Electric washer pump
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:00 pm
Electric washer pump
Hi all,
I came across a video on youtube where Shawn ofAuto Anatomy (youtube.com/watch?v=PTxRvRJOasl) installed an electric windshield washer pump on his 65. I realized I haven't addressed mine yet on my rebuild and of course it doesn't work. Well the kit to repair the mechanical pump and a new electric pump are about the same. So I went the electric pump route since my experience with the mechanical pumps is less than ideal.
It was a simple conversion. First I removed the old mechanical pump and fabricated a simple sheet metal bracket to mount the new pump above the mechanical pump drive sprocket. I shortened the two wires on the new pump and put on GM flat connectors. I mounted the pump on the new bracket and plugged in the new pump to the factory connector (Red from pump to black/yellow on connector and black from pump to dark blue on factory connector). Next I used the supplied tubing to splice in the washer hoses.
I used a different pump than Auto Anatomy did (ACI 199600 Universal Washer Pump Kit on Amazon) as the kit included a tee and hose adapter needed to replace the mechanical pump. So after getting my electric pump installed I can say it is so much better than the mechanical pump as it sprays water immediately and continuously as the button is held down. Shawn was somewhat concerned to make his installation look stock while I wasn't, especially since mine is mostly behind the AC fan. So here is a cheap and easy project for the New Year for those so inclined.
I came across a video on youtube where Shawn ofAuto Anatomy (youtube.com/watch?v=PTxRvRJOasl) installed an electric windshield washer pump on his 65. I realized I haven't addressed mine yet on my rebuild and of course it doesn't work. Well the kit to repair the mechanical pump and a new electric pump are about the same. So I went the electric pump route since my experience with the mechanical pumps is less than ideal.
It was a simple conversion. First I removed the old mechanical pump and fabricated a simple sheet metal bracket to mount the new pump above the mechanical pump drive sprocket. I shortened the two wires on the new pump and put on GM flat connectors. I mounted the pump on the new bracket and plugged in the new pump to the factory connector (Red from pump to black/yellow on connector and black from pump to dark blue on factory connector). Next I used the supplied tubing to splice in the washer hoses.
I used a different pump than Auto Anatomy did (ACI 199600 Universal Washer Pump Kit on Amazon) as the kit included a tee and hose adapter needed to replace the mechanical pump. So after getting my electric pump installed I can say it is so much better than the mechanical pump as it sprays water immediately and continuously as the button is held down. Shawn was somewhat concerned to make his installation look stock while I wasn't, especially since mine is mostly behind the AC fan. So here is a cheap and easy project for the New Year for those so inclined.
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- Posts: 1105
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2023 7:01 am
- Location: Southeast Georgia
Re: Electric washer pump
Nice installation.
I did a double improvement pump and reservoir to my windshield washer system. Pump is mounted in tank on back side, which keeps the new pump and connector protected. I am using an electric pump and reservoir from mid 80s Chevy trucks in my Vair.
Twice fluid capacity with an electric motor from the mid 80s Chevy truck. About $55 plus shipping from LMC Trucks to convert the Vair system. It is about same pricing as a replacement OEM washer pump and works better. It has reliability and a good spray with existing nozzles going for it.
I did a double improvement pump and reservoir to my windshield washer system. Pump is mounted in tank on back side, which keeps the new pump and connector protected. I am using an electric pump and reservoir from mid 80s Chevy trucks in my Vair.
Twice fluid capacity with an electric motor from the mid 80s Chevy truck. About $55 plus shipping from LMC Trucks to convert the Vair system. It is about same pricing as a replacement OEM washer pump and works better. It has reliability and a good spray with existing nozzles going for it.
Al Lane
Southeast Georgia
1966 Coupe 110 4 spd
1966 More Door 110 PG FOR SALE
Southeast Georgia
1966 Coupe 110 4 spd
1966 More Door 110 PG FOR SALE
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:00 pm
Re: Electric washer pump
Very nice solution to the problem. I am always impressed by the creativity and skills of the folks on this forum. Thanks for sharing.
- davemotohead
- Corvair of the Month
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Re: Electric washer pump
I have used the rebuild kits for the stock pumps and have had no problems, I have installed the aftermarket pumps as well, but if you want it stock the rebuild kits are fine.
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:00 pm
Re: Electric washer pump
My objection to the stock pump is the 4 squirter cycle can have a wiper blade dragging on dry glass. In my restoration I have kept my car stock, but I am not a slave to it by making some "improvements". I'm glad you have good luck with stock pump. I have the system on my 68 elcamino and never liked but haven't needed to use it much. Thanks for your videos over the years.
