1960 LeSabre 4drsd will NOT Reverse! What's wrong!!!

Thanks 60electra225,

Glad that YOUR rheostat works! That must be so cool. So you said that even at its brightest its still pretty dim?

I was excited to see mine light up, but dissapointed how dim they are. Is it because its been stuck on that position (around the middle) and they only get that bright? If I do the jumper wire will they be brighter?
 
Not likely. Best thing to do is to get some LED bulbs - get the ones with 4 led's in them, but make sure they are the slim type as there are some that are fairly wide and they won't fit into the dash.
 
Hey guys,

What should I check for (or rebuild or clean up) if my windshield wipers don't work? Its a 60 LeSabre, single speed motor. Should I check the small dash switch? Or the squared motor under the hood?

Any advice helps! Thanks!
 
Windshield Wipers & Cowl Vent REMOVAL

Hey guys,

Anyone have an idea of how to take off the cowl vent off the car? I've taken off the screws and it's made it a bit loose, looks like i MAY HAVE TO take off the wipers, but have no idea on how. Can't figure it out and the shop books don't help. Do I have to take off the trim from the windshield?

THANKS!
Joseph
 
Gas Gauge always on FULL

Hello,

Would anyone know why my gas gauge always says full? My tank has never been full, and the gauge has never moved up or down. Can the actual gauge by the speedometer be stuck?

When I took the float mechanism out the tank, the thin wire was broken, not allowing communication to the dash. A person soldered even better NEW wire, and tested it. He tested it and said it worked, not well, but it worked.

Did I assemble it wrong?

Thanks.
 
Most likely a bad earth if it is showing full, but it could also be that the resistance of the new wire soldered in is incorrect. These can be rebuilt and calibrated by a good instrument shop.
 
Thanks a lot for the quick response, I'll check that out...

What do you think I should check for if my windshield wipers (single speed) don't work? The small dash switch looks fine and clicks left and right ok.

Also, Do you know how to take off the cowl vent? I've taken off the screws and it's made it a bit loose, looks like I may have to take off the wipers.
 
You have to remove the wipers to get the cowl off. Not sure about your model but there may be a nut/screw under the wiper arm that holds it on. The wiper motor is easy to take off - 3 screws if I recall, and then you can bench test more easily than on the car. Just because the switch appears to operate doesn't mean it is getting power. Check the incoming wires with a test light.
 
THANKS AGAIN 60electra225!!!

I'll check for incoming power, and then take off the motor if I need to.

I have a 60 LeSabre 4dr sedan. And the wipers are on there pretty tight. I already loosened the cowl AND the nut that screws onto the wiper, but the wiper isn't moving. Took out the top dash panel to see it from the inside and theres nothing there either, just the vents from the blower.

Guess I'll keep trying.
 
It will just be stiff and possibly a bit of corrosion. Try some PB blaster or similar and let it sit for a while - just protect the paint, and then pull hard. Might help to give it a few light taps with a hammer around the base of the wiper (lift the cap first ! ).
 
Thanks I'll definitely try that.

The reason for taking off the cowl vent is to paint it primer black (for now) like the rest of the car.

On another note, What is the best way to test if the original Sonomatic radio works? The antenna was broken so I took it out and the dash speaker has turned into dust.

Do I need to plug an antenna and a 6 inch speaker?
 
Yes you do. Just make sure the speaker is the right ohm rating. I think it is 4. You might also need to earth it if you test out of the car.
 
Thanks so much 60electra225, you are a HUGE help in restoring this Buick and have given me loads of knowlege. You guys know EVERYTHING here, it's amazing.

I'm going to try all of this when I get home, stuck at work right now...

...Do you know where I can get a trunk light for my car? Bought a used mercury light off ebay, But would just stay on when grounded, don't think the mercury worked. BUT the wire broke off of the back anyway so now it's useless unless I solder it back on.
 
We all learn by experience - most of us have been there before at some stage. My trunk light works so I'm not going anywhere near it, but yes, it is a Mercury switch and they may be able to be repaired. Try someone that makes thermometers, or alternately, back to the instrument shop like your gas gauge.
 
That's a great idea.

I just remembered the "good" question I had. Would you know why my car will only start in the Neutral gear? It will not start on Park like it's supposed to (well on P or N) but mine will not on P.

Still has the original carburetor switch and it works with the pedal!!
 
Do you back up lights work ? If not, it would seem as though your Neutral Safety Switch is faulty or needs adjustment. Take a look at the Chassis manual - 10 - 37. It describes the adjustment procedure.
 
My poor, basic, lesabre didn't come equiped with back up lights. Does that change anything? I'll take the switch off and clean it up anyway. I hope its as easy as that.
 
The speaker should be 10 ohms. DO NOT use a 4 ohm speaker!!!! IF the radio does work it won't after hooking up a 4 ohm speaker.
 
Thanks for clearing that up Tom, I still need an antenna right? Any specific type I need to get? Thinking about a retractable one from Antenna X off ebay for $25.
 
Where do I find a 10 ohm speaker?

My cousin at Best Buy said they don't carry anything like that, that I may need to install 2 or 3 speakers to achieve the 10 ohm rating. Says it WILL mess up the radio if I go too low under the ohms the radio can handle, and says 2 4ohm speakers at 8 ohms will work because it's not too low.
 
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