Early Bronco Wiper Motor & Linkage

Early Bronco Factory & Aftermarket Windshield Wiper Motor Options

When restoring or upgrading an Early Bronco, windshield wipers are often overlooked—until you’re caught in the rain. Ford used two very different windshield wiper systems during the Early Bronco’s production run, and choosing the right setup depends on your model year, build goals, and how you actually use your Bronco.

Below, we break down the factory Early Bronco windshield wiper motor options, their limitations, and the most common modern upgrades.

1966–68 Ford Bronco Windshield Wipers: Dual Vacuum Motors

Early Broncos from 1966–68 came equipped with dual vacuum-operated windshield wiper motors. These motors mounted to the top of the windshield frame, with each wiper controlled independently by a small pull lever located directly on the motor.

From a historical standpoint, this setup is correct for concours restorations. However, original vacuum wiper motors in good working condition are becoming increasingly difficult to find. When they do surface, they often come at a premium price.

Limitations of Vacuum Windshield Wipers

While period-correct, vacuum-operated wipers have several well-known drawbacks:

• The two motors cannot be synchronized, so the wipers consistently move at different speeds or fall out of phase

• Performance depends on engine vacuum, which drops under load

• Wipers can slow dramatically or stop when climbing hills, accelerating, or driving off-road

Vacuum for these motors was supplied through ports on the fuel pump. The correct V8 fuel pump with vacuum ports is extremely hard to find today. While a 6-cylinder version is still available, the inline-six produces even less vacuum than a V8, further reducing wiper effectiveness.

Because of these issues, most owners choose to upgrade rather than restore the factory vacuum system.

Best Upgrade for 1966–68 Broncos: Dual Electric Wiper Motor Kits

For original vacuum wiper Early Broncos that see regular use, the most popular solution is a dual electric windshield wiper motor conversion kit. These kits replace the factory vacuum motors with electric motors that bolt into the original mounting locations on the windshield frame.

Electric wiper motors provide consistent performance regardless of engine load, eliminating the lag and unpredictability of vacuum operation.

Benefits of Dual Electric Wiper Motors

• Reliable wiping speed at all times

• No dependence on engine vacuum

• Optional synchronized switch keeps both wipers moving together

• Cleaner, more controlled operation in rain or snow

The synchronized switch option is especially popular, as it ensures both wiper arms operate in tandem instead of independently.

1969–77 Ford Bronco Windshield Wipers: Single Electric Motor and Linkage

Starting in 1969, Ford redesigned the windshield wiper system entirely. These Broncos use a single electric wiper motor connected to a mechanical linkage that drives both wiper arms. This design ensures permanent synchronization and significantly improved reliability over the earlier vacuum system.

From the factory, Ford included a molded plastic wiper motor cover that concealed the motor and linkage, giving the interior a cleaner, finished appearance. An optional dome light integrated into the wiper motor cover was available on some trim models or as an add-on.

This system remains an excellent option for restorations and repairs on 1969–77 Ford Broncos.

Can You Swap a 1969–77 Wiper System into a 1966–68 Bronco?

In short, not easily. 

The wiper hole spacing in the windshield frame is different between early (1966–68) and later (1969–77) Broncos. Because of this, the later single-motor linkage system will not bolt directly into an early windshield frame.

While it is technically possible with custom linkage modifications, it’s rarely worth the effort. This is why the dual electric motor conversion remains the most common and practical upgrade for early Broncos.

Soft Tops, Drop Brackets, and Windshield Wiper Covers

If your Bronco runs a soft top or bikini top, there’s another important consideration: wiper motor clearance. The factory wiper motor sticks up several inches above the windshield frame. To produce a more aesthetic style, many soft top setups require a wiper motor drop bracket to pull the motor down a bit and prevent interference with the top.

When a drop bracket is used, the factory plastic wiper motor cover will no longer fit. However, you can still clean up your interior with our custom wiper motor cover designed specifically for dropped motors. Using this cover allows you to maintain a clean interior appearance while still running your preferred top configuration.

Choosing the Right Early Bronco Windshield Wiper Setup

• 1966–68 Bronco concours restoration: Original dual vacuum wiper motors

• 1966–68 Bronco daily driver or trail Bronco: Dual electric wiper motor kit with synchronized switch

• 1969–77 Bronco restoration or upgrade: Factory-style single electric motor and linkage

• Soft top applications: Verify drop bracket and compatible wiper cover requirements

Reliable windshield wipers make a bigger difference than most people expect. Whether you’re restoring a stock Bronco or building a dependable driver, choosing the right windshield wiper motor setup improves visibility, safety, and overall drivability—on the street or on the trail.