Thread: Wiper kits?

Tweet

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.

Originally Posted by rspears

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

OK, I'll bite on the "old crusty thread", too!! As stated, I have one installed, and it's an easy installation. The MightyWiper works OK, but there are things I don't like about it, like single speed, no intermittent and the fact that it does not come back to a consistent "Park" position so I have to play with the on-off switch to hit that one sweet spot where it coasts to a stop where I like it to be. Unlike OEM's, the "Park" position is somewhere in the operating arc - you do not have the option of having it "retract" up against the top of the windshield, and them drop down into an operating arc when "on". My first line of defense is RainX.

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....

I keep looking for a setup with a built in intermittent speed, that works with the stock linkages in my 48 Ford F1. I found one about a year ago, but since lost the link. Around here we get misty rain where regular low speed drives you nuts with squeeks from too dry glass, but enough moisture to where you have to flip the switch every 5-10 seconds. My wifes old Toyota 4x4 doesn't have the intermittent switch, and she somehow seems to pick the days when that is exactly what you want and need, to borrow my car!

Have the Newport motor in my wagon. Talked to the owner at the York street rod natls last summer. The one thing about their wipers is you can index the arms so you get the correct movement for the wiper to the windshield.

Steve - it looks like New Port Engineering has a kit to work with the stock wiper transmission, but may require some modification and the delay switch is an extra add on. http://newportwipers.com/products.ph...8-50&make_id=3

Randy - I'll report back with a couple pictures when it goes in, but I'm not too sure when that will happen. It isn't at the top of the list right now we're just ordering a couple things to spread out the cost. Besides...it's too cold to work most days recently

Thanks for the link 35fordcoupe. That is probably the best one I've seen so far. Most will say replaces your original vacuum powered motor. Mine is a true 48, but it had an electric motor in it. The cowling is always the problem area with most aftermarket kits, but this one said it works with original transmission(as you said) and only needs to modify defrost duct(which is fine). Thanks again. Steve.