'56 windshield wiper cables

[tbaker1]

How do windshield wiper cables attach to the pulley on a '56?

[Larry]

I had hoped that my 1956 Pontiac Service Manual would have covered this item, no luck. Neither does the '55 manual, or '57, or.... I'm guessing this topic is in the Body Manual (which, unfortunately I do not have).

When I consult a couple Motors Manuals, guess what it says.... "The removal and servicing of the windshield wiper motor and transmission are fairly obvious operations." I'm guessing from your question, they are not.

Perhaps one of our members can help. I'l keep looking around. If you discover something in the meantime, please share with us what you find.

[Larry]

I checked with a friend who has a '56 and recently replaced the vacuum motor with electric. He didn't mention "how" the cables actually attached ('cause he didn't have to mess with that), but said he didn't remember it as being anything complicated. If you are wondering about routing of the cables, below is what he described in hopes the '55 and '56 were the same.

On the 55, there is a 3 pulley set with the pulleys connected to each other to each other by cables. This pulley/cable set up is under the dashboard. The two end pulleys are attached to the wiper arms; the center pulley is attached to lever which is on the firewall. The vacuum motor is attached to this lever. When the wiper switch is in the “on” position, the vacuum from the fuel pump to the wiper motor activates the wiper motor which in turn moves the lever on the firewall which activates the center pulley. The center pulley then moves the wiper arms.

If you actualy need things to attach your cables, or are missing pieces, contact Kurt Kelsey as he is a huge Pontiac parts supplier and a '55 expert. Check under "AFFILIATES" and then "Member Discounts" to contact Kurt.

[tbaker1]

I tried to give the cables some slack to attach them on the firewall spool under the dashboard by pushing down on the wiper transmission itself but the cables are still too short even with someone helping.