windshield washer conversion tip

[Dave Thompson]

I want to share with all the very easy way I converted my 914-4 to an electric windshield washer pump system. I read the tech article on this idea on teh Pelican site, and I think this idea is simpler, and possibly cheaper, too.
First, go to Pep Boys and buy a universal washer pump kit. They sell it near wiper blades, and they have several for specific cars, but the kit you want is called "universal" or similar. it is cheap, about $19. The kit includes most of what you need; you will probably want to also buy some new rubber hose of the appropriate diameter, as well as some plastic tie-downs, both of which they sell right there, all cheap.
Next, amke sure your air hose from the spare tire to the washer fluid reservoir is disconnected disconnected. Then you locate the hoses from the washer switch inside the front trunk area ( they come through the back side of the steering column into the trunk behind the dash) and cut the two hoses off. Next, you remove the old hoses from the washer nozzles ( and now it is probably a good idea to remove the nozzles from the body. They are sure to need cleaning out. Boil them in water in your microwave and they will come clean like magic). using the new hose and parts from the pump kit, refit hoses to the nozzles and join them into a tee infront of the fresh air box in the trunk. TIP: stick the ends of the hoses up through the nozzle holes in the body and attache them to the nozzles BEFORE you replace the nozzles into their holes!
Next, route and connect the hose from the nozzles to the outlet fitting on the pump motor, and then a hose from the pump to the outlet fitting on your washer reservoir (you may have to remove the reservoir to do this, but that is pretty easy and quick to do).
Now, mount the pump to the small upright metal body brace located directly in front of the passenger side washer nozzle, which supports the body there, using two of the plastic tiedowns. Run the wires from the pump through a small hole ( I'm sure you can find one or drill one) into the passenger compartment above the passngers feet behind the dash. Connect the black wire to the body for ground. The positive white wire, need to go to the fuse panel for juice, by way of some kind of switch. I used a "momentary" toggle switch, spring loaded, (also from Pep Boys) which I mounted into a hole which happened to already be drilled along the metal edge of the under dash framework, right below my radio, to the right of my center console. Alternately, you can mount a switch of this type into the face of your dash, or wherever you feel comfortable. The momentary toggle works great for quick bursts of washer fluid. The entire system performs beautifully and was installed in about an hour, once I figured out the schematic setup for it.
Anyone who decides to try this and runs into any trouble can feel free to contact me if I can help. Good luck, you won't regret the effort.

[ChrisG]

I just got a unit from a 86 VW Golf (Rabbit).
The Washer bottle and electric pump were together in one unit, hence I just took the old pipe, rigged it up to the old washer pump bottle holder, hooked some wiring up and let it rip!
Total Cost was £4 or $6!

[Dave Thompson]

There you go! I had a 76 Rabbit and I seem to recall the pump being integral to, or at least attached to, the bottom of the tank. That would make for a simple setup, providing you have a switch, etc. Only trick would then be mounting the fluid tank in the car, but I gues you worked all of that out. It's quite a marvelous improvement to have an electric washer though, whatever way you acheive it. By the way, I posted a question regarding dripping at the ends of the windshield seals. Did you read it and do you have any tips there? Oh, and I am also looking for someone to help me figure out how to change, or insert a replacement steering column bushing insert. Any ideas? Thanks