Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Workshop note - Wiper blades

From time to time we've had discussion about the Trad wiper blades. They are quoted at 7 inches but in reality appear to be 6&7/8 which is 175mm as near as dammit.

I had a look at what I've got and unsurprisingly there is a difference between 2005 & 2012.

Here is "2005".
Note the re-inforcement under the pivot point. Despite which, the blade is still quite sloppy.


Here is "2012".
No re-inforcement and even sloppier, and a slightly flimsier blade. Note also in both examples, the pivot is not at the centre point, it's offset towards the arm end.


I decided to experiment with some blades from Holdens.
http://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=2&pgCode=040&sgName=Hardware&pgName=Washers+%26+Wipers&agCode=0722&agName=5mm+Bayonet+Wiper+Blades&pCode=040.110

At nearly ten inches I knew that they would need work, but look at the pivot point. It has a nylon type spacer, and the metal blade is significantly more robust.


With a bit of careful measuring and a decent hacksaw blade - I cut the rubber with a Stanley knife. I went very slightly over size. The limits are where the drivers blade touches the A post, and where the pivot end of the blade touches the screen frame at the opposite end of the stroke from "park". You could cut the centre and passenger blades slightly longer to give a greater sweep to the top of the screen.




The ends needed a file to make good. I took the burrs off the edges with a small diamond file, then polished with 600 grit and Solvol.


This really makes a significant improvement for roughly £8 per blade.


I need to do the Roadster now.

I just wish mine parked as prettily as that. They are at an angle of about 30 degrees to the bottom of the screen.

Them's neat them's is!

Another task!

Why did it take me so long! It's such an obvious improvement, but first you have to see the Holden blades. Then it makes sense.

Bob - can you tweak the arms a bit? Both mine park along the bottom edge.

Neat job Dave (as usual !!)

I'm still kicking myself because about 3 years ago at Retromobile in Paris there was a bloke making custom silicon wiper blades for classics. My Mog was a year old at the time, so I thought to myself "When I need to get them replaced, I can get him to knock me up some nice silicone ones". Naturally, I lost his card and haven't managed to track him down on the web, nor have I managed to find him again on my visits to Rétromobile in sub sequent years. Aaaargh.

I think they would need heating before bending and I would be scared of breakages. Thanks for the thought.

That is to do with the arms , not the blades. Yet another project for Dave?

Thanks Dave; I'll add a pair to my next order from them.

They do look like a really worthwhile improvement , have you tried them in the rain ?!