Seeking advice on 1965 Datsun 1500 Windshield Wipers & Seat Mods

[mintyfreshv]

Greetings!

I have a 1965 Datsun 1500 Fairlady Roadster. I am learning about its intricacies and beauty.
I am reaching out to you brilliant folks, wondering if you have advice on the below items (I searched on the forum for similar inquiries, but couldn't locate):

1. My windshield wipers aren't working.
- I had not used them before, but when it began to rain, the wipers would not activate. Did a fuse blow? Any insights?

2. I would like to replace my seats, particularly ones that recline and can slide forward a fair amount (I am 5"4 on a good day, and need to be closer than most to the pedals). I heard that Miata seats are great option, but hard to find. What seats have you placed in your '65 1500 roadsters?

Thank you in advance for your support!

-V-

[Gregs672000]

Welcome to Roadstering and our family! I'm afraid I'm not able to help with either issue but there are some here who own and/or specialize on 1500s and their particular quirks so I expect you'll hear from someone before too long... just wanted to welcome you here. Good luck with your issues, post some pics if you're inclined and enjoy the ride!

[mintyfreshv]

Hello Greg! I appreciate the warm welcome. I see you're in Tacoma! Do you attend the Northwest Datsun Enthusiasts meetings?

[Nissanman]

The usual problem with the windshield wipers is mechanical, but there is a fuse you need to check.

1965 SP310 Wiper Switch Schematic.jpg

If the electrical side of things checks out OK, you need to disconnect the wiper arm from the motor and see if the motor operates OK without any load.
The remaining issue will be with corroded wiper arm pivots.
That will cause a bind that will usually prevent the arms from moving and will probably overload the motor and blow the feed fuse.
There are other posts I have made concerning renovating the wiper pivots but essentially you need to GENTLY ease the arms off the pivots, GENTLY ease the pivots out of the housings, thoroughly clean and renovate the moving parts, re-lube with Zinc Oxide grease and re-assemble.



The pivots may require several applications of your favourite penetrating oil and gentle increase of pressure to allow them to part company.
Let me know if you want any clarification

[Gregs672000]

Hello Greg! I appreciate the warm welcome. I see you're in Tacoma! Do you attend the Northwest Datsun Enthusiasts meetings?

You're welcome! I work every Saturday so I'm not able to attend any meetings as that's when they have them. Not complaining as I only work Friday and Saturday, which means I get to drive the mountain roads with a lot less traffic during the week!

Good luck with the wipers... I knew someone here would be able to help!

[Curtis]

Steve Carter in Auburn has a 65 1500. He might be able to help. He goes to the meetings.