Danny Boy is BAACK! w/ '55 Big Window

[57tailgater]

On the windshield washer I believe there was an electric pump mounted to the top of a glass jar under the hood for the fluid. The switch was a pushbutton in the middle of the wiper switch knob. I haven't seen one in a while and not aware of any reproductions either.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks Kim, Yes I agree the apron MAY pull in the fender bottoms a little and help.

I did a search on Windshiled washers and found a link to a site that has an inexpensive pump and piping system that would work. I doubt I’ll install it as I have no intention of ever driving it in the rain but in time I may change my mind.

[Daze57]

hey dan

truck is lookin great ------as far as windshield washer deal i did a junkyard thing and found a nice plastic water bottle with built in washer pump took all hoses and clamps and got it all workin ----it aint 57 stuff but it works for what i need .........just an idea

[Dan in Pasadena]

57tailgater- What you’re describing applied to the ‘55-‘57 cars for sure. I remember that large glass jar under the hood of my Dad’s ‘55 two door hardtop BelAir I drove in high school. I remember the push button too. But I know for sure there was no button in the center of the truck’s wiper knob. I’ve never seen one and there wasn’t one on my Dad’s ‘59 Fleetside either.

But there must have been SOME way of causing water to be squirted. Not a big deal for me as I never intend to drive it in the rain or to use the wipers to clean the windshield either. Hell, I probably won’t wven put the wiper arms on the truck unless I get a ticket!

Still, it bugs me the stock wiper drive bezels have squirters in them and no way to use them.

[57tailgater]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

57tailgater- What you’re describing applied to the ‘55-‘57 cars for sure. I remember that large glass jar under the hood of my Dad’s ‘55 two door hardtop BelAir I drove in high school. I remember the push button too. But I know for sure there was no button in the center of the truck’s wiper knob. I’ve never seen one and there wasn’t one on my Dad’s ‘59 Fleetside either.

But there must have been SOME way of causing water to be squirted. Not a big deal for me as I never intend to drive it in the rain or to use the wipers to clean the windshield either. Hell, I probably won’t wven put the wiper arms on the truck unless I get a ticket!

Still, it bugs me the stock wiper drive bezels have squirters in them and no way to use them.

Maybe what I remember seeing was something someone took off a car to use on a Task Force truck. I was going to pursue finding one of those switch assemblies but that fell by the wayside. I do remember it had the small button in the middle of the switch knob and the switch knob matched the rest of the truck dash knobs so I assumed it was specific to TF trucks. The AD trucks had a foot pedal pump. It would be interesting to know for sure.

[bowt1ed]

Hey Dan, I believe Ididit makes a washer (push button) on the end of their turning signal lever. As I recall, you are running a Flaming River column - might be able to go that route.

Cheers, Jim

[bowt1ed]

Painless Wiring (as well as others I'm sure) has a 2 position wiper switch with a push for washer feature. Just mount original knob on switch stem.

Cheers, Jim

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by bowt1ed

Painless Wiring (as well as others I'm sure) has a 2 position wiper switch with a push for washer feature. Just mount original knob on switch stem.

Cheers, Jim

Thanks Jim!

For the record and anyone who finds this thread later, here's Painless' 2 position/push for fluid switch. $42.99 for the switch. IF the factory knob could be made to fit it would be a good solution.

BUT, somewhere in my searches I found a switch that requires you to drill a hole THROUGH the factory knob for a button. Though more work (marginally) it would look like the '55-'57 cars and I kinda dig the idea. I'll see if I can find it.

http://www.painlessperformance.com/w...arge/80173.jpg

[Dan in Pasadena]

Here's the "Rest Of The Story" on a windshield wiper/washer pump system for anyone coming along later:

Newport Engineering has what looks to be a nice compact little system except it doesn't include a reservoir for the actual fluid. They sell the switch as well as switch extensions of various lengths.

I checked eBay and there are many polished stainless radiator overflow tanks that could be used for this purpose. the smallest/cheapest of these is $17.99 but holds 14oz, which ought to be plenty for this purpose and be small enough to put under our hoods noticed if that's what you want. Here's the link to the tank:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-X-10-Poli...IAAOSwSata4os9

Here's a link to Newport Engineering: https://newportwipers.com

Related images:
https://newportwipers.com/wp-content...1431359518.jpg

https://newportwipers.com/wp-content...1430615278.jpg

https://newportwipers.com/wp-content...3481579246.jpg

[Russell Ashley]

I have a Newport wiper setup in my truck. An original style button fit the control perfectly but I don't think you could make the button-in-the-button work with this sealed control. Pushing the button starts the washer pump and swipes the wipers three times. I have an S10 reservoir with the attached pump to mount when I get to feeling like it.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Monday, June 28, 2018:

Just posting these to record that the billet hood hinges were trial fit today and the non-vented cowl panel as well.

I'm stoked about the hinges but kinda, "Meh" on the cowl panel. Fortunately, we painted the stock vented panel and I have it to swap later if I want. I'm never intentionally driving it in the rain anyway, so maybe it won't matter which I use.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Good to know the Newport setup works well for future reference.

I suppose all this info should be in a separate thread under "Windshield Washer System" or some such.

[oldman3]

Looks good...Jim

[Kim57]

Hinges are very nice.
Kim

[BAM55]

Dan,

Your truck is coming together really nice. Looks great.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks so much, Bam. Your kind words mean a lot.

Everyone has been very nice about my truck even though I didn't come close doing the work all of you have done.

I'm excited to get it done before the end of summer to do a little cruising with the windows down and the stereo playing.

[Scottish58chev]

Truck is looking sweeeeet
Almost there man, the small things are there to test you (so i keep getting told) Not far away at all and once you're driving, all the annoying stuff will just be distant memories.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Checking in. I've been out of town awhile. Stopped by paint jail today to see the reassembly progress.

The painter does ordinary insurance work since it pays the bills. I understand but it's frustrating. Anyway, the front clip is final assembled and hood installed, though gaps have not been set as the criss-cross bracing has yet to be installed.

After this:
1. Rear fenders will be installed w/welt
2. Install tailgate.
3. THEN he will repair the assorted paint damage.

Out of the paint shop I'll still need to do/get done:
1. Install & connect tail lights.
2. Charge AC,
3. Door panels, cranks & arm rests.
4. Connecting stereo & speakers.
5. Bumpers & rear license mount & light.
6. Longer rear wheel studs & 1/4" spacers

This doesn't even speak to having the upholstery finished, making an under-dash valance for the AC vents and I'm certain many other things I'm not thinking of right now.

If a moderator can rotate these pics I'd appreciate it.

[G&R's57GMC]

OOOOh ! So shiny ! You're getting closer , Yea !

Oh and don't forget ... Bling Bling !

[joedoh]

soooo pretty!


and you know the old saying, "(insert name-of-month-before-project-ends here) is the cruelest month!"

[Kim57]

Looks really nice.
Kim

[lower50's]

I needed to put my shades on to look at your pics.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by lower50's

I needed to put my shades on to look at your pics.

Ha! It's actually a very dark red but shows as "glow-in-the-dark-red" online. It's the darkest red I could find in a stock, non-metallic color that isn't Burgundy. It's Honda Milano Red.

This, though when you Google it many of the examples show as super bright too.

[oldman3]

Dan, looks great...Jim

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks Jim.

I REALLY love the color I chose but I'm not sold on the blingy and a-little-out-of-date Boyds Smoothies. Now that I've found out they have the wrong offset I will eventually be looking for something to replace them with. Maybe gray spoked Torq Thrusts, not sure.