Caddy Status

9-4-09 - Not much done today. I applied rain-x to the windows because the wipers are not working. I tried to fix them but did not get far. I am getting power to the motor, but the switch does nothing. It would seem as the switch is at fault, but I have instructions on how to bypass the switch and test the motor. I will try it this weekend, but not sure if I will get to it because of Labor Day festivities. (time 2hrs)

9-5-09 - Today I tested the wiper motor and found out that it does not work regardless of the switch. I got the wiper motor and pump (1 unit) out with help of Jeff. In order to remove the motor you have to take off the wiper arms and remove the vent cowl on the hood. Once removed you have to undo the linkage. The wiper arms have extension bars that connect to the motor shaft and are connected with a weird looking clip. The clip bends over the motor shaft and you have to pry up on the clip just enough to clear the shaft but not too far that you bend it. The bent part of the clip faces the bumper and you have to slide it toward the windshield. Once that is done you can get to the bolt that holds the arm onto the shaft. From there the motor has 4 screws and it drops out the bottom. However there is a ground strap that has to come off and it is held on by one screw which is attached to the firewall. However the angle to get to the screw is difficult and after several unsuccessful attempts we were able to remove the screw by using a power drill with a long extension. (time 5 hrs)

9-7-09 - I removed the power antenna today and tested it; it does not move. I will see if I can rebuild it. (time 2 hrs)

9-8-09 - I removed the wiper arm linkage. I think even if the wiper motor worked it would have burned up trying to move the wiper arms. The linkage was froze like it hasn't been used for 20 years. I soaked it in PB blaster and now the driver side moves freely and the passenger side is moving but still needs work. I also lubed both rear power window track and gear. The passenger side goes down about 3/4 of the way and then it stops. Not sure if the motor is worn or something is holding it up. The driver side rear goes down about 95% of the way and then it stops, I will have to see if there is an adjustment. I took pics of the interior to have some reference point for when I take it apart and then the rain came. (time 1.5 hrs)

9-12-09 - I removed the door sills and post molding on both the driver and passenger front sides. The heads of the front screws holding down the door sill had to be cut off because they were so badly rusted. The sills themselves are in pretty bad shape but I think I will be able to save them. I researched restoring rusted metal and came up with 2 products, POR-15 and KBS Coatings; I am going to try KBS Coatings. They had some nice videos showing you the whole process. (time 1.5 hrs)