Wiper motor

[chrisbeck]

I've gone down a rabbit hole with what started with a simple refurbishment of my wiper system. I'm converting a Federal '73 Special to UK spec RHD and a single wiper. It seems I have what is now a rare 16W motor assembly for which new brushes and park switches are not obtainable. These were also used on Triumph Stags and Jensens apparently. Does anyone know if the regular 14W units are sufficient? Was it just a case of Chapman getting a deal on a job lot of 16W units?
Thanks.

[jbcollier]

I went through my S1 wiper motor and had no issues.  I can't recall if it was a 14w or 16w.  Works fine though.  Usually they just need a thorough cleaning and greasing.  I haven't changed brushes more than a couple of times.  The 16w motor was used also used on Rolls and the Triumph TR7/8.  Should be good used motors available.

Some useful links:

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/electrical/16w.pdf
https://www.s-v-c.co.uk/wiper-systems/
http://au.rrforums.net/forum/messages/17001/Maintaining_and_repairing_the_Lucas_16W_wiper_motor-18280-21198.pdf
http://www.erareplicas.com/427man/wiper/index.htm
https://www.flyingspares.com/shop/lucas-16w-cd5708sxr.html

[chrisbeck]

Thanks. A refurbished 16W is £198 exchange, a 14W is less than £50 outright from the same specialist. I could do it myself if I could get the parts.

[jbcollier]

What parts do you need?

[4129R]

All my 7 LHD to RHD conversions have 2 wipers. I thought converting to a single wiper was a problem I did not need.

[chrisbeck]

If I've got to move the drive to the left side and have the wipers park on the right, thought I might as well revert to the original UK design. I understand the second wiper was added to comply with US legislation?

[jbcollier]

Yes, Fed only for two wipers.  Some Fed cars were converted to RHD and sold in Europe.

You can swap which side the wipers park by moving the plastic gear 180° on its metal pivot plate.  Not sure you can do this with all gears though.  Single wiper systems also use a different wheel box.

[BobW]

My single wiper does not self-park. After years of parking it on the passenger side I'm now leaving it parked on the driver's side.

[jbcollier]

You could change the park switch.