79 windshield wiper???

[8man]

I have the old stainless windshield wipers. They have been polished up and look really good. With the windshield installed, I was ready to put them on but needed wiper blades. So I went to NAPA and this is what I have



I took one of the wiper assemblies with me and they told me to "replace the whole blade assembly".

I like the old stainless look and before I do that I wanted to know if anyone had a suggestion on what to do.

[wiley-moeracing]

just slide the rubber blade out of the old one and into the new one, done.

[8man]

It doesn't slide. It is crimped in place.

I can bend the crimps out, but the old style had a clip mechanism that held them in place. I'd have to try and crimp the old stainless "teeth" into the blade to hold it. That is what I was thinking, if there wasn't another idea.

[racegas]

The new blade in the picture has lateral support from each of the 6 clips, as well giving more even pressure for the length of the blade. I would be concerned that even if you can secure the blade and 'rail' in the stainless arm, the blade and rail would not retain a straight edge when in motion, limiting the actual function of the blade. As I recall blades of yesteryear of that design, the 'rail' was much stiffer than the new designs with multiple clips. Maybe one of the restoration supply houses has a solution.

[8man]

Thanks Racegas, that is why I haven't tried it already. I will see if there are some retro's out there.

[rang-a-stang]

WOW! I was literally thinking about this EXACT thing in my 79 Chero this morning sitting at a stop light. My wipers don't work yet but they are on my short list of things to fix ASAP. I have the black uglies like you bought on mine now and REALLY want something like the stainless you have so I will be watching what you find out. Thanks for starting this thread!

[SOLSAKS]

i agree, the factory blades look much better.
glad someone else thinks so too,

i ran into the same thing on a recent restoration of a 1977 Chevrolet,
had original blades, but the local car quest store special ordered the refills for me,... with the tensioned retainers at end and metal reinforcement along the length.

i have also seen NOS refills on ebay...
if you cant find some at a parts supplier.

[8man]

Thanks Solsaks. I'll spend some time looking.

[8man]

Solsaks nailed it! Trico makes the replacements and on Amazon, it was $10.50 with free shipping if you are a Prime member.

[rang-a-stang]

When you get them, and get them installed on your rig, will you post pics?

[8man]

Sure.

[8man]

Here are the Trico replacement blades in the wiper arms.



Now if I can just figure out how to get the arms back on the mechanisms!!!

[rang-a-stang]

Wow! That looks really sharp! I needs to find me some of those stainless wipers!

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Part # for the refills?

[8man]

The part number is...

Trico Part #43-160