Thread: TX May Make Me Add Wipers to My 32 so.... Any Ideas on Who What Where etc...?????

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Hey All,
Just got back from the DMV here in TX and applied for my Street Rod plates. It appears that the inspection I have to have on the car for street use lists wipers?
NOT ON MY RIDE so... any ideas on getting some that are good, easy to install, tips on said install, not a boat load of $ and will work on my ride.
Jeesh!!!! It's always something!

Do you have to run two wipers or just one in front of the driver ? I believe you can get a single wiper motor with blade etc. that clips to the top windscreen frame and then one only needs to run a wire from a power source that you could have a quick release plug on so that within minutes the wiper can disappear into the storage unit in the garage to be fitted when needed. Try Speedway or similar companies for pricing .

Thx Whiplash...
Going to go by to my shop that does my F250 Truck work and see if my fears are founded or not before i start sweating bullets.
Really dont EVER EVER plan on needing this on my 32 but gotta play by the rules i guess! SPIT!!!!!!
Guess I'll see if i get any more hits here too?
Like Ron White says: "When life gives you lemons find someone else who life gave them Vodka!"
Thx Man!

Is that the...
" Must have working windshield // screen wipers law "
BUT doesn't say
" Must have a wind shield // screen?
I've seen old magazines where there was a " delete " chrome cap to cover the drive nut for the wipers, then pop it off & put on the wipers. I forget the company, maybe some rodder mag or drag racing mag..?..

The one listed for '32-'36 roadsters is $125 plus the switch from Speedway, but you can get a generic one for $30 that has an integral switch on the back. It says "clamps", but I think that's a hole through the frame clamped with a nut on the outer shaft but I'm not sure - Roadster Windshield Wiper from Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

If you're not going to use the car as a daily driver, just register it as an antique vehicle. In Texas there is no inspection for antique vehicles... but there are restrictions on when it can be driven. To and from club events, parades, and to and from any maintenance location. Its been my experience that local cops aren't going to stop you with antique plates unless you're doing somethng stupid anyway. If they do question your plates just tell them you're on your way home from having the oil changed or something. Another advantage is the registration is good for 5 years and it works out to be about $11 a year.

A potential problem with that registration approach is that you could find yourself without insurance coverage if you're using the vehicle on a regular basis, but it's registered and insured as a specialty vehicle. Wasn't there something posted here some time back about guys in Texas having problems if they parked their street rod at the grocery/retail store? Personally I don't like the idea of having to make up a story when there's a problem. Too hard to keep track of the excuses used I'd register it as a street rod with unrestricted use, if it were me, but it's a moot point around here. Kansas doesn't allow "antique" tags on any replica's. Just my $0.02.

Or "wing it"? My '32 was built ~5 years ago and has never been inspected. I recently asked my buddy who owns a garage and is an inspection station about it since the car is registered and insured, and he said "probably don't worry about it". A couple times I've exchanged words with officers of the law, both two local police and one state trooper, all they wanted to know were details about the car and how cool it was, no mention of "you don't have an inspection sticker". I don't need no stinkin' badges ...at least so far.

Fabricate one that clamps over the top of the w/s with a hand-operated handle. Get it inspected and then take the wiper assy back off again...

I would not go to all the work of rigging up a wiper until they force you to do it.

You might want to take a look at Jack's thread on the same subject. He recently moved to the DFW area and went through some hassles with the inspection process. He might also be able to give you some pointers on how to avoid rocks in the road with the newly implemented street rod process down there - Texas Street Rod Law Finally Implemented

Red 32 come over hear to Corinth and I will take you to a guy that will inspect it. He has never asked about wiper on mine. He gets a kick out of getting to drive it. HAHA

Originally Posted by sg4356

Red 32 come over hear to Corinth and I will take you to a guy that will inspect it. He has never asked about wiper on mine. He gets a kick out of getting to drive it. HAHA

Sometimes it's not what you know that counts, it's who you know.... Both is even better!

Hey Guys...
Took rspears advice and looked at Jack's Thread and called Krause Automotive in Lewisville TX. They said NO PROBLEM if the car was built WITHOUT WIPERS then NO WIPERS ARE NEEDED and they will be gald to inspect and pass my ride!! Thanks to each of you for all the input and ideas! You've all been great to this Newbie!
I think I'm gona' go out and boil the back tires in front of my house to celebrate!
Red 32