Actually it's more than just wiper arms, but here we go. First what type of black should the wiper arms on a '71 be--flat black or matt black? Second on the wiper door what color should the pivot arms be? Are they natural, black or covered with some body color overspray? Finally there are two metal tabs that have small bolts that connect into the pivot arms. Mine are rusted but appear to be natural metal. Should they be a galvanized look or a zinc plate or some other color/plate? I've looked in the NCRS Tech manual, but these areas aren't covered. ANyone know of a source for Trico wiper blades? Thanks in advance.

 

My opinion is that the wiper blades and transmissions were painted with the same black paint used for most chassis parts and blackout. The gloss is like an "eggshell" black. Others have said Krylon semigloss black is the closest thing to it if you don't want to buy a gallon (or maybe four gallons) of GM PN1050104. There is likely to be differing opinions on this finish since the plenum area is subject to weathering and original finishes appear flat.

Wiper door linkage assembly is all the same finish as the wiper transmissions and the plenum blackout WITHOUT overspray. It only makes sense that the wiper door would have been installed after all those components were in place.

Wow, I had completely forgotten about those. I believe those are mechanical stops to prevent overtravel of the wiper door linkage, and as I recall, they ARE natural, not zinc plated. I can't remember what the attaching screw finish was, but if they aren't heavily rusted, I think they would be black oxide.

There are some distinguishing attributes on the original wiper inserts, but I don't know them. In any event, my opinion is that I don't think you are going to find ANY wiper inserts that are identical to the originals. I used to see some inserts and complete blades advertised in Hemmings, but I think those have pretty much dried up now. In fact, most of those were actually replacement parts, and that's probably the best you will be able to do now if you are lucky. I could never get too excited about forking over big bucks for "NOS" wiper inserts anyway...aftermarket replacements will probably only cost you a point or three.

It's impractical to write a judging manual that will cover this level of detail, which leads me to believe that we don't have to worry a lot about "by-the-book" wholesale cookie-cutting of Top Flights. :D :D


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 10:05 AM 7/19/2002]

 

Chuck, much grass, appreciate the response. I am inot that area of the vehicle and only want to be in there once so your answers are timely. I agree I don't want to pay the BIG bucks for the replacement blades/inserts, but you never know sometimes you get lucky. As far as the JG/TM I know what you mean you can't get to that level of detail. I have LOTS of Krylon semi flat/semi gloss/matt--or whatever its called so I shall proceed this weekend.

Cheers :cheers:

Bob

 

Oh yeah, Bob, I almost forgot...knowledgable judges (the Rev comes to mind :D ) actually say John Deere "Blitz Black" is the closest to the original GM black paint, but Krylon is also used as a substitute. :D :D

 

Since we're talking wiper arms, does anyone have a decent picture they can post of wiper arms complete?

My 73 has the little metal clips on the wiper arms that (I think) are supposed to hold the washer tubes in place but, at some point, Bubba wrapped black electrical tape around the wiper arms to hold the wiper tubes. I'm guessing Bubba couldn't get the clips back in the right place or ????

At any rate, if I could see where the clips are supposed to be....

 

Macster, one must avail themselves of all the technical resources one can find...like this one, for example: http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/WPR-ARM.PDF (requires Adobe Acrobat for viewing).

From this reference, I conclude that your 73 wiper blades were made the same as the 69-72, i.e. your car originally had the rigid brass washer tubing on the wiper blades. If your blades have the rubber tubing, I believe those blades are the later style 74-82 replacement blades. Originality may not be that big of an issue for you, but it will change how the tubing is attached.

At the outlet end, the brass tubing was soldered to metal tabs that were riveted to the blades. There were also three plastic clips on the left side blade and four clips on the right side blade to secure the brass tubing to the blade. I believe these plastic clips are now available as reproduction, and I would expect instructions for positioning of these clips to be included with the parts. If you still have the original plastic clips, these are a rare find.

Replacement blades with the rubber tubing would look like parts "I" and "J" shown in the reference, but no details of the clips are visible to me.




[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 6:39 PM 7/20/2002]

 

Thanks, Chuck. My 73 does have brass pipes for the washers.

I've done a large number of modifications on the Tandy 1000 so I'm able to run Adobe Acrobat and most other programs. The resource you quoted came through clearly, good diagrams.

I think I'm gonna have to invest in a 73 AIM if I want to continue to bring things back to factory. While I have no intention of flight judging her, why not make any repairs "correct" if you get my meaning..... it couldn't hurt!

Of course, I could rustle up a correct dated block, punch it out, add a stroker crank, all sorts of aftermarket go-fast pistons & rods, balance & blueprint, restamp it and then pretend it's a numbers matching car that just happens to run a little hotter than usual.... naw, I'm too honest for that! ;)

 

And now, Mac, for something completely different....

Another great thing about the Mrs. being away at the cottage, while I'm at home workin' on ol' 67, is that I can let one rip whenever I want. :lol:

You know, these cars are great for relieving all sorts of pressures. :jester

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.....

 

That's why I got a hot tub. One more bubble amongst all the rest would never be noticed, right?

My late grandfather had a saying (maybe that's where I inherited my silver tongue) to wit:
A fartin' horse will never tire. A fartin' man's the one to hire.

I've never been without a job. What can I say? :jester

 

After getting to know your cyberself, I'd be willing to bet your grandpappy was a real character! :lol: :cheers:

 

Yep, I come by it honest. He lived to be 96 and still had an eye for the ladies. :cheers:

 

Mac, Paragon makes the reproduction palstic tabs/holders for the washer tubes. you can probably check them on-line. I'm sure if you ask, they'll tell you the exact palcement. Two of the tabs on the right and one on the left clip into a slot on the base of the blade. The others wrap around the blade arm.