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Technical Windshield Wipers for Kick-out Windshields

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by tennsmith, Aug 4, 2014.

  1. tennsmith
    Joined: Oct 7, 2010
    Posts: 27

    tennsmith
    Member

    I am a bit confused about windshield wipers for Fords with the hinged front windshield that kicks out at the bottom for ventilation. Some ads I read specify that the windshield wiper "won't work" on kick out windshields or that the windshield can no longer be opened if the wiper is installed. I imagine Henry's wiper worked on the kick out windshield....so it can't be rocket science.......It's not like I want to drive down the road in my '36 in the rain with the wiper operating and the windshield open, but I do want to open the windshield on nice days without having to remove the wiper arm, etc. Can anyone clarify what to look for in purchasing a wiper ***embly for one of these windshields? Seems like the trick must be in the arm, not the blades or the motor.

    Thanks!!
     
  2. Hotrodmyk
    Joined: Jan 7, 2011
    Posts: 2,339

    Hotrodmyk
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The wipers are actually mounted on the frame itself and swing with the windshield.
     
  3. jseery
    Joined: Sep 4, 2013
    Posts: 743

    jseery
    Member
    from Wichita KS

    Not sure what cars that would be on, but early ford v8s mount the wiper drive units to the header above and inside the windshield itself. The wiper motor does not move at all (on it's mounts). The wiper arm is hinged and moves in and out with the gl***. The only thing I can think of is that these aftermarket wiper motors will not except the original style wiper arm. Not a product I would be interested in! Some early model cars had a type of hand wiper that you moved back and forth with your hand, a replacement for these might be what there talking about.
     
  4. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,521

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

  5. This is a walk in the park for 35-39 Ford's with swing open windshields. Go to Specialty Power Window's sight and check out part #WWK2I. I've installed this unit in 6 different Fords and they work grate. Mounts the arms over head is stock holes and run the tube down the windshield post and mount the motor under the dash. It's a 2 speed with intermittent pulse. I actually use them a lot on all kinds of projects. Problem solved
    The Wizzard
     
  6. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,521

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    They may have worked for you but I have seen quite a few problems with the cable drive systems from Specialty.
    They work great in the beginning but have issues with the drive system and cables wearing out.
    I personally know of at least 3 that have failed.
    Newport Engineering's system is better by a long shot.
     
  7. Fenders
    Joined: Sep 8, 2007
    Posts: 3,921

    Fenders
    Member

    The Model A vacuum motor and wiper mounted on the outside of the windshield frame, and tilted with the windshield. Early T Fords used the hand crank mentioned.
    I don't know when they went to the inside motor.

    I too would like to find an electric motor for a Model A that would allow the windshield to tilt.
     
  8. tommy
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 14,756

    tommy
    Member Emeritus

    [​IMG]

    I never like to spend a lot of money on something I never plan to use. I have had descent luck with rebuilt vacuum wipers. I got caught in my share of gully washers but I'm pretty good at the "lift your foot for a split second" when this ever happens. It takes talent to go up a mountain side and many of you might not have the talent.:D
     
  9. lothiandon1940
    Joined: May 24, 2007
    Posts: 32,506

    lothiandon1940
    Member

    As you can see by Tommy's post, the '39 Ford still had the opening windshield but the wipers were mounted above it. By '40 the windshield was fixed and the wipers mounted below in the cowl.
     
  10. fatkoop
    Joined: Nov 17, 2009
    Posts: 713

    fatkoop
    Member

    Man, that's a beautiful '39!
     
  11. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,756

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    The wipers go above the windshield. Big trucks used electric wipers mounted above the windshield for years. Maybe you can still buy them.
     
  12. lurker mick
    Joined: Jun 1, 2001
    Posts: 2,983

    lurker mick
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    My 32 coupe uses the cable drive (motor under dash with cable running up the windshield post to small drive unit in header panel).

    Works great and I think just about every wiper arm has a spring hinge at the base.

    Had to trim the wiper blade quite a bit though.

    mick 09-21-11y.jpg
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  13. Yip they are **** copy's of the English made Lucas brand found on most British made cars from the 50's - 70's , I've used a heap of these and they work like a dream, had the misfortune of having to fit one of the copy's and it **** itself before the car even hit the road. The pommy ones have stood the test of time and I've had no issues with them ever..


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  14. Shaggy
    Joined: Mar 6, 2003
    Posts: 5,207

    Shaggy
    Member
    from Sultan, WA

    Rain-x is your friend too, I went a whole Washington winter without wipers in my '64 el camino a few years back, spray some on and go!
     
  15. Muttley
    Joined: Nov 30, 2003
    Posts: 18,501

    Muttley
    Member

    Yep, I used to use it on my Tow Truck and never bothered with the wipers. The stuff is fantastic.
     
  16. Moby
    Joined: May 18, 2014
    Posts: 138

    Moby
    Member Emeritus

    I put a Newport unit in the header of my tudor and there's no problem with the windshield opening.

    When the windshield is open 2 or 3 notches in a light to medium rainfall, no rain comes in the car even at highway speeds so we get some airflow without getting wet. Don't ask me how this works but it does.
     
  17. lothiandon1940
    Joined: May 24, 2007
    Posts: 32,506

    lothiandon1940
    Member

    Rain-Ex.........The faster you drive, the clearer the windshield.:D
     
  18. KJSR
    Joined: Mar 7, 2008
    Posts: 2,497

    KJSR
    Member
    from Utah

    My 36 Chevy and 37 Plymouth both have header mounted wiper sytems with the tilt out windsheild. On my 36 I used a S10 Blazer rear wiper motor with a VW wiper arm and blade.....toggle switch in the header so it just needed a power wire.
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  19. OK, so for every good product out there they all seem to have somebody that's going to not be happy. I just went through some old records and can account for personally installing 18 of there units including my 51 Ford in my avitar. Guess what, not one failuer. We have some first hand nay sayers calling them Junk. So how about you Guys tell us just exactly what failed and what Specialty Power did or did not do about there product and the issue? They are pretty clear about what to do and not do when installing. I can see where the installer could create there own issues and cause a problem. You can't blame that on the product. I live in the Pacific North West and we get Rain year round. A long dry spell is about 3 weeks. If your going to drive your Hot Rod here your going to use your wipers. By the way, I have ZERO investment in Specialty Power other than the $$$$ I've spent with them on products.
    The Wizzard
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.

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