allright kids, here's the problem. i have an 85 iroc z28 with tpi 305. original steering column was broke (tilt and wiper switch) so i decided to replace it with another from a gentleman who has a junk yard. the column was from an 83, and apparently there was a slight change in the wiring from 83 to 85 wiper wiring, because while the harness remains the same between years, the wire colors do not (one is different). this also results in the wipers not functioning properly. this was a fully functioning switch from a delay wiper car, so i am sure its a matter of a simple re-wiring, but i am unsure what to change. any help would be greatly appreciated! its spring, and while my temporary switch taped to the dash is helpful, it would be nice to finally have the system work as it should. thanks!

 

It is probably because there were two different wiper systems installed in these cars. The standard (non-pulse) and the pulse (delay) wipers

 

pulse

 

is it possible to adapt the old switch to the new? or am i going to have to shell out the 100+ for the new switch?

 

Okay,

Just so I'm on the right track here, did the old switch have the delayed (pulse) function or does the one that you are putting in the car now have that function.
The difference between the two is the switch and a electronic circuit board in the washer motor case. If you want the switch to work properly, go back to the junkyard and get the washer motor and wiring harness from the 83 model.

 

the exhisting system in the car is pulse delay, but the switch is broken from that column. i will attempt to obtain a correct switch from an 85 in the junk yard, rather than swap the whole wiper system. thank you very much for your help, i greatly appreciate it.

 

The wiring in the 82 and 83 wiper systems is different than in the 84-92.
In the 82-83, the motor gets battery voltage directly, and then is grounded out through the various positions in the switch. In the 84-92, power is fed to the switch, then out to the motor/washer pump, then ground.
If you can find and install the wiper switch from an 84-92 with or without delay as suited to match your existing motor, and swap it in, you should be golden; although it may be easier to swap in another column...