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1955-57 Updated Windshield Wiper System

Let's face it, the old cable wiper system in a classic car sometimes just won't do the job. The cables on the transmissions stretch or break, the center drive gets sloppy, and you may even find yourself in a summer downpour without wipers! The updated Raingear wiper systems from Pacific Western Design have been available for quite a few years and are a vast improvement over the old vacuum or electric motors and flimsy cable systems. Brand new electronics and a rod arm, not a cable-type system, replace the old contraption. These kits are even available with a modern delay switch for intermittent wipers while driving in misty rain. Now Pacific Western has improved and simplified their kits even more with improved clearance of under-dash components.

Parts List

  • 57-134550-1 - 1955-1956 Chevy Raingear Wiper Kit With 2-Speed Switch upgrade over stock original
  • 57-134551-1 - 1955-1956 Chevy Raingear Wiper Kit With 2-Speed Delay Switch for improved wipers
  • 57-134552-1 - 1957 Raingear Wiper Kit With Standard 2-Speed Switch
  • 57-134553-1 - 1957 Chevy Raingear Wiper Kit With 2-Speed Delay Switch upgrade over stock
  • 57-134554-1 - Beveled Polished Clock Adapter
  • 57-137029-1 - 1955-57 Windshield Wiper Escutcheon Nut Tool
  • 57-159958-1 - 1955-57 Polished Stainless Steel Windshield Wiper Arms Blades

Tools Needed

  • 12" Socket
  • Wire Crimper
  • 3/4" Socket
  • Wiper Escutcheon Tool

Time Frame

  • 3 Hours

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Image 1: The factory wiper system used cables to drive the wiper transmission. These cables become stretched and out of adjustment. The new updated wiper system from Pacific Western Design uses linkage to drive the wiper transmission. These will never go out of adjustment. The linkage is sent in two pieces. The left and right linkage is held together with two 8 machine screws, lock washers, and nuts.

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Image 2: There is a hole in each end of the new transmission linkage. A two bushing is installed here.

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Image 3: There is a tab on the wiper motor that will need to be bent for the 1955 cars. Using two vise grips or channel locks bend the tab up 30-degrees.

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Image 4: The new wiper motor mounts to the left of the brake assembly. The shaft on the wiper for the driver side wiper arm feeds through the cowl. The bent tab bolts to an existing hole in the firewall with a supplied 5/16" bolt.

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Image 5: There is a long aluminum spacer and a brass nut that fits on the outside of the cowl. This holds the driver side transmission tight to the firewall. Make sure to use sealer under the aluminum spacers to seal the holes in the firewall.

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Image 6: Feed the wiper transmission linkage through the speaker bezel opening on the side.

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Image 7: The linkage is held to the wiper motor with a flat washer and clip.

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Image 8: The updated wiper system includes a new wiper switch. The switch will bolt in place of the original. The stock bezel and knob may be used.

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Image 9: There are six wires on the wiper switch and five wires from the jack that plug into the wiper motor, follow the wiring diagram.

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Image 10: The wiper kit includes a cover to the original hole in the firewall. The cover can be black or painted to match the firewall.

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Image 11: The updated wiper kit still uses the stock wiper escutcheons. An escutcheon tool is included in the wiper kit. With the new wiper system, the wipers will be nice and quiet, never need adjusting, and will work every time!