C-1 Generation 2

Just wonder who make the best replacement wiper blade for a 62? I've owned the car since 03 and thought I'd change them.

It doesn't have to be NCRS.

Ironcross

actually the OE brand fits best, 'Trico ....bad news about them is no more Trico made...The Vette parts stores do have them but way over priced...Watch them, as there are thieves that like them too.....

Redbird

Trico is still manufacturing wiper blades in Brownsville,TX. I called them and they gave me the part number which I can't find. They are sold thru Auto Zone or O'Riely's. See pics of the ones for my 62. They don't match the originals but otherwise work okay. You can call them at
(888)691-5059 Trico Technologies or (956)544-2722 Trico Products. They can point you in the right direction.

John F

Kerrmudgeon

You could always go to an auto supplier and get the same style refill, and cut the rubbers down to fit your old retainers. Cheap and easy.

Frankie the Fink

Probably, or just order the vendor repros. I talked to some 'old guys' at Trico several times when researching C1 windshield washers - the firm has been bought and merged so many times you will probably get the same wiper blades from them that the repro vendor's sell.

Anyway Rain-X is your friend...the early wiper systems ranged from laughable to dangerous even on their best days.

C-1 Generation 2

Thanks for all the input. I do use Rain-X in my windshield washer in all my cars and it sure helps at highway speeds.

I ordered a set of Trico off ebay.

Hopefully I don't get caught in the rain this year.

Frankie the Fink

Err...not to confuse matters but Tom Maxwell....the number one restorer of antique washer systems (he rebuilt the one in my '61) is emphatic about running only distilled water in these old TriCo systems. No additives, anti-freeze, bug remover, etc -- ONLY water.

Rain X does make a window treatment you apply externally to the glass with a cloth which is what I use...

C-1 Generation 2

I wish my 62 did have an original windshield washer system. When I bought the car it only had the nozzles on the cowl with nothing else.
I installed a cheap elctric after market washer system.
You can see the plastic reservoir just to the right ,under the master cylinder.


But I will pass the information on to some friend that have C-1s

Thanks,
Rich

Frankie the Fink

I think what you have under that hood all plays quite nicely together !

abe g

NAPA has them for 62-63 and others. Regards, Abe G

dmruschell

I still have the original-style (I don't know if it's original to the car) wiper system in my 61. The wipers work fine, but the washer system wouldn't activate when I pushed the button. According to my Vette mechanic, someone put water in my washer system and it froze, breaking pieces of the washer system in the process. I don't know if that's what really happened, or if something else broke the washer system.

Frankie the Fink

Frozen, expanding water could certainly crack the internal plastic components...my car is garaged in Orlando all year so no problem for me. Frankly, I would drain it in the winter if there was a chance of freezing rather than try to run anti-freeze or something in it. The whole system is delicate and hard to repair which is why only one guy (apparently) fixes them.. I was just reciting Tom Maxwell's rules for these vintage systems:

1) Nothing but distilled water in the system
2) To wash, depress and hold the button for 3 seconds
3) Allow 15 seconds between repeated washings

I even wrote them down as he told me so I wouldn't forget !

dmruschell

Yeah, draining it would be the smart route. Apparently somebody forgot whoops.

My vette guy installed a separate electric water pump with a hidden switch, but I'll probably install an electric wiper system if anything ever happens to the original system. I'd love to see one of the original systems working though! It's a shame that there aren't many guys that repair them.

Fawndeuce

The wiper system itself is electric, only the bizarre Rube Goldberg washer system is vacuum operated.
Come to think of it though, although electric, the wiper system would also fit comfortably into the Mr. Goldberg category.
As a number four on Franks' list, Tom recommends to operate the washer system at least once a month to keep everything working.
I know that on mine if I forget and let it go a few months, it takes several shots to get the system primed and working again.



Paul

C-1 Generation 2

Just got the wipers in the mail,I got the ones that John suggested.



The old wipers laying in the pack



The new wipers on.



I guess it was a good thing I changed them.I found out my nozzles were out of alignment,one was shooting over the roof. Also the wiper switch wasn't working.I had recently lowered the hood scoop,(it was rubbing on the underside of the hood) and the underside of the hood scoop was dragging on the switch and it wouldn't move enough.I ground a little of the scoop now everything is fine.

Audiophobe

I find stopping every block feet and wiping the windshield with a rag works better.
They are archaic.
Does the Rainex windshield treatment help?
Are there oter brands?

Frankie the Fink

Rain X most definitely helps...the water sort of 'sheets' off the windshield in the rain and visibility is much better. Even at the their tip-top, best condition the C1 wipers are marginal. They are adequate in light rain but quickly 'lose it' in any heavy downpour - don't ask me how I know !

wmf62

yes, although you have to buff it off well when finished applying as it can leave a smear on the windshield that will be distracting looking into the sun. works great though, i have only used my wipers a half dozen times in the last 30 years (and i do drive in the rain...).

cheap enough try it.
Bill