WTB: 38-40 Wiper Transmission(s)

[39LaSalleDriver]

I just got my wiper transmissions for my 39 LaSalle back from the platers and you guessed it, they kind of messed them up.

Plating came out okay considering what they had to start with, but in spite of my recommendations, they left the wheels and chains up in the tower and basically fused a bit of it together. I asked them to fix it as they were unusable as they were, and a week later gave them back to me "fixed." Whatever they did basically ruined the threads on top as well as the splines to hold the wiper arm. Not to mention the grit which was up in there which turned out to be sand of all things that wouldn't allow them to turn freely. Funny they worked fine and had no sand in them before I took them to be replated...

Anyway, I was lucky and got the shafts pulled out, but they are ruined and I need new ones. I contacted Wiperman and no luck there, though we discussed that these shafts are somewhat universal within the time frame and I could probably salvage them from other transmissions.

So basically, I need to buy a couple of trashed out transmissions that still have decent splined shafts which I can put back into my re-chromed transmission. Thought I would check here to see if anyone might have one or two laying around that I could pick up for a reasonable price so I can pull the shafts and use them. I don't care about the condition of the chrome or anything like that, just so that it is of the type as shown in the photo attached.

[Steve Passmore]

The chances are they tried to get the shafts out but couldn't, otherwise you would not have them full of crud and fused together in the chrome process.   NEVER send things to platers without dismantling it yourself. The shafts can be pulled out using a nut and adding washers.

[tripwire]

Give this guy a try:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-Cadillac-NOS-Trico-Wiper-Motor-Tower-Rebuilding-Kit/153165534494?hash=item23a960951e:g:wp0AAOSw~Bha7wKN&vxp=mtr

This one is for a 41 but his posting says he has others as well.

And, I'm pretty sure Buick, Pontiac & Oldsmobile of those years use the same towers.

Good luck.

[39LaSalleDriver]

The chances are they tried to get the shafts out but couldn't, otherwise you would not have them full of crud and fused together in the chrome process.   NEVER send things to platers without dismantling it yourself. The shafts can be pulled out using a nut and adding washers.

Right you are. The only reason I didn't was the owner assured me he was experienced with them and would take care of it so I figured that experienced hands would better than my own ham fisted attempts. Won't be counting on that in the future, which is why in general I don't like sending stuff off to be repaired when I can usually figure it out myself. When I first picked them up and saw what had happened I called their attention to it. He told me to leave them for a few days and he would do exactly what you mentioned but it was too little, too late. So I KNOW he knew how to take them apart before plating...they just didn't.

Rather disappointing as they are a highly recommended plating company in auto circles (I just happen to be lucky enough to have them in my back yard), and now the only game in town around these parts since their competitor burned to the ground last week.

Since the shafts were boogered beyond usability, and I was fortunate to get them out without damaging the tower, I consider myself a bit lucky in that regard. Now if I can just find replacements I should theoretically be good to go.

[39LaSalleDriver]

Give this guy a try:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1941-Cadillac-NOS-Trico-Wiper-Motor-Tower-Rebuilding-Kit/153165534494?hash=item23a960951e:g:wp0AAOSw~Bha7wKN&vxp=mtr

This one is for a 41 but his posting says he has others as well.

And, I'm pretty sure Buick, Pontiac & Oldsmobile of those years use the same towers.

Good luck.

Say...that might be the ticket. Thanks. Even that kit might work if that knurled/splined knob to hold the wiper arm is screwed onto the threads which should hold the acorn nut and can be removed. From the gist I got from Wiperman, yes those shafts are somewhat universal on all models of that style within a certain timeframe. In other words, they didn't make a special shaft for Pontiacs, Buicks, Cadillacs, etc., etc., etc. The differences would be in the towers themselves and the linkages, not the internals per se. I'll shoot him a message and see what I come up with.

[DaveZ]

If you don't come up with anything I think I may have some.
Dave

[39LaSalleDriver]

Say...that might be the ticket. Thanks. Even that kit might work if that knurled/splined knob to hold the wiper arm is screwed onto the threads which should hold the acorn nut and can be removed. From the gist I got from Wiperman, yes those shafts are somewhat universal on all models of that style within a certain timeframe. In other words, they didn't make a special shaft for Pontiacs, Buicks, Cadillacs, etc., etc., etc. The differences would be in the towers themselves and the linkages, not the internals per se. I'll shoot him a message and see what I come up with.

Seller claims to not have one for a 39 LaSalle, but it might be he doesn't know which kit works for what cars. I posted in the technical forum to see if anyone has a Trico catalog and can look up the specific parts I would need.

If you don't come up with anything I think I may have some.
Dave

Thanks Dave, let me get back to you when I get this all sorted out. You may be my best hope yet!

[DaveZ]

Ok PM me if you need them and I will go take 'em off the parts car.
Dave