GT Hawk windshield washer nozzles

[Fred Winterburn]

My new to me 63 GT Hawk did not come with the optional windshield washers (Texas car). I know the factory setup has two nozzles kitty corner to each wiper arm just ahead of the windshield. I want washers on this car as Southern Ontario is littered with bugs that need washing off while driving especially at dusk. As much as I like to keep things looking original, I am tempted to drill one hole in the hood and put in a double nozzle setup similar to what 60s Volvo 122S cars used. Only one hole to be drilled, not two. The nozzle is chrome and I believe made by Trico who made washers for most of the world. The underside of the dash is a nightmare location on the Stude and I want to keep this simple and reliable without hoses under the dash. My question is: How badly would it hurt someone's sensibilities if the washer nozzle were to be relocated to the hood? Only a Studebaker fanatic would know the difference. Thanks for your thoughts, Fred

[LarkTruck]

Your Car your choice. Me, a hole in the hood??? No way I would do it, unless the car is a crapped out driver.

JS

[StudeRich]

I believe they ran the Nozzle hoses directly from the Cowl through the Firewall under the Hood to the Bag or Bottle, only a short loop is in the car and away from wiring and Wiper Drivers, so only the Pressure Hose from the bellows in the Car goes straight through the Left side of the Firewall away from wiring and lower to the bag or Bottle.

Whether the did or Not, I would do it that way.

Of course nowadays washer systems use a Pump in the Tank and electric to power it rather than an Air Pressure Bellows Pump.

[bensherb]

My '62 has washers and all the hoses leading to the squirters WERE under the dash. I wish it didn't have them at all. Around here when it gets bad enough to need window squirters they're of no value, you need a scraper and a wet towel ! Bugs, hoards of bugs !

[gordr]

Fred, I have a '63 GT Hawk parts car here. I will check and see what is on it. The only issue I would have with a hole in the hood (easily filled), is what if you don't get it right, and the jets cannot be aimed where they need to be? As a rule, windshield washers in the 1960's were pretty crude.

[Fred Winterburn]

Gord, thank you. Some pictures and measurements would be helpful for me in making my decision. If I do decide to copy the original placement for the nozzles the work load and risk of damage goes up exponentially. The upper cowl is two layers of sheet metal with cutouts for things like the wiper mechanism and for the nozzles in the inner section. The installation would be a dashboard out job to drill holes and fit the nozzles and tubing. The Volvo nozzle is chrome with two angled nozzles and they are adjustable and work extremely well with an electric pump even quite a distance from the windshield. If I did put the nozzles where the factory put them I would use an electric pump. This would be a next year’s job. My shed is not heated so I only work on cars in the summer. For now I will procrastinate. It’s a useful tool I’ve used many times in the past. Finally have the fluids changed in the old car. The last 6 owners were more interested in keeping it shiny than they were in maintaining it. I plan to drive it. Fred

[studefan]

I am with LarkTruck. No way would I drill a hole in the hood.

I may have a complete NOS washer kit for Hawks here that likely includes everything you need plus the installation instructions (I haven't looked at it in a while). Are you interested in it?

[Fred Winterburn]

Yes, I am interested. Will send you PM. Thank-you BTW, My eldest daughter lives in Northern Virginia, Fred
I am with LarkTruck. No way would I drill a hole in the hood.

I may have a complete NOS washer kit for Hawks here that likely includes everything you need plus the installation instructions (I haven't looked at it in a while). Are you interested in it?