Question about wiper switches...

[kaptnkaos]

hey guys...

I wanna get some thoughts before I try this.
I am thinking of using the exisiting wiper switches on Olde Skool to power some ceramic heaters for defrosters.
I found some intermittent wiper switches that I wanna use on the bus. However, they won't fit where the existing wiper switches are located. so I will have to relocate the wiper switches.
I was thinking since I already have two of these switches, that I might be able to use them to control some ceramic heaters. Using the wiper switches would give me a high and a low heat control, otherwise I am gonna have to get some three way switches.

thanks for your input...
KaptnKAOS

[Wes]

How many amps do the heaters draw @ 12 volts ???
Then compare that to the draw from the 70 bump wiper motor you swiped them from. if it's close sure.
I think a 3 position switch w/ a blower motor resistor block might suit your needs better.

[72hiboy4x4]

I would definately wire them thru a relay system!
IIRC, the heaters are going to pull a bunch more juice then the switches are rated for, and you don't want those high amperage wires any longer that neccessary.

[kaptnkaos]

I'm not sure what the amperage draw on the heaters are yet, but they are the ones that plug into the cig lighter so I wouldn't expect them to draw that much. The cig lighter and dome lights are on a 15 amp circuit.
The bus has two separate wiper switches and two separate wiper motors (one of each side of the windshield) that operate independantly.
I was planning on using a dedicated circuit for the each ceramic heater.
Getting differant switches isn't a problem if I need to do that. I just wanna be able to use the orignal bump style knobs so everything still looks pretty much stock orginal.

Thanks for you input...
KaptnKAOS

[Wes]

Wiper motors normally run a 20- 25 amp fuse so those switches will prob do what ya need.

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Wes,

I have been doing some research regarding the wiper switch wiring...
I have all the original wiring diagrams for '68 F-100 thru F-750 trucks,
they all have basically the same circuits.
I was hoping to be able to use the diagrams to see what circuits the bus's wiper switches are on, but the bus wiper circuits are different than the Ford truck ones, so they aren't covered in F-500 wiring diagrams.
I figured I'd just have to turn the wipers on and start pullin' fuses until they quit. Otherwise, I'm gonna have a lot of tape to remove to trace the wires down.
I am gonna pull up the archives on installing the intermittent wiper relays in a standard bump truck and see what I'm gonna need to do make them work on the bus.
The windshield washer pump is on a separate switch, so I don't even have to worry about that one. I could actually use the new switch's washer power feed to power the pump (right now, there isn't a power wire going to the pump and the pump needs to be replaced).
When I install the ceramic heaters, I'm gonna run a new circuit for them, so that won't be a problem.

Take care,
KaptnKAOS