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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / '46-'48 Windshield Wiper Knob insert

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Discussion Topic: '46-'48 Windshield Wiper Knob insert

len47merc

06-15-2017 @ 4:57 PM

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Hey Guys - see the attached pic. Got caught in a shower tonight during a cruise-in and had to use the wipers. Due to little use in it's life, even though the linkage for the wiper knob has been lubed it has always been stiff to rotate counter-clockwise - the original metal tab insert inside the knob broke off from age/work-hardening over the years. Is this insert replaceable/if so available/if so where? If not anyone ever had to address this issue and have a creative and effective solution that will not damage the split wiper control shaft and/or the knob? Really do not want to have to search out a replacement knob for the Merc...

Btw - for those who may not be aware this knob is off a '47 Mercury - I routinely/for the most part make my posts in the Ford section as this is basically what these years are - Fords throughout - with only the trim package differentiating the two (hence the color of the knob).

EDIT - insert appears to be some type of spring steel, folded in half to keep the knob firm on the shaft.

Appreciate any/all help and advice. Thanks -

Steve

This message was edited by len47merc on 6-15-17 @ 5:01 PM

len47merc

06-15-2017 @ 4:59 PM

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Do it every time - here's the pic.

Steve

Kens 36

06-15-2017 @ 6:22 PM

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Steve,

I've never seen a replacement insert. The radio knobs in my 1950 Fords have a very similar insert, perhaps smaller. When one of mine went missing, I was able to make a replacement by bending a piece of metal and leaving some "pointy" edges to grip the inside of the knob. Just took some patience and several tries. The originals are probably made of spring steel, but my engineered insert is still working.

Ken

TomO

06-15-2017 @ 7:24 PM

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Steve, Dennis Carpenter reproduces the Ford knob. If the color is not close enough, you may be able to remove the spring and use it for your knob.

I bet that you will oil the control, now.

Tom

Bill E Bob

06-16-2017 @ 3:13 AM

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Check your Inbox.

len47merc

06-16-2017 @ 5:18 AM

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Thanks Ken & Tom. I believe after a couple more attempts or so I'll be able to engineer my own solution as Ken suggests. Need to try a different grade of material than what is in my 'scr*p spares' bin.

Tom - I saw the knob Carpenter offers but I'm just too darn cheap/squeaky to pay more for shipping than a part costs ($9+ minimum DC shipping fee) and secondly a bit too anal about keeping every original part I can on the car. Looks like their 'gray/tan' will match closely enough, especially given the knob's location above the dash relatively far away from the others. Going to work through Ken's solution.

On the lube - this was done as noted in the opening thread comments and the control is buttery smooth throughout the speed adjustment range. It's just that making that first bit of the turn counter-clockwise to start the wipers has always been 'stiff', not 'rough', as if the linkage has a very short, initial bind to it. Perhaps this is normal - ? I'm going to do the cirque du soleil contortionist boogie and get under the dash this morning to have another look at that anew - any thoughts on what is 'normal' (i.e., is the initial, first few degrees rotation of the wiper knob normally 'stiff'?) greatly appreciated.

Hey Bill - checked my Inbox and only found your last 2 p.m.'s from the 14th (also I've not received any e-mail notifications to my home e-mail address notifying me of any EFV8 Inbox receipt yesterday or today). I'll keep an eye out - perhaps your p.m. did not post for some reason.

Steve

This message was edited by len47merc on 6-16-17 @ 5:32 AM

len47merc

06-16-2017 @ 10:43 AM

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Got it! Thanks Ken for the experienced endorsement that it can be done without damaging the knob. Key was finding just the right gauge, temper and grade of steel that could be cut and formed into a u-shape without cracking yet still maintain adequate stiffness to keep the knob firm on the split wiper control shaft. Works great - thanks again.

Oh - gave all the linkage another dose of lubrication just for insurance purposes. Cheers guys -

Steve

This message was edited by len47merc on 6-16-17 @ 10:45 AM

Kens 36

06-16-2017 @ 11:18 AM

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Steve,

Good for you!

Ken

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