Weak wiper arms

[Rich Largent]

I recently purchased a 56 Victoria that has the weakest wiper arms I've ever seen. I can't seem to find a source for replacement wiper arm springs. They are easy enough to change but the ones on the car barely hold the wiper arm against the windshield.

 

[raceron1120]

I don't know of anyone that sells the springs specifically for the wiper arms but there may be somebody that does. I replaced the entire arms on mine, think I got them from Mac's.

 

[Dobie Gillis]

Check a hardware store that has a good assortment of springs, you'll prolly find something suitable.

 

[smtichy]

I haven't seen springs sold stand alone, but you can get reproduction replacement wiper arms at Earlyford.com or Concoursparts.com.
I'd check with them to make sure they're proper reproductions, as I recall one site (Mac's) clearly stated they weren't period correct repros.

 

[The Master Cylinder]

If you can't find replacement arms to you liking maybe you can match something uo from a large supplier such as McMaster-Car

 

[Rich Largent]

Thanks everyone. I actually found some springs at Ace Hardware that, after a bit of modification seem to hold the wipers firmly against the windshield.

Thanks,
Rich

 

[smtichy]

Thanks everyone. I actually found some springs at Ace Hardware that, after a bit of modification seem to hold the wipers firmly against the windshield.

Thanks,
Rich

Hi Rich,

I just noticed on my wiper arms are pretty weak too, I can see inside that the springs are extremely rusted, and probably could do with replacing. Could I ask how you got the wiper arms open to replace the spring? Mine have a plate covering the spring, held in place by bent tabs, it looks like it should just slide out, but it won't budge. I tried to bend out the tabs, but there isn't much to grab on and I don't want to scratch up the chrome, or worse yet break them. Any tips?

FYI - my wiper arms are "ANCO Dead Lockers", with a little button on the top of the pivot that quickly releases them from the toothed cog. As well there is a tension screw on the top to tighten the spring, and the length of the arm is adjustable. I'm guessing they are original, or at least period correct aftermarket according to some 1955 ANCO advertisements I've found. Pretty cool so I'd hate to break them as I couldn't find them for sale anywhere on the net.