1989 GMC 3500 C&C truck needs intermittent wiper upgrade

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91 Jimmy

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Central Mass
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Rich
Truck Year
1989
Truck Model
3500
Engine Size
454
I have a 1989 GMC 3500 cab and chassis that has no intermittent wiper; just low, high, and off controls on the directional stalk. I'd really like to have a delay option. Back in the 80's, department stores used to sell a little aftermarket under dash kit where you could set the knob for the delay you wanted. I installed several of these in my dad's, brother's and uncle's cars back then and they worked fine. This would be ok for me as well as this is our farm truck, but I can't seem to find anything like it out there anymore, I assume because most all vehicles now come set up that way from the factory. Anyone have any links for me?
 

AuroraGirl

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1978, 1980
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400(?), 350
I have a 1989 GMC 3500 cab and chassis that has no intermittent wiper; just low, high, and off controls on the directional stalk. I'd really like to have a delay option. Back in the 80's, department stores used to sell a little aftermarket under dash kit where you could set the knob for the delay you wanted. I installed several of these in my dad's, brother's and uncle's cars back then and they worked fine. This would be ok for me as well as this is our farm truck, but I can't seem to find anything like it out there anymore, I assume because most all vehicles now come set up that way from the factory. Anyone have any links for me?
you would be better off making factory intermittent work on your later year square
 

CalSgt

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1980
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Chevy K-10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
hope some one here explain how to....so i can have wiper delay on mine too :)
Wasn't the cheapest option but I ordered a Newport engineering wiper motor and delay switch. Still need to figure out what to do for a washer pump though since this kit gets rid of the factory washers

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SirRobyn0

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I have a 1989 GMC 3500 cab and chassis that has no intermittent wiper; just low, high, and off controls on the directional stalk. I'd really like to have a delay option. Back in the 80's, department stores used to sell a little aftermarket under dash kit where you could set the knob for the delay you wanted. I installed several of these in my dad's, brother's and uncle's cars back then and they worked fine. This would be ok for me as well as this is our farm truck, but I can't seem to find anything like it out there anymore, I assume because most all vehicles now come set up that way from the factory. Anyone have any links for me?
Those little under dash things were available up until the mid-2000's at least, but your right they are completely unavailable now, with the exception of some specialty units priced over $100.

My suggestion as much as I don't care for E-bay is to go there and search zemco wiper delay. They were one of the biggest aftermarket makers of those things. I just looked there are 4 listed right now 2 of them are under $40, all new in box. Same for you @TPISly-C10 check E-bay. The best part is those units are super easy to install.

you would be better off making factory intermittent work on your later year square

I'm not a fan of this idea, the main reason being is there are a fair number of known issues with the factory delay, and he'd have to change the motor, the wiper switch in the column, add the delay box and associated wiring. The universal boxes are IIFC 5 wires to hookup, and is easily done in an hour or less. Of course there is the obvious adding of the controls will not look factory so I guess it just depends what he prefers.
 

Matt69olds

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455 Olds
Wasn't the cheapest option but I ordered a Newport engineering wiper motor and delay switch. Still need to figure out what to do for a washer pump though since this kit gets rid of the factory washers

You must be registered for see images attach


Assuming the delay wiper kit has provisions for a washer, you can use a washer tank from a late truck that has the washer pump built in. I assume your previous wiper system had the pump built into the motor?

If the delay kit doesn’t include washer provisions, I guess you could use the electric pump triggered by a push button?
 

CalSgt

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Assuming the delay wiper kit has provisions for a washer, you can use a washer tank from a late truck that has the washer pump built in. I assume your previous wiper system had the pump built into the motor?

If the delay kit doesn’t include washer provisions, I guess you could use the electric pump triggered by a push button?
I've got a "Pick & Pull" junkyard trip planned and a late model washer bottle is on the list. I'll have to wait until its time to build out the interior to figure out what type of switch will be possible.
 

