Intermittent Windshield Wiper Control

[68 Toro]

Does anyone know of an aftermarket intermittent windshield wiper control for Gen I Toronados?

[xgecko]

Here are some potential options:

http://classicgarage.com/inwisw.html

A more extensive set of options:

http://www.specialtypowerwindows.com/products.php?c=2

It also might be possible to find a switch controller from a later 70s car. Not sure about it but I suspect the intermittent function is in the switch.

The one time I drove in a sprinkle I sure did miss that. I will have to look into it at some point.

[68 Toro]

Thanks XG,

The Hella unit is not compatible since our Toronados have the recessed park feature. But your suggestion of looking into a mid- to late-1970s retrofit might work. Hopefully some Gen II owners will reply to answer the question: do your windshield wipers have a delay feature?

If so, then I'm sure that this might be the best option.

Dave

[xgecko]

Recessed park feature? What is that? Are you talking about how the wipers drop down below the hood to 'park'? I never thought of that... but you are right. It does need to be accounted for. Now you have me wondering... at some point I need to investigate this. I suspect that we do need to look for a similar unit. Let us know if you identify a workable solution!

[68 Toro]

Hi XG,

I suspect that if I were to install the HELLA or similar delay wiper controller unit, upon every cycle of the wipers, the blades would indeed drop down below the hood to park. While this might not be a big problem if the delay were set to 20 seconds, a 2 second delay might cause system damage.

So I agree with your excellent earlier consideration to investigate possibly-compatible units from somewhat more recent vintage cars and modifying them to fit our Gen I Toronados. Right now all I can do is think about this. My son will start college later this year so all non-emergent Toronado work including upgrades like this, will have to wait.

Dave

[xgecko]

I might take a look around and see what I can find. I am in that 'waiting for the engine build to complete' mode where I am doing all the things you don't want to do when the car is actually running. My current projects are to swap the trans, install the new steering box and above all get a decent stereo installed (last two years were an inverter running a set of computer speakers driven by my phone!).

Once I get a handle on these projects I may take a look at this issue. Perhaps there is a solution out there.

[68 Toro]

Hi XG,

That is an ambitious agenda and I wish the best for your Toronado and you.

Last year I brought my 1968 Toronado to one of the larger independent car audio shops in Miami for some advice. Looking from below at the factory radio's location, the space behind the dashboard that it occupies is insufficient for anything decent, they told me. They presented two options (which I haven't yet undertaken for the same reason stated previously):

1) build up from the floor ahead of the front seats a box into which sound (and video) components could be installed. The box could either be painted the same color as the interior or covered in carpeting and made to appear seamless.

2) install all components remotely except for a "head unit" which is essentially a glorified remote control. This would likely preclude any type of video screen up front (for GPS navigation, for example), but avoid the expense of a custom-designed fiberglass or plywood box its covering, and its installation. They pointed out several possible locations to mount the head unit, including in front of the untouched factory radio.

They added that in either case, all the components could be removed upon the sale of the Toronado, should they be excluded from the sale (that is, to allow their installation into the Toronado's replacement vehicle). And my factory radio and speakers would remain in place.

Finally, they noted that there was plenty of room below the rear "hat shelf" to install new speakers including a small subwoofer where the rear seat speaker is located. They speculated that there was sufficient room within the doors to also install speakers. The front speaker inside the dashboard would be too time consuming to replace, they speculated.

This is a worthwhile endeavor since my 1968 Toronado features only a factory AM radio having poor reception. Perhaps my son will receive some college financial aid, thereby freeing up some funds for my Toronado's various modern creature-comfort projects that I wish for!

[xgecko]

I can tell you that there is no room under the hat shelf unless you install in the angled section - which was my original intent until I discovered much to my chagrin that I had the panel upside down when I cut the holes for the speakers... which now means I am making two additional trim rings out of MDF to raise the speakers up enough to mount on the flat portion which has little clearance below.

The kid I bought the car from made a crude center console that I am going to modify for now to house the head unit and a 7" GPS unit. Eventually I plan to get new bucket seats and fabricate a permanent full length console.

I have several subwoofer options and am not sure which I will go with. I have an 8" low profile sub that can barely fit into the space where the original rear speaker went and I am sorely tempted to go that route. I also have a 10" version of the same low profile flat driver that has a passive radiator to go with it (this was my previous truck sub) and I even have a nifty Infinity Bassbox which is a compact 10" sub/passive radiator box that will liquefy your brain if you want it to.

[68 Toro]

Hi XG,

The world needs you to post photos of your work!

Dave