Intermittent Wiper Switch Swap
By Todd Zuercher
Here in the Southwest, there are many times when the typical Early Bronco owner wishes he didn't have to reach forward and turn the windshield wiper switch off and on during the often sporadic rain showers we receive here in the arid part of the country.
I, along with many Early Bronco owners have long wished there was an easy way to install intermittent windshield wipers on our trucks. Thanks to an option on '73-'79 Ford trucks, there is a simple, inexpensive upgrade available for our steeds.
Looking at the photos, you'll see a typical Early Bronco-style wiper switch on the right. On the left, you'll see the intermittent switch assembly that swaps in with comparatively little effort.
Note Slightly Longer Shaft on Intermittant Switch (Left)
Back of old switch (Right) matches plug on new switch
Note the plugs on each unit are identical where the Bronco wiper motor wires plug in. The switch shaft on the intermittent unit is slightly longer but can be quickly and easily trimmed with a cutoff tool like a Dremel or even a hacksaw. You'll also see an extra black wire connected to the switch case on the intermittent unit. This is a ground wire that will need to be connected to a spot on the dash of your choosing or another appropriate piece of metal. The black box in the intermittent setup is the delay mechanism. It has a bracket on it with holes for two screws. I've heard there are two holes on the underside of the Bronco dash that match this bracket, but I didn't find them on my truck(it was originally a vacuum-wipered model). I simply laid the delay box on the underside of the dash on my truck .
I haven't priced these units new from Ford, but I'm sure the price is prohibitive
for the typical thrifty Bronco owner. So where to look? Although these units were allegedly available as early as 1973, I was told recently by a knowledgeable F-Series parts specialist that Ford didn't start using them until 1976 when they started to really add options to the F-Series trucks. This has coincided with my experience as well. Your best bet is to find a well-optioned truck, a Ranger, or better yet, a Ranger XLT. They seem to be the most prevalent in the '78-'79 trucks. I have only found one switch in a Custom. A quick and easy way to check is to of course reach behind, or look behind, the dash and see if the delay unit is present. Another quick way to check is to turn the wiper switch. If it rotates counterclockwise from the off position, it's an intermittent unit.
This is one of the most useful and easiest upgrades a person can make to their truck. I occasionally have units for sale so don't hesitate to write.
