wiper system, nor have I restored a C1, but why is there a necessity for that complex $600 cable system? Is there stuff in the way that requires a cable setup be used? If one doesn't require originality, why, for instance, doesn't a system such as that used on C2 Vettes work? Or, something like the single-blade system used on Jaguar XJ40 sedans, or the self-contained cowl air vent grille assembly with an integrated motor and wipers like the Jag XJS used?

Again, I know it's probably a dumb question since I haven't spent any time at all looking at the issue, and I assume Chevy would not have made it so complex if it didn't need to be.

No Dumb question here we are all here to learn.

The replacement system in not a cable system,the original system is a cable system.
I think the replacement system is very clever. I do not remember paying $600.00 for mine but I often try to forget as quickly as I can what it cost to build a car these days. From what I see its a very simple system once its set up correctly. AGAIN I have not installed mine but it seems simple.


The benifit of this system to me is that it removes the wiper motor from my engine bay (I am building a custom car and I am trying to remove all I can from my engine bay)

I dont have to worry about the cables touching wires under the dash and causing a fire (a couple years back when I was a member of the corvette forum .com a fellow member lost alot of wire because of the wiper cables)

I also end up with a new wiper motor and transmitions and a new switch.

So if you were rebuilding a car and were going to replace or rebuild all of these parts the cost of the kit is less then the cost of rebuilding or replacing.