Hey guys and gals, Current wipers stand 1" in height. The clearance between windshield and hood is approximately 1 1/4". Which brand and model wiper blades do you use? Much appreciated!
Whichever is the correct length and fits. I just buy from Walley World or Vatozone, since I don't deal with online purchases.
I used and sold 1000's of Anco blades for almost 50 years. The other brands just didn't measure up to me. I used winter blades during that season and switched them out every spring with regular ones. However, as blades have evolved they use more and more plastic mountings to make them a universal fit. Today, I have been unable to find the Anco brand as Oreilly's, Autozone, Walmart, etc have dropped them for their house brands or whatever is cheapest. Where I live now, I have to change them out every year because the sun hardens the rubber.
For a moment, I thought you were saying your Wagon had a rear wiper feature, like at least one model in the later 60s had as an option. Maybe I need a coffee. And no, I don't remember which exact make and model had a rear wiper. I think it was a 68 or so Pontiac, but I didn't look into it much beyond a magazine from the time period.
Anco's and Trico's are still available on RockAuto along with any other wiper blade manufacturer you can think of. I've heard good things about Bosch Icons but they don't have any that fit any of my cars which is quite a feat given how many cars I have. I have not heard great things about Rain-X blades. I'm sure I probably have Anco blades on most of my cars right now.
Thanks, everyone for the great advice regarding the blades. I have to replace both the beam and the blade. What's your favorite low-profile beam?
I'm sure I just have regular conventional frame wipers on my '91 Crown Vic. Why do you think you need low profile blades?
You don't need a low profile blade, they are properly hidden when they park and do not interfere with the hood when they do.
Thank you for your insights. Perhaps the 1 1/2" clearance is applicable only to 1990 models. Testing my growing collection of beams/blades has resulted in them resting against the edge of the hood rather than gliding past the edge of the hood and then resting underneath it. I'm pondernig a Denso low-profile unit but I haven't pushed the Buy Now button yet, lol. A long-handled squeegee could be the solution!
Is it possible that something is bent or out of alignment or misadjusted (hood, wiper arms, linkage, etc)? I'm sure your '90 is no different than my '91 and I don't have any issues with regular old wiper blades.
Good point. Make sure that the arms are fully seated and properly installed (so the arms don't override the stops), that the lower windshield cowl trim isn't warped, and that the arm ends were not 'straightened out.' They should have a 15 or so degree bend down, to put more pressure on the blade.
Kevin, I agree that there shouldn't be much, if any, difference between consecutive model years. Sth, I'll take your advice by double-checking the integrity of the cowl trim and condition of the arm ends this coming weekend and report back. Thanks very much!
Apologies for the delayed follow-up. A local shop has the appropriate blades in stock. The clearance is tight but is workable. As the wagon is in the shop for other work, I don't know the brand nor model of the blade. Thanks all for your suggestions and insight!