Wiper arm length? Am I crazy?

sl33py · 10-01-09, 12:00 PM

OK - pretty random, but you guys have come through in the past!

I'm a pretty tall guy (6'8") - and in older vehicles the wipers don't go very high on the windshield (where i am looking through - though i lean the seat a lot). Longer wipers help sometimes, but there isn't much room it seems on my cruiser for a big enough increase.

SO - what about adding length to the wiper arm itself to push the wiper up an inch or so? more easy to look through than the dirt, and then you have more room to run bigger wipers as well (if needed).

Anyone done this? Am i crazy? Will the bigger load wear out the motor or do damage?

I have a friend w/ a welder, though presently kindergarten skills using one myself...

Thx!

specialk396 · 10-01-09, 12:07 PM

You should be able to run a wiper that is an inch or two bigger than stock to reach the top of the windscreen. This is a $12 upgrade, will not ruin the motor or linkage. This is what I did, can't remember what size I used. You may be crazy, though.

CruisinFJ60 · 10-01-09, 12:38 PM

yup, just run bigger wipers i did this and it helps.

if you make the arm longer you wont be able to run bigger like you are thinking. the added length on the wipers adds length to both ends no just the bottom.

sl33py · 10-01-09, 02:09 PM

i think i'm running longer than regular already. I'll have to look at it again and let you know.

thx for helping me sound it out. not completely off the idea, but let's see if i can get the wiper above my view point and i'll be good w/o adding length.

Randy88FJ62 · 10-01-09, 02:12 PM

The guys at the local automotive shop gave me the wrong ones and I didn't notice for a few months. I have small 16" ones on mine now. I believe that 17" ones are the correct size. If people have gone larger that sounds like a good option. I might try that in the future.

While we're on the subject: Has anyone found that the wiper motor is relatively slow by todays standards? Has anyone thought about installing a better motor that can go faster for terrential rain?

sl33py · 10-01-09, 03:31 PM

Randy - LOL! I'd be sitting on the floor to see out the window... OK maybe i exaggerate a bit. I think i've got 18" ones on there now.

For torrential rain i use the spray on rain-x clone stuff you get at schucks/checker etc. Can be put on in the rain. Works well for a while, but gets "streaky/hazy" after a bit. some good scrubber/glass cleaner then fixes that.

Kynot62 · 10-01-09, 07:54 PM

I have been running 20" blades for about 5 years now. The amount of window they clear is drastically improved over stock. I think they are Anco 31-20.

Tony

jettaglxdriver · 10-31-09, 08:14 AM

20"? Wow I just got some 18" blades which are 1" larger than stock and though I was upgrading. I need to check this out. My 18"s are still int he package and may have to be returned today.