Wipers

And because I can't remember, do any of the silver ones mate up to the spindles on our cars? Or should I just paint them?

Following this thread. I have some silver paint, but I'd prefer to replace with something like the above if they fit.

Ryan, I believe @TRP and @*LongFella have some experience installing the “correct” wiper arms onto our cars. The ones @*LongFella installed are the ones available from Sierra Madre now. The ones @TRP recommends are not available. Could either one of you weigh as as to what is required to install the wiper arms?  Any grinding or drilling, or is it plug and play with our VS wiper assemblies?

VW wiper shafts used at least 2 types of wiper arm attachment.  Early ones (pre-67/68) were hidden from view and a small bolt was tightened to grip post (I think 356 used the same concept but not sure size of the post was same).  Later VW (68 up) used the big ~13-14 MM visible cap nut.  That was used on later Porsche (even the last couple 356 models) but of course, the arm was much longer.

No idea what make/year wiper motors VS used - mine is CMC so wiper motor is from donor so from a 71 bug.

Here is my set up:

Wiper: Part #: 644.628.301.00

Blade: Part #: 644.628.311.00

I've used them once in the rain and they worked fine.

https://sierramadrecollection..../wiper-systems-c715/

Our just get this set and blades:

https://sierramadrecollection....6A-50-58-p25082.html

I have the early assembly. For me it was just as simple as slipping them on and tightening the set screw. I did file a flat spot on the shaft so they wouldn't fly off again. 😂

@*LongFella & @TRP, do I understand you correctly that should I buy the following set, all I need to do is unscrew the VS stock wipers, and screw these on? Sounds too good to be true. But count me in if it is.

Yup, just screw them in place. Even better, you can adjust the blade position so that you get better coverage in the right places when in use. Easy breezy...

You can also slightly bend the wiper arm to get a nice curve to match the windshield...

Thanks for untucking her for a quick pic. Wipers ordered.

Plus a Element Fire Extinguisher for $80. Seems like a decent alternative to the much bigger HalGaurd extinguishers.

Thanks for the fire extinguisher tip!

@Ryan (formerly) in NorCal  I don't know if you ordered yet, but the discount code did not apply to the wiper arm set.  However, it did apply to the Jorg wiper arms:

https://sierramadrecollection....6A-50-58-p19241.html

My cart total with the two wiper arms and blades is: $65.89

Nice. I couldn't figure it out. Full price for me. Hopefully someone else gets to use it.

Ordered mine as well Ryan.  I painted the standard black ones silver last year, but still always wanted to change them out.  This promo code just pushed me a bit.

*LongFella posted:

Yup, just screw them in place. Even better, you can adjust the blade position so that you get better coverage in the right places when in use. Easy breezy...

Ted flattened the spindle a bit for more bite from the bolt after his flew off. 

Thanks so much for the "heads up", Kevin. And for the tips regarding what to buy, Longfella. You guys are the bestest.

Kevin - Bay Area posted:

@Ryan (formerly) in NorCal  I don't know if you ordered yet, but the discount code did not apply to the wiper arm set.  However, it did apply to the Jorg wiper arms:

https://sierramadrecollection....6A-50-58-p19241.html

My cart total with the two wiper arms and blades is: $65.89

My set is on the way, so now I can hang out with the cool kids.

Thanks for the tip on how to get the discount. $65.89+ $10.45 shipping to 61550, so my "all in" was 76 bucks and change, which is a lot for wipers.

But you can't put a price on cool. Buy once, cry once.

Ordered mine and as Kevin said you can't order the set of arms you have to order the individual arms. The discount basically covers shipping and a little more.

I just got the arms, but the blades won't ship for 2-4 weeks. Looks like I found the catch.

But the fire extinguisher looks awesome. It'll fit in the gap to the left of my seat. I hope I never need to write a more thorough review.

Ryan in NorCal posted:

I just got the arms, but the blades won't ship for 2-4 weeks. Looks like I found the catch.

They sent me an email today stating the same, but that's fine. It was 12* this morning. I'll not be driving anytime soon.

Sierra Madre sent me an email notification that my order has been filled and has been shipped. I should have them soon. I will most likely modify the spindle somewhat to give the best bite possible for the set screw.

@Robert M We may have all received that email today.  I can't wait to put them on.  Our respective cruises (either Carlisle or SLO) can't come soon enough.  It seems winter, regardless of your location in this country, was a bit too long, cold, snowy or wet.

