dual wiper switch

[snafu1]

My friend needs some help, I did not know the answer so I came here. He has two universal 6v wiper motors installed by the PO. We are trying to find a single switch to operate them both. He was told to use a DPST switch, those things are ugly! We are looking for a rotatory type switch or something that would look kinda stock. Can a 12v switch be used? Does anyone have a suggestion? Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Snafu1

[tedfrk]

If you wire it in parallel you should be good to go. Just need to use a switch from a vehicle with a 12 volt system.

[snafu1]

Ok thanks tedfrk.....but do I need a switch that works with one motor or two? I can find ones that say for single motor, but not dual. How do you wire them in parallel?

[tedfrk]

Do you know the amps of the motors? trying to find a diagram for you .You can use a normal switch for 12 volt system. single pole single throw as long as you just want on or off.

[tedfrk]

sorry pics keep showing up like that.

[snafu1]

Sir I am not sure? I will try an stop by an take a look at or remove a wiper motor an see what it says. Maybe even hook one up to the battery and take a reading with the multi meter?
Thank you for the help! I will let you know!

[tedfrk]

Dont hook one up to a 12 volt battery you may fry the motor.

[snafu1]

No sir I won't. I will use the battery in the truck. Thanks for reminding me! That would have not been good if I did that!

[VetteVet]

I've got a couple of questions.
Are the motors single speed?
How many wires need to run to each motor?
How do you plan to phase them so the wipers don't hit each other?

If you only need to run one wire to each motor then you could run two wires from the same terminal on the switch. Or you could run them in parallel.

Some of the six volt stuff was positive ground on the pre 55 years so polarity might be an issue.

Be careful using some of the newer wiper switches. They are designed to switch on the ground side not positive so the switch terminals are grounded to the switch body which is mounted to the dash metal. IF you connect a positive wire to the terminal and turn the switch. POOF!

The switch voltage doesn't matter as long as it will handle the amp draw of the load and it is rated for 12 volts or higher.

You can put resisters in the wiper motor wires to cut the 12 volts down to protect the wiring in the motors. Check with the pre 55 forums and find out more about what you need for that.

[67 Burb]

Originally Posted by snafu1

My friend needs some help, I did not know the answer so I came here. He has two universal 6v wiper motors installed by the PO. We are trying to find a single switch to operate them both. He was told to use a DPST switch, those things are ugly! We are looking for a rotatory type switch or something that would look kinda stock. Can a 12v switch be used? Does anyone have a suggestion? Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Snafu1

Something that nobody asked; is the vehicle 12 volt or 6 volt?

[snafu1]

The truck is 6 volt sir. I will be checking what the amperage is for the wiper motors this Sunday. I will post my readings then. I want to say thank you to all the people on this forum, you have all been very helpful and kind!
I forgot, Vettevet...there is three wires to each motor. One is positive, one is negative an one is marked switch.

[67 Burb]

I would guess that the truck originally had vacuum wipers, so it didn't have a wiper switch to begin with. You will have to determine whether the "switch" wire is to be switched to positive or to ground to operate the wiper motor. Like VetteVet said, some of the factory wiper switches switch to ground.

You can get a nice-looking push-pull switch at most auto supply stores like this.

[snafu1]

Ok Gentlemen, The Motors are 6 volts, each one has three wires, a positive, a negative and a switch. The switch works off of the ground, the motors use 3 amps when running to be exact it is 2.85 amps and they self park when the switch is turned off. The only thing I do not know is if they are a two speed motor.....how can I check that? Also how do I wire them so they go on and off using one switch?
Thank You,
Skip

[67 Burb]

My guess would be that they are not two-speed motors. Connect the two positive wires together and connect to the ignition switch. Connect the two switch wires together and connect to the wiper switch, which has the other terminal connected to ground. Put a fuse in the wire to the ignition. also, make sure you get a switch that will handle the amperage of the two motors. Like so:

[snafu1]

Just wanted to say Thank You to everyone that helped with this wiper problem. Everything is working fine now, until my buddy saves up money to do everything the right way! This forum is Great! Everyone so far has been very kind and helpful!