Loren

The story of the VW dates back to 1925 when Dr Porsche had an idea for a "people's car". The early version had a 2 stroke engine in it as I recall and it might have been air cooled. When Hitler started building the Autobahn system it was felt the 2 stroke wasn't up to the job so they hunted around for another engine. Tatra had a flat four air cooled engine that was well proven so the Germans arranged for a license. I have actually seen a Tatra flat four and it looks like a VW on steroids! Much bigger and stronger in every way. However, the war got in the way and Volkswagen never paid Tatra. After the Soviet Union fell and Eastern Europe no longer had to deal with the Iron Curtain, Tatra sued VW for royalties on it's contract and won. VW at the time was expanding by acquiring smaller auto makers and Tatra became one of them. I have no more information than that and I would only be guessing as to this car's identity. 

Here’s a tip.
in your photo you can see an arrow on the anchor bolts.
Before you take anything apart, mark the shoes and mark where the arrow is. Since it is so easy with phone cameras take a picture as well.
After you change the cylinder (s) put everything back the way you found it. Shoes in the same place and arrows pointed exactly as they were.
This is the only way you can get the adjustment right without the special tool to center the shoes.
You might scan the shop manual before you start to visualize what I am talking about.

Here’s a tip.
in your photo you can see an arrow on the anchor bolts.
Before you take anything apart, mark the shoes and mark where the arrow is. Since it is so easy with phone cameras take a picture as well.
After you change the cylinder (s) put everything back the way you found it. Shoes in the same place and arrows pointed exactly as they were.
This is the only way you can get the adjustment right without the special tool to center the shoes.
You might scan the shop manual before you start to visualize what I am talking about.

Well....On my 49 the switch is part of a cable that connects to the wiper motor.
I can't imagine it is much different on your 48.
To remove the wiper motor you would take the switch out too as it's easier to then remove the cable.
My parts book says: code 23-67-188 CONTROL, Windshield Wiper 1941-48 All with Vacuum Wipers P/N 898-522
That should get you close. The code will tell you what section (23) of the parts book to look and the location.