Winter was bad in this foreign country also.  And it still is.

We are that big white space above your northern border.  You can see how much snow we have up here.  

And I didn't think Mexico got that much snow.

We went to a morning cars and coffee in Venice in SW Florida Wednesday, and hooded sweat shirts were the uniform of the day.  40 degrees with a stiff breeze  this morning as well but Heidi went to "yoga on the beach" at 8 AM anyway. Sometimes I wonder if she's all there.

I found some available time to install my new wipers. Everything went on very easy.

A word of CAUTION to those installing them. I adjusted them too far out on the arm and they hit the top of the window frame. Make sure you adjust them a little bit back from the end for clearance.

I was also too excited to let them sit in the box, and installed the new wipers and wiper arms yesterday. 

It is an simple procedure. 

1. Remove old wiper arms (mine had a cap on the top that needed to be removed first to expose what I believe is a 10mm nut. Take off nut. I put a number of microfiber rags down surrounding the arm. Using a regular screwdriver I gently pried the arm off the assembly). 

2. Locate position of new wiper arms and blades on windshield,

3. Use a small file to file a bit of a flat spot on the wiper threaded post,

4. Install new arms  

I still need to put the slight bend in the arms, similar to the restoration photos I snagged off Wilhoit’s website. (Attached)

It doesn’t look like it wants to sit all the way down like the stock VS wiper. What am I missing?

Is that step 3, Kevin? Just file the threaded post until it fits?

Ryan,

Those wiper arms are for the older style wiper assembly. The newer style uses the tapered spline (just above the black rubber piece) and the nut on the end with the cap. The older one uses a straight round shaft with a flat side that the set screw clamps onto. 

Chris 

So the new ones won’t fit? Well, that’s a month long bummer.

It sounds like Kevin filed a flat on the threaded part which would leave the tapered part exposed, you just have to file the flat at the angle to match where you want the arm to sit in its park position. Also you have to make sure that arm doesn't go too far when the wiper cycles or it could hit the body. 

Ryan, I was a bit alarmed as well when installing. Yes, it wasn’t exactly the plug and play I had hoped, but with a little modification, I think you can get the desired look.  (Which always seems to be the case with these cars)

Which is why I immediately turned to Wilhoit to see how their restorations appear. 

It appears on their restorations, the arms sit high exposing more distance between the body and bottom of wiper arm. 

I zoomed in to the photos I attached earlier to highlight this distance. 

I filed a flat spot due to @TRP comment about the arms flying off. At least I thought he said arms. I figured a flat spot would be a little better in terms of grip. 

Kevin, would you mind sharing a closeup of installation? Blade up and down?

Ryan in NorCal posted:

Kevin, would you mind sharing a closeup of installation? Blade up and down?

Ryan, did you not see my pics?

They will sit a little higher and not be completely flush. Just make sure they are firmly attached

Hmmm. That would require scrolling up a few more threads. 🤦‍♂️

Makes me nervous. Thanks for the supervision.

Don'r over think this. Pop off the plastic nut cover, 10mm nut gets removed, I gripped and ripped the old ww off the spline, use a round screwdriver to tilt out the small block on the new ww arm, line it up and tighten the bolt. If you want file a flat spot on the ww post spline before you put the new arm on. Make sure the blade portion is set back about a half inch from the end and tighten the blade to the arm. Turn on the ww and check for clearance.

I suppose if you don't like the way the arm sits proud of the body, which isn't much, you could file the post a little shorter so the arm sits lower. Just don't overdo it or the arm could contact the body.

“Don’t over think it,” they said. “It’s plug-n-play,” they said.

Wait, Ryan, you actually use your wipers?  I thought it was just a trim piece like the trim that runs down the side of our Speedsters. 

Truthfully, I’ve never even turned on my wipers since I purchased my car. Ooops. I couldn’t even tell you if they worked. 

I just rain-x my windshield and check the weather before operation. 

This is the trouble trusting you fair weather drivers. They might as well be stickers for you.

Seriously though, I feel like it’s bent pretty well already. Any recommendations?

Hmmmm, Ryan - please let us know your installation ‘fine tune’ and finishing touches go.

My arms and blades have arrived as well, but I’ve been out of town for work and haven’t had a chance to get them installed yet (mine is VS as well).

Thanks, Brent