where can i get a quiet automotive relay?

Yes, bipolar transistors are old friends of mine.  I've a little experience with FET types, but I'd have to reaquaint myself with their circuit configuration.

Yes, the application is pure ON/OFF and I have bipolars in my parts box that could be used for this application.  I think I'll just limit the current to something under 10A and then just see how things go.  I'll have to think about the MOSFET idea though, it is interesting, just need to include stall current protection.

Guess it's not looking too good for mechanical relays at this point :(!  Thing that's niggling is the factory front wiper internittent column switch I'm using has an internal relay that's perfectly quiet!  And that 25A fused motor drives two wipers, both with larger wipe radii than the rear.

Thanks fellows :)!  So those relays are called Bosch style and what I've got is what I can expect!  OK, that's good info and eliminates some wondering.  Looks like I'm going solid state, but I'll try to package the circuit so it can plug into the standard Bosch connector.  That permits easy function restoration should something go amiss.

Always wondered what I'd end up using my supply of 2N3055 TO-3's for, looks like an opportunity to me :)!  Though I'll probably also look into the MOSFET solution as well.

Yep, the 2N3055 has a high saturation voltage, but it's also a TO-3 which means I'll have to mount it to a plate (probably mount the power tab PNP driver to it as well).  Originally picked up the 2N3055's for Dynaco Stereo 120 repairs, but I've still got four and given typical battery voltage climbs to around 14V when the vehicle's running, I think I can spare the saturation voltage (the intermittent works fine on 12V).  The duty cycle is less than one second in ten, so I'm not worried about normal operating heat.  My only concern is if the motor were to stall.

Yep, I'm gonna give it a shot -- got the circuit finalized and concept bench tested -- nice and clean on the scope.  Now just need to resolve the heatsink/circuit board/mounting/wiring issues -- those and fabrication are usually the time hogs :(.

Just want to say thanks for the help.  I now know better than to hunt for a quiet auto type relay :)!  I found a couple unmarked TO-3 NPN's in my stash and decided to use one of those instead of a 2N3055 -- so they're saved for another day :)!  I included motor stall protection and here's a photo of the completed module (hopefully, it displays OK).   The wiper control is now dead quiet :)!

Oh yes, I tried tightly bundling the mechanical relay and socket in heavy felt like a little football, and the upper frequency sounds are killed, but the lower frequency content still makes it easily audible.