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- Posts: 49
- Joined: Sun Apr 09, 2023 3:09 pm
Re: Electric washer pump
Thanks for the shout out! Installing the electric pump has been one of those mods that makes such a difference in daily driving the Vair. Such a big improvement over the original unit.
Sean
Sean
I'm a pulmonary/critical care nurse practitioner that is passionate about bringing classic cars back to life.
www.youtube.com/autoanatomy
www.facebook.com/autoanatomyUS
www.youtube.com/autoanatomy
www.facebook.com/autoanatomyUS
Re: Electric washer pump
I installed the above linked washer pump on my Corsa the other day. The hardest part, for lack of a better word, was finding a piece of sheet metal to form the bracket. The pump works great and it has a lot of pressure. Great mod. Thanks for posting.
Rory
Conway, SC
1966 Corsa
1963 Rampside - still trying to get it on the road
Conway, SC
1966 Corsa
1963 Rampside - still trying to get it on the road
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- Posts: 58
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Re: Electric washer pump
Thanks! I had some spare sheet metal lying around to make the bracket. You can also pick up some conveniently from HomeDepot. And if you didn't see it, I got the idea from the Auto Anatomy youtube channel. He has been going through his late model Corvair doing all the things everyone has to do on an old Corvair in need of restoration.
Re: Electric washer pump
I did this mod to my ‘63 yesterday. I tried to use the existing bracket, stripped down… I ended up shaving the mounting tabs off the electric motor and securing it with zip ties… it looks ok but I would have just made my own bracket and screwed it on. Oh well, it looks fine and won’t fall apart any time soon! Volume and strength of the squirt is tremendous
Rick
1963 700 4dr
Eastern MA
1963 700 4dr
Eastern MA
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:00 pm
Re: Electric washer pump
Nice! I am keeping my car mostly stock, but I find some of these little changes a big help for such an old car.
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- Posts: 1105
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2023 7:01 am
- Location: Southeast Georgia
Re: Electric washer pump
I did an update on my Electric Washer Pump mod document this morning and found Chevy changed the diagram and prices. What cost over just $50 five years ago is now about $37 before shipping.
Parts are from the 88 to 98 Chevy pick up trucks. The pump mounts in the recess on the back side of the tank. Unseen to any trunk viewers. The wiper motor still comes out without removing the tank. With a 3 terminal motor, it is just easier. You might want to consider Metri-Pack connectors due to their smaller size, than the Packard 56 connectors.
Parts are from the 88 to 98 Chevy pick up trucks. The pump mounts in the recess on the back side of the tank. Unseen to any trunk viewers. The wiper motor still comes out without removing the tank. With a 3 terminal motor, it is just easier. You might want to consider Metri-Pack connectors due to their smaller size, than the Packard 56 connectors.
Al Lane
Southeast Georgia
1966 Coupe 110 4 spd
1966 More Door 110 PG FOR SALE
Southeast Georgia
1966 Coupe 110 4 spd
1966 More Door 110 PG FOR SALE
Re: Electric washer pump
Nice work Al! This was an easy and fun modification, I suggest it to everybody.
Rick
1963 700 4dr
Eastern MA
1963 700 4dr
Eastern MA
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- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2022 9:00 pm
Re: Electric washer pump
That looks like it belongs there. Very nice.
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- Posts: 1105
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2023 7:01 am
- Location: Southeast Georgia
Re: Electric washer pump
Thank you, all. It was a worthwhile project to replace that solenoid operated pump.
Al Lane
Southeast Georgia
1966 Coupe 110 4 spd
1966 More Door 110 PG FOR SALE
Southeast Georgia
1966 Coupe 110 4 spd
1966 More Door 110 PG FOR SALE
- SethThomas
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2022 5:39 am
Re: Electric washer pump
I was able to find a Pump-in-bottle that fit the original bottle mount for the A/C cars. No modification at all for the mount and it slides right in place. (I'm not sure if it would fit all models, but it is perfect for my 66)
If anyone is interested, I can dig though my Amazon purchases to find the model.
If anyone is interested, I can dig though my Amazon purchases to find the model.
Owned: 1966 Corvair Monza 110 with A/C
Re: Electric washer pump
I'd like to know. Keep in mind Amazon links to work here unless you remove the http// prefix.SethThomas wrote: ↑Thu Mar 20, 2025 8:59 am I was able to find a Pump-in-bottle that fit the original bottle mount for the A/C cars. No modification at all for the mount and it slides right in place. (I'm not sure if it would fit all models, but it is perfect for my 66)
If anyone is interested, I can dig though my Amazon purchases to find the model.