91 Jimmy

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My suggestion as much as I don't care for E-bay is to go there and search zemco wiper delay. They were one of the biggest aftermarket makers of those things. I just looked there are 4 listed right now 2 of them are under $40, all new in box. Same for you @TPISly-C10 check E-bay. The best part is those units are super easy to install.

This is the EXACT model I used to install on my friends and family's vehicles (although I think they used to be $12-$14!)! Thank you so much. For my needs, this is a perfect solution for me!
 

SirRobyn0

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Yes, that's about the price they use to be. There was another manufacture I don't recall their name anymore, JC Whitney sold them in to the mid-2000's, but I don't think they produced as many or were as good of quality as the Zemco's, I say that becauseI just don't see the JC Whitney ones pop up anywhere.
 

AuroraGirl

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400(?), 350
Those little under dash things were available up until the mid-2000's at least, but your right they are completely unavailable now, with the exception of some specialty units priced over $100.

My suggestion as much as I don't care for E-bay is to go there and search zemco wiper delay. They were one of the biggest aftermarket makers of those things. I just looked there are 4 listed right now 2 of them are under $40, all new in box. Same for you @TPISly-C10 check E-bay. The best part is those units are super easy to install.



I'm not a fan of this idea, the main reason being is there are a fair number of known issues with the factory delay, and he'd have to change the motor, the wiper switch in the column, add the delay box and associated wiring. The universal boxes are IIFC 5 wires to hookup, and is easily done in an hour or less. Of course there is the obvious adding of the controls will not look factory so I guess it just depends what he prefers.
well a 1989 had the best of factory wipers but that is still 1989 square body. i think the GMT 400 used the same one for first year or 2. But if he goes aftermarket id be cool to see how it goes
 

topprolmc

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I'm not a fan of this idea, the main reason being is there are a fair number of known issues with the factory delay, and he'd have to change the motor, the wiper switch in the column, add the delay box and associated wiring. The universal boxes are IIFC 5 wires to hookup, and is easily done in an hour or less. Of course there is the obvious adding of the controls will not look factory so I guess it just depends what he prefers.
Wrong. He needs the stalk and the module. Nothing more.
The module goes into the current harness, and the stalk controls it.
Under 150 bucks.
Stalk from rockauto.com and module off ebay
 

AuroraGirl

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K10, K25
Engine Size
400(?), 350
Wrong. He needs the stalk and the module. Nothing more.
The module goes into the current harness, and the stalk controls it.
Under 150 bucks.
Stalk from rockauto.com and module off ebay
The stalk switch at the base of the stalk im pretty sure is different, yes? That requires partial disassembly. if that is not the case, and the switches at the base are the same, then awesome.
 

SirRobyn0

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1984
Truck Model
C20
Engine Size
305
Wrong. He needs the stalk and the module. Nothing more.
The module goes into the current harness, and the stalk controls it.
Under 150 bucks.
Stalk from rockauto.com and module off ebay

The stalk switch at the base of the stalk im pretty sure is different, yes? That requires partial disassembly. if that is not the case, and the switches at the base are the same, then awesome.
@topprolmc it is not stalk only. You have to change the switch which requires steering wheel removal and partial column tear down. If you didn't change the switch in the column there would be no "delay" area in the switch. It doesn't matter which stalk is jammed into the switch the detents for the functions and the functions are inside the switch in the column. Ask me how I know. I've changed many of those switches at the shop over the years.
 

AuroraGirl

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400(?), 350
@topprolmc it is not stalk only. You have to change the switch which requires steering wheel removal and partial column tear down. If you didn't change the switch in the column there would be no "delay" area in the switch. It doesn't matter which stalk is jammed into the switch the detents for the functions and the functions are inside the switch in the column. Ask me how I know. I've changed many of those switches at the shop over the years.
it would be cool if the trucks and cars used the same setup like through and through, it would be fast and easy to steal a cars column and use the truck wheel lol
 

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