Windshield Washer question, anyone replace with aftermarket? Options

[stephenaki]

OK, my understanding is that the washer system uses air from the tires to shoot the water solution onto the windshield. AA sells an electric replacement for $200 some odd.

Has anyone used a straight aftermarket system vice the AA system? Does anyone see an issue with say pulling a system off of another car and wiring it in to a 914?

Looking for options. I am sure the AA system is top notch but i'm a a cheap Chinaman and just need it to function for the next couple of years until I can get it back to the states and REALLY work on it.

[davep]

The wiper/washer lever is multifunction. The lever is moved up and down to select the wiper speed. With a suitable modification later cars can have an intermittent wiper function also; this requires a relay, a harness to connect the relay to the main harness, at least a 1973 model (perhaps 1974) with the necessary wiring in the main harness, and a wiper switch with the additional electrical portion.
The 914/4 washer portion uses the spare tire as a pressurized air reservoir to force washer fluid from the washer tank, through a fluid valve in the column, and out to the washer jets; essentially a pneumatic system. On the 914/6 this is a pump based system with an electrical switch; however the whole steering column, dash, and washer tank are different except for 1972 model 914/6's.