Windshield Wiper Mods and Upgrades

[twas_brillig]

Having just started driving our BJ7 (roll up windows)after decades of storage, I'm wondering about some operating items: the wipers aren't great. Pressure holding the blades to the glass seems poor; speed isn't the best; etc.
Has anyone modded theirs to have two speeds or variable speed? suggestions as to sources for better rubber blades and better arms?
Thanks,
Doug

 

[Tproject]

Rainex application will help!

 

[tahoe healey]

Rain-X. Then you don't need the wipers.
I tried (on an extra set of arms)to bend the metal leaf spring behind the blades on the driver side (left hand drive). All it did was cause some lift in the center when the blades were directly in front and not much help at the sides. A two stage switch or variable speed switch, in my opinion, would not make it any faster but give you a slower option as the limit is the total the motor will put out. Good luck with this.
TH

 

[Johnny]

Well Doug you've forgotten the first rule in BMC weather protection: "All weather protection, be it convertible top or windows, or wipers are only meant to keep water off the car when parked, not while driving". Now it all makes sense right?

 

[twas_brillig]

You mean they're expected to keep things dry when the vehicle is parked? On the street? Exposed to the elements? Or only when parked, under a roof, with heat, and a dehumidifier? I always was suspicious that the sidscreens/tonneaus/tops were only provided for their aesthetic appeal...

Doug

 

[twas_brillig]

Well, some 13 years later, I'm back with the same question! I think we've got adequate tension in the arm but the wipers don't particularly wipe. Ten pounds sterling each from AH Spares; I called a local parts place and asked about replacement rubber only, but they haven't been able to get any for more than two years. Amazon et al sell wiper blades, but has anyone successfully ordered rubbers on line, and who from etc.? And has anyone come up with an after market blade assembly that could be attached to the original arms (which are 17 pounds sterling). Thanks, Doug

 

[gonzo]

It may be possible to make your own custom blades / replacement rubber from a modern car. Just cut it to size. Toyota's replacement rubber use the same design type utilizing two metal stays providing tension and retention. They're inexpensive and worth a try...

 

[gonzo]

For those interested the 2021 Toyota (Highlander) wiper replacement insert Part No.s are 85214-0E130 and 85214-E151 one of these is 22 inches and sufficient to refill both wipers for our AH 3000 measuring in at a humble 10 inches.

 

[John Turney]

Well, some 13 years later, I'm back with the same question! I think we've got adequate tension in the arm but the wipers don't particularly wipe. Ten pounds sterling each from AH Spares; I called a local parts place and asked about replacement rubber only, but they haven't been able to get any for more than two years. Amazon et al sell wiper blades, but has anyone successfully ordered rubbers on line, and who from etc.? And has anyone come up with an after market blade assembly that could be attached to the original arms (which are 17 pounds sterling). Thanks, Doug

I just bought a pair from Moss. 164-977 is the rubber and the metal spring on the back. Oops, mine are 9", not 10".

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I once lost a wiper on my BJ8 on a road trip years ago. I managed to find a suitable replacement at a Napa store, except it was black (blade+frame only). A while later, I got a 'hot tip' from someone that RockAuto had a closeout on a Japanese-made wiper that was a perfect fit, and I bought, IIRC, a dozen at about a buck apiece (I think shipping cost more than the wipers).

 

[Rob Glasgow]

If I remember correctly, i bought a set of blades for a VW Beetle and took the rubber part out and inserted them in my BT7
holders.