Need to science out windshield wipers for my custom build, looking for suggestions on where to find info to do my planning. Need to know what kind of angle (greater than 90 degrees) can the shafts be compared to the windshield. I have a frame member under the cowl that's going to be in the way. Any good vendor sites would be appreciated too, thanks.
I have used the universal Kit from Specialty Power Windows on several projects. I'm very happy with them, they also have made to fit kits for many stock applications. It's a cable drive system so you can place the mount shaft at any spacing location needed. The mounting shaft is quite long and can be cut down. The drive motor is mounted seperete from the output shafts at any location within reach. I have mounted them in 36 Ford sedan coming out overhead in stock outlet hole location with the drive motor in the Passenger side kick panel and the Windshield opened and closed as stock design. I have them in my Avitar and it's a semi daily driver so they get used a lot. I just finished a 34 Chevy Sedan where I installed them in the Cowl on the bottom side of the Windshield at about 30 degree angle to the glass. I like them a lot and feel they are about the most universal or Fitz-all unit you can work with. They also have a time delay switch and you can install windshield washers if desired. In all the projects I have them in I have so far been able to use any stock knob with a little work. It's important to me that things look right when done specially for a Customer. My 51 has over 80K miles on it since built and here in the North West it get's wet a lot. Because of the swivel at the base of the wiper arms the outlet shaft does not need to be 90 degrees to the glass. I've never used any science per say while doing the build just built them as needed as I go. Good luck to ya.
Pist-n-Broke, thanks for your detailed response. I took a look a the Specialty kits, very interesting. What I need to understand better is what you can get out of the swivel at the wiper arm base. Also need to measure the angle of my windshield. Thanks again, gives me some directions to head in.
Not positive what you mean by Swivel but if it's clock rotation of blade on the Glass that is fully adjustable within the drive wheel of their Transmation. If it's the degree of bend from arm trunnion to blade on Glass just take any early style arm and check the flex joint. SPD also has a good line of quality SS arms and different length blades. I'm not sure if their actual installation info is online but if not, I could find a copy and maybe post it up. The info would be a lot of help towards understanding the compatibility of product to your job at hand. The park position of the blades can be set in several positions also and I find that very helpful.
As long as the shaft can be shortened the cable drive of the Specialty kit solves my clearance issues. With that in mind it also appears that I can get the shaft to windshield angle plenty close enough to ninety degrees. Thanks all for the great input.
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