Thread: Wiper kits?

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I have been looking around at wiper kits and found AutoLoc, New Port Engineering and EZ Wiring. The AutoLoc optioned with the switch and arms is more than the others. EZ Wiring is cheaper than both even taking into account the wiper arms are not included, but New Port advertised their kits to be designed for each model car. Thinking about it I don't really see much advantage short of them including something to measure for the passenger hole for the wiper. The EZ Wiring seems to be cable operated and New Port a more substantial arms system linking the two wipers.

Does anyone have any experience/tips on these? I did a search, but as with most my searches all the threads that come up are 20+ page build threads

While I don't have a Newport wiper system, I had looked at them carefully when I considered building a sedan and think that they are about the best option for a car with a nearly OEM dash with good room. The cable operated systems are often a PITA to run the cable plus some can be noisy. They can be a godsend if you have limited room though - like for an overhead mounted wiper system you can run the operator up the A pillar. Auto-loc makes some interesting items, but after looking at some of it at shows, think that much is over priced for mostly off shore manufactured (read China!!) items - and some of it is really kinda shoddy

But, as always, an opinion if I haven't used these items

Don't these all mount overhead above the windshield though?

I have used New Port system in one of my '40 Fords (wipers mounted at the bottom of the windshield). It went in as easily as advertised and worked very well. Quality product with a long, good reputation. Took a look at their site and it looks like they've developed a nice arm system for the deluxe '35/6 that has two wipers mounted overhead.

There is another quality alternative you don't have listed: http://www.pacificwesterndesign.com/main.html For a standard model (single wiper) I'd go this way. Two of them would work for a deluxe as long as, or if, you wanted individual operation. Though they could be wired to a single switch to operate in pair.

Both the other choices you've listed are built down to a price, not up to a quality standard IMHO. Also, it might be a chore to run a cable mechanism up the A pillar.

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

I have used New Port system in one of my '40 Fords (wipers mounted at the bottom of the windshield). It went in as easily as advertised and worked very well. Quality product with a long, good reputation. Took a look at their site and it looks like they've developed a nice arm system for the deluxe '35/6 that has two wipers mounted overhead.

There is another quality alternative you don't have listed: http://www.pacificwesterndesign.com/main.html For a standard model (single wiper) I'd go this way. Two of them would work for a deluxe as long as, or if, you wanted individual operation. Though they could be wired to a single switch to operate in pair.

Both the other choices you've listed are built down to a price, not up to a quality standard IMHO. Also, it might be a chore to run a cable mechanism up the A pillar.

I have a single Mighty Wiper (Pacific Western Designs). Went in easy with good instructions.

Originally Posted by rspears

I have a single Mighty Wiper (Pacific Western Designs). Went in easy with good instructions.

I sure wish mine had lasted more then maybe 3 passes before a wisp smoke rose from the motor with a burning insulation odor I do have to admit - it looked nice - for a couple of days

I'll try to have it repaired eventually, but not a good omen. Currently I have a Speedway cheapie on the car - THAT WORKS

So if I were to get two of the Mighty wipers wired to one switch that would eliminate the cable operation of the EZ Wiring type kit? The cable in those kits connects the two arms, correct? I am a little unclear on that.

The price of two Mighty wipers is probably not far enough away from the New Port kit to be worth it for me. The more I think about it the more the New Port kit seems like a quality kit and worth the money. I saw it at a show last summer too so I somewhat know what I am getting there. I just hate to pay a lot for something that will only be used a handful of times, but I'll probably be glad later on when sticker shock wears off.

The cable ones work something like a worm drive mechanism. The deign is based on a Lucas system used in British sports cars I believe. That might influence some.

I like the look of that New Port system, and if cost is secondary I think I'd be leaning toward that.

Dave, did you close the smoke port during installation? If not, the smoke escapes and the unit stops working.

I have had 2 Newport Engineering units that both hooked up to the original linkage/arms. They were fairly easy to install and worked well.

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Dave, did you close the smoke port during installation? If not, the smoke escapes and the unit stops working.

Dang - I, I missed that page of the instructions. Where were you when I needed you Uncle Bob - with one of your lady friends?

It seems like there is plenty of bad on some of these cheaper kits and all praise for New Port. I don't mind paying a bit more for a quality product so I think I'll go with the New Port kit and have the peace of mind Thanks for your input guys!

Hey Robert,
I put a cable operated unit from Specialty Power Windows http://www.specialtypowerwindows.com/products.php?c=2 in my car several years ago. The wipers are overhead and I mounted the motor in the kick panel on the drivers side. It's always worked great except the wiper arms didn't have strong enough springs in them. The wind would blow the blades up off the windshield at highways speeds. Kinda defeated the purpose of having wipers but I didn't drive it in the rain very much.....I plan to remedy that situation when I put it all back together.

I have SPW on my Willys too. Overhead mount. They work nice and are dead quiet and smooth. As Randyr says over 60 mph they don't like to stay on the glass. Also even cruising at 70 in sunshine they blow up on the roof. I usually take the arms off if it is not likely to rain and we are on the highway.

I ordered the New Port kit last night. It looks like the SPW kit costs as much as the New Port kit after factoring in the wiper arms, but after thinking about it, in order to insure my VW headliner (to go with the sunroof) fits over the motor a remote motor may have been nice. I am confident the New Port kit will work great though. I just hope the motor doesn't stick out too far..Thanks again everyone

Originally Posted by 35fordcoupe

I ordered the New Port kit last night. It looks like the SPW kit costs as much as the New Port kit after factoring in the wiper arms, but after thinking about it, in order to insure my VW headliner (to go with the sunroof) fits over the motor a remote motor may have been nice. I am confident the New Port kit will work great though. I just hope the motor doesn't stick out too far..Thanks again everyone

Sweet! Of course, we'll be expecting pics of the installation....