Intermittent and multi-speed wipers

When was the first basic intermittent wiper used? Did they always require a computer? What about multi-speed wipers, how do they work, did they have separate windings in the motors that ran at different speeds?

I need a wiper setup for my '37 Dodge pickup with multi speeds or even better an intermittent wiper and I would prefer using a modified wiper setup from GM verses an aftermarket unit.

I can't help you with the aftermarket stuff and maybe someone will chime in with that.On the Astro/Safari vans there is a relay and a circuit board right inside the wiper motor.When you think of the size of one of those van's windshields,there is a fairly wide swing.If you haven chosen a steering column yet,the ones from these vans have a good size with the standard clamp main brace under the dash and a four bolt flange to the firewall to a universals to a intermediate shaft.There are tilt versions which are not that hard to find,but have a shifter on the column for the automatics.There is a ton of those vans out there.The stick shift versions of those vans where only available 1985 to 1989 and some where tilt with the proper controls for the wipers that you want.Those are somewhat more rare,but are out there as well.

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Originally Posted by jayd

When was the first basic intermittent wiper used? Did they always require a computer? What about multi-speed wipers, how do they work, did they have separate windings in the motors that ran at different speeds?

I need a wiper setup for my '37 Dodge pickup with multi speeds or even better an intermittent wiper and I would prefer using a modified wiper setup from GM verses an aftermarket unit.

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Ford had the first intermittent wipers in their 1969 model year. They were invented by Robert Kearns, and were the subject of a widely publicized patent infringement case in '78 against Ford (Kearns won), and then against Chrysler in '82 where Kearns served as his own attorney, and won again. The early controls were a simple adjustable timing circuit apart from the wiper motor, and small add-on after market boxes to patch into the wiper circuit are widely available - here's one. DCWE-20 Wiper Control

Lucas was the first to "invent" intermittent wipers

LOL 53, Left me wondering if Lucas also invented the intermittent starter. Myself on my new car, I like to bypass the intermittent function and turn them off and on at my will., guessing I have a control freak problem, Dr.Phil?