Chevy Tri Five Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Windscreen (front) and wiper arms

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 20 Posts

johnonetrillion

· Premium Member
Joined
·
5,886 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey all!

I am getting some scratch marks from my old wiper blades on my windscreen and want to know if I can buff them out. Tooth paste has been suggested. My only question is whether being tinted might case more trouble? (I can feel the scratch marks are into the glass and also wonder if the tinting is applied to the outer surface of the glass?)

In my kit of things I have a new set of wiper blades Anco® brand – brushed metal finish (not bright). I know it's working backwards, but can someone recommend good wiper arms of same finish to suit these? (My current wiper arms are pretty crappy looking and mismatched in any case.)

In Australia we have to keep windscreens clear of pits, chips and scratches in order for cars to remain roadworthy.
 

Attachments

#2 ·
Speak to somebody in the windscreen industry, Windscreen O'Brien's, Wizard windscreens, they have some buffing compounds specially for glass, if the grooves are too deep you`ll be up for a new windscreen.
Wiper arms are best sourced in the US for correct type, the other alternative is can you fit new rubbers on your existing set.
 
#4 ·
I have no idea if this stuff works, but https://www.eastwood.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=glass polishing kit is worth mentioning. But, I would start with Ang's advice and check out local glass shops first.

As far as wiper blades go, I have a few tricks. We have to be very specific on terminology. You have to have a wiper blade whose fitting is compatible with the wiper arm. In this era, the wiper blade consisted of the spring loaded metal bracket that forces the rubber to conform to the curve of the windshield. The rubber is contained in a metal frame, which together are called the wiper blade refill. For years, you could save money by buying just the refill, and slide it into the spring loaded metal bracket.

Now, finding the correct length refills has been difficult for some time. What I found is that you can get a new refill from an auto parts store (or an entire blade) and carefully remove the rubber from the refill, cut to size, and replace only the rubber in the refill on your car. Then, all the colors will match.

BTW, your brushed-finish blades can be buffed to a shine, as they're stainless steel. But, I just bought some NOS ones that are already shiny, as it's quite easy to catch and damage the blade with the buffing wheel.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Got a complete set or repro 567 arms and blades from our local parts guy.

Turns out the spares I had were a universal type of attachment and could have fit these arms, but I really wanted the bright finish. (So I still have spares!)

Not sure about polishing the windscreen – it just seems like the scratched part is clear whereas the remainder is tinted, indicating that the tint layer has been scratched through. (Will take it to an expert to assess.)

And given how deep the scratches are – you can feel a rough groove – I am suspecting that any sort of compound would not be enough. :(
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
angs1957 said:
How bad are the grooves, are you worried about having to drive in wet weather, I normally see you cruising during summer weather :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Four seasons, baby!

Rain, hail or shine – except hail. ;)

Was referred to a mobile repair guy today who is coming tomorrow to check it out. (He said over the phone that the tint is throughout, so fair chance it can polish out.)

Will report back.
 
#9 ·
We use the polishing to remove the acid rain and tree sap stains, etc.
Forget polishing out scratches.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #10 · (Edited)
Here (Australia) the road worthy regs are very strict regarding windscreen condition. So even if I can diffuse the scratch it might help keep it serviceable.
 
#11 ·
This stuff is great. If this doesn’t fix it, it’s time to throw the shield out. This stuff was suggested by the local car windshield repairman. They use it to polish out plastic rear windows in convertibles, and in some cases on gliders and small planes.
Image



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Well, if anyone in Melbourne needs a chip or scratch taken out of a windscreen, call Knights: 0418 370 544.

Perfect repair, even though he said the scratches/grooves were pretty deep in parts. He guaranteed to eliminate all of the frosty white look from the damage and flatten most of it out, even if it caused a larger flat spot to the area. But in the end he got it all out without any visible signs remaining.

He used a powder compound called cerium oxide, same as jewellers use. His tip re toothpaste? Don't. (Unless you want to generate business for actual windscreen repair companies!)
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Thumper said:
Pretty sure that Cerium Oxide is the same stuff used for cleaning ceramic stove tops.
Click to expand...
Could be. The fellow was saying that glass is actually a soft material, so even 3000 grit w/d will wreck it.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·

Attachments

Discussion starter · #18 ·
Discussion starter · #19 · (Edited)
Image


Just fitted.

Looks nice in the bright finish.

Previous arms were a mix of brands – Trico and Delco (looked quite different with various means of attachment and adjustment).
 
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
About this Discussion
19 Replies
8 Participants
Last post:
angs1957
Chevy Tri Five Forum
posts
2.6M
members
72K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevy owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about restoration, engine swaps, reviews, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Open to all models including Belair, 210, 150, Sedans, and Nomads.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Chit Chat Area, Anything on your mind goes here. New Member Introductions Stock Chevy Discussion 55-56-57 Project Update Section, Post Project Updates Here Suspension Questions Chassis, Brakes, Shocks, Etc