Need help with wipers and horn

[Driver Ed]

Hello, All!
Just got a 1964 Dart GT as my daily driver and only car. I just became a member of this site today. I am also new to the Mopar world, so please forgive my lack of terminology knowledge. My Dart is in need of attention on a couple issues that I am hoping someone can advise me on.

Issue #1: When I turn on my wipers, they take two swipes and stop. When they freeze up, there is an audible click coming from the dash. I understand there is a circuit breaker in the switch and I think it tripping is what I am hearing. Once I turn off the wipers, I can turn them back on and the process repeats.
My question-is this a switch issue or perhaps a wiper motor/linkage issue overloading the circuit and tripping the breaker? Where do I start, and what fix should I try?

Issue #2: The horn does not work and the previous owner believes the problem is in the circular plastic connector with the springs on it below the horn button. The horn button is permanently in the pressed position i.e. it does not push down and rebound.
My questions: What is this ring shaped plastic unit called? Where can I buy one? Is there anything else I should look into or purchase just in case? As the Dart is my only car, I would like to have everything on hand before I tear things down.

Thanks!
Driver Ed

 

[junkyardhero]

step one: Service Manuals – MyMopar

get you a service manual. i know that they don't have 64 up there, but using a 65/66 will help you understand the nuts and bolts of it, and the diagrams parts wise are mostly the same.

use the search function here. it's kinda butt, however there's a ton of knowledge and information here. you can also use an optomized google search by adding forabodiesonly.com in the criteria.

step two: don't be afraid to take **** apart. get in there and dig around.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Mopar (the red headed step children of the Classic Car world, BUT also the coolest!)

Step Three: google "Chrysler Master Tech Videos" followed by the system in question like "Wipers", "Gauges", "Voltage regulator", "Ignition", etc. All of the cars subjects are covered in these super corny but super informational videos.

Step four: TAKE PHOTOS, LOTS OF PHOTOS

Step Five: DONT THROW ANYTHING away, even if it is broken. a broken part is better than no part at all!


As for where to start on the wipers.... a down and dirty test is to have a helper flip the switch and you manually help the wiper arm move. Put a rag on each one of the wipers so the blade is not touching the glass and help one of the wipers. not a lot of force just a little help. The wiper pivots that go through the cowl are known to have the grease get old and stiff with age



For the horn. remove the center medallion, counter clockwise twist. should take almost no force.
(this is a 68 wheel but the principals are the same)

remove 3? small screws

remove the horn wire from the horn switch ( ya ya ya I know the horn switch is in backwards in the photo)

your wheel should look like this (give or take)

If you short to ground the horn wire and everything else is ok the horn should honk.
Since you say the button sits down and does not return it is likely someone disabled the horns either at the relay Under the hood by the horns? or the fuse if so equipped. so you might need to look at that too.
if the horn honks then the switch is most likely bad.
horn relay should look like this

to remove the horn switch from the horn trim ring remove 3? screws

it will look something like this

you may have to get a used replacement.


welcome aboard and good luck to you!

 

[Driver Ed]

Thank you for the welcome and the advice on where to start. The pictures are great. As I don't have a workshop manual, knowing where to get info is most helpful.
Driver Ed

 

[cudamark]

A photo of your steering wheel would help. Some of them need the center emblem pried off, instead of twist off, to access the horn contact underneath. It needs to be done carefully as the 60 year old plastic can break easily. The horn contact along with it's insulators and screws should be available from someone here. I know I have some, but, it will depend on which one you have. As for the wiper problem, I would disconnect the wiper motor from the wiper transmission to see if it still trips the circuit breaker in the switch. If it does, wiper motor time, If it doesn't, probably wiper pivots are seizing.

 

[Driver Ed]

A photo of your steering wheel would help. Some of them need the center emblem pried off, instead of twist off, to access the horn contact underneath. It needs to be done carefully as the 60 year old plastic can break easily. The horn contact along with it's insulators and screws should be available from someone here. I know I have some, but, it will depend on which one you have. As for the wiper problem, I would disconnect the wiper motor from the wiper transmission to see if it still trips the circuit breaker in the switch. If it does, wiper motor time, If it doesn't, probably wiper pivots are seizing.

Thank you, Cudamark for the pointers. Being winter, I dove into the wiper issue first. Removed the switch assembly to clean the contacts with CRC Elec. Cleaner. While under the dash, checked out wiper arm linkage. No corrosion, but I will lube everything I can reach at switch reinstall and then try motor disconnect.
Cheers, Driver Ed