Trying to figure out a way to get the windshield wiper motor working so I can wire it to a switch just to turn on and off. Tried touching different wires to hot and ground but can only make the wipers go one way, then have to touch another wire to make them go back. I suck at wiring more complex than hots and grounds and would like to be able to make these work properly

 

You figured it out the motor goes one way reverses .goes the orther way

This has a switched ground on the first one I looked at without looking at the correct year some are in the wiper switch some might be external or in the motor

You need something to switch the grounds to reverse the polarity on the motor a simple switch will not work.

what is wrong with your wiper switch ??

Just what year wiper motor are you working on

 

Well... the whole harness, wiper switch and steering column pieces have been gutted. Bout to wire everything up thru a fused switch panel and was hoping there was a way for me to keep the wipers (really don't want to have to ditch the windshield)

I believe it's an 86