Windshield wipers that work?

[classic59]

I have a 59 bug and am looking for windshield wipers that can actually clear rain. My present one barely do the job. I'd like ones that are spring loaded like modern cars have. Any suggestions?

[57Drag]

I use rainx on mine but i supose if you want to be industrius you could update the wiper essembly where it comes out of the body to a later style. You would have to shorten the wipers but i have 3 styles in my hand and they are all close to the same except how the wiper mounts to them...my 2 cents..Donald...
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[Mark]

A cheaper alternative is methyl hydrate, (active ingredient in windshield clearning products). I really think the aerodynamics of the beetle lend themself to how poorly rain clears the windshield. Then again, I try not to drive the bug in the rain if I can avoid it.
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[my59]

I try to keep a new set around, stored in the house; the rubber really gets beat on easily if not under cover. The springs might be loosing their sproing; I very carefully tweak the arms to ensure even blade contact.

Basically I think the original style wipers are pathetic; I try to stay out of the rain and really avoid driving on rainy nights. Yeah, rainex helps.

my59

[hax0r]

Yea, welcome to the club. My '59 and I are in the same boat. I use Rain-X and whatever the wipers can do. If it rains real hard, I sometimes have to pull over which doesn't lends itself to convienance when I'm on my way to work. Yea, thats right, my '59 is my daily (and only) driver.

[scottyrocks]

I had replaced my '63's blades late last year and one is already peeling away from the metal. I got them through JBugs. Obviously a quality product. :eyeroll:

I went online and checked to see what Anco has for a '63 Beetle. They do carry a blade assembly (part # 20-10) that fits the wiper arm. The 10" blade is a modern 4 point unit, as opposed to the straight metal stock-type unit. I ordered them yesterday at my FLAPS, and they will have them in hand tomorrow.

It may look too new, but if it works and lasts then I'll be happy.
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“If you care for a thing long enough, it takes on a life of its own, doesn't it? Mending old things, preserving them, looking after them – on some level there's no rational grounds for it.”
– D. Tartt, 'The Goldfinch'

[KTPhil]

Rain-X can solve much of the problem, but only if applied correctly.
1) Clean the windshield, then clean again using a glass cleaner (usually the foaming type). Buff it dry.
2) Let it dry in the sun for half an hour, or several hours if inside. It was be dry in the "pores" of the glass, and this takes heat and time.
3) Apply the Rain-X with a paper towel folded and saturated. After going over it side to side, go over it again top to bottom. You will feel when it is really "soaking in" the pores (this is why it must be dry first).
4) Let this dry in the sun for an hour, or overnight if indoors. This is critical.
5) Buff out the haze and then buff again.
6) Make sure the wiper blades are clean and NEVER come in contact with silicone like in waxes or lubricants or rubber protectants.

[EVfun]

Stock wipers are spring loaded against the glass. So, what is the problem in more detail? I've seen bad springs, I've seen the wrong blades used, I've seen low voltage to the motor, and I've seen arms slipping on the shaft. There are different fixes for all. My 6 volt '57 wipers work like gangbusters.
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[andk5591]

Anco 41-01 universal adjustable wiper arm. You can use a more modern 10" wiper blade. Not totally into the look with the angle adjust disc, but you get over it. Used Rainex on her 61 and it was kind of OK, but not good enough. Did these and they actually work.
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D-Dubya Manx clone 1914. Ex wifes car.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Ex-wifes car.
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them...

[burner208]

Atleast you have wipers. Mine fell off a year ago. I have a baja with no heat and a car with no wipers. Some days its a challange to cboose between the two. The heat ususally wins.

[mukluk]