The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Wiper blades

I purchased new wiper arms for my '50 3600 but now I need new blades to go with them.

I believe that the blades are 10" long based on what I see on the typical vendor websites but wondering if others have found local sources that may be less expensive.

They may never actually be used but they need to be in place just in case.

The style of blades on our old trucks is semi-obsolete and you won't find them at an auto parts store. But marine style blades are similar and may work if you have a marine shop in your area. Not sure they'll be any less than from a stovebolt vendor, but you may save shipping cost.

Is it possible to replace only the rubber? Wonder what similar blades would fit, even longer ones you could cut to fit?

West Marine carries that style wiper blades in 11" and 14". Interesting that the longer blades are about $10 cheaper than the shorter ones. Jim Carter has the correct blades LINK for quite a bit less money. I bought those for my truck as part of a larger order, so shipping was insignificant.

waitaminute...less expensive??? wiper blades are only $3.99 -$5. from ClassicParts

I tried a couple brands from the truck parts shops and was not happy with the performance, so I went to the junkyard and retrofit modern hook-style arms on my 58.

Now I can use blades available anywhere. Makes replacement easier and I can get the newer rubber profiles as well.

Thank you for all the input.

I like the idea of updating the arms but not sure I will follow that path.

The parts listings show the blades as 10", but will 11" work? I do have electric wipers to the longer blade drag should not be an issue as long as they stay on the glass.

It IS possible to replace just the rubber.

Look at Trico's website. The classic series blades and rubber are 33 series. They are stainless steel and look correct for old cars.

part # 33-111

www.tricoproducts.com

You can also buy rubber refills.

I'll have to go measure but I'm pretty sure I installed 11" on Ol' Roy.

Yes. 11" on Ol' Roy. They actually seem like they're supposed to be the right size since there is no interference with the windshield edge.

I have a problem with the ones sold as correct for a '54 on my '50, which has the 47-53 updated arms which accept the 54 blades. The problem is that the blades are extremely wobbly and don't do their job well at all.
I am going to tinker with them to see if I can tighten up the slop somehow.

This was the problem I had with the "correct" ones for my 58.

It sounds like the option to update the arms to accept current blade types is getting better all the time. While I really do not intent to need the wipers I do want them to work as intended in the event that I do need them.

I drove 100 miles in the rain yesterday and didn't use the wipers once. I use RainX on all vehicles, even those with working wipers.

IMO the modern black wipers look terrible on antique vehicles. Stick with the stainless steel.

Just used my wipers this morning. Work fine. Rain X not so much for me.

Otto: Thanks for your input. Ed

I looked a little closer at the new arms that I have and they are very narrow where they extend from the bracket. Any insgiht regarding which more modern vehicles may have comptable arm width and a more modern blade would be appreciated (it will help reduce the time search the salvage yards).

I took the arms off an early 2000s chevy truck, cut them off a few inches from the hook, welded them on, and blended the widths.

Now we're talking!

In all honesty, it took longer to paint them than everything else. It was worth every minute the first time I took it out in the rain after.

Fibonachu, did you have any trouble finding wiper blades that were the correct length that worked with the modified arms? I think most of the blades in the 10-11" size I have seen are for rear wipers used on vans and SUVs.

I am pretty sure I am going to follow this path, just need to get myself in gear and get it done.

No, I don't remember where I bought this set, but it was here in town.

They are either the mid-grade michelin or anco (I almost never buy anything else) and they were readily available on the shelf.

I have the 54 arms and blades. I found that the last replacement glass wasn't flat and I got the concave side out so I have to use the 54 blades that work on a curved windshield. For blade replacement I use 22' rubber refills for 126 Mercedes (81-92) and cut them in half. They fit the cages just fine and wipe well. The spring tension is not what it ought to be though and if it's windy the blades float with little pressure holding them to the glass.

Thanks for all the input fellas. I need some clarification. Fibonachu, did you weld the hook arm to your original style arm, or just shorten the modern ones? My original style wipers are really flimsy and I'm afraid they'll break or just flop over. I was going to order a set of arms but realized the old trucks need a symmetrical set, not 2 of the same.
Thanks, Mark

I welded the last 3" or so of the hook arms onto the original arms.

I did also bend the original arms a bit so they put slightly more pressure on the wipers.

Cool. Thanks.
I did find an updated more stout set online. Looks like an easier option.