Overview of windshield washer systems used on 1969 Mopar C-bodies
Executive summary
The windshield washer systems fitted to or used in restorations of 1969 Mopar C‑body cars center on a simple set of components — a reservoir/jar, a pump (manual or electric), feed hoses and nozzles — with both original‑equipment (NOS) parts and aftermarket reproductions widely available for restorers [1] [2] [3]. Restoration suppliers explicitly market reproduction jars, caps, nozzle kits and pumps built to original specifications, and vintage NOS reservoirs for 1969–73 C‑body models still appear for sale [3] [4] [1].
1. Anatomy of the system: what parts composed a Mopar washer assembly
Mopar’s washer systems for late‑60s cars are made up of a plastic reservoir or jar to hold washer fluid, a pump (which might be an electric unit or driven by a manual foot pump on some applications), hoses and tees to carry fluid, spray nozzles and small fittings such as caps, filters and grommets — parts categories that restoration suppliers list explicitly for Chrysler B‑ and C‑body cars of the era [2] [5] [6].
2. Reservoirs: NOS finds and repros for 1969 C‑bodies
Original new‑old‑stock (NOS) windshield washer reservoirs specified for 1969–70 Plymouth and Dodge C‑body cars — and 1969–73 Imperial C‑body models — are offered by specialty sellers, confirming the original reservoir form factor and part number survives in the aftermarket [1]. Reproduction washer jars that carry correct OE numbers, mounting points and caps are also sold to match the originals for restoration work [7] [3].
3. Pumps and mounting: manual vs electric and mounting locations
Documentation in parts listings and reproduction catalogs shows Mopar era systems could be configured for either manual foot pumps or small electric pumps, with electric pumps often mounted remotely on the inner fender or associated brackets; nozzle and hose kits are typically designed to work with either pump type [5] [4]. Aftermarket vendors advertise pump assemblies and remote mount options for earlier Mopar cars and trucks, indicating a continuity of mounting practices across model lines [8].
4. Nozzles, hoses and hardware: restoration realities
Nozzle kits that include plated hardware, mounting tabs and factory‑style nozzles are marketed as Mopar Authentic Restoration products and specified to fit a wide swath of late‑60s Mopar models, underscoring that the visible exterior components are commonly replaced during restorations to achieve period‑correct appearance and function [4] [9]. Suppliers also sell hose assemblies, caps, screws and grommets, recognizing that plumbing and small fittings are routine failure points on unrestored cars [2].
5. Market dynamics and the restoration trade
Parts sellers position repros as “built to original specifications” and highlight OE numbers and correct finishes to command premium prices and assure buyers of fit and appearance; this marketing language appears repeatedly in listings for jars, nozzle kits and repro caps [3] [4] [10]. NOS reservoirs for 1969–73 C‑body cars still come to market but are scarce, which helps sustain demand for high‑quality reproduction jars and complete nozzle or hose kits [1] [3].
6. Gaps and practical implications for restorers
Available sources catalog components and offer both NOS and repro options, but they do not provide a factory service manual excerpt specifying whether every 1969 C‑body left the factory with electric pumps versus manual pumps, so exact original‑equipment configurations for individual C‑body submodels and trim levels cannot be confirmed from these listings alone [1] [5]. Practically, restorers typically choose NOS reservoirs if available, or OEM‑spec reproductions paired with a pump and nozzle kit that “will work with electric or manual pump” to replicate original appearance and reliable function [1] [4] [9].