1979 Argosy 20ft Wiper Arms/Blades??

[Foxbrook]

Hello,
It was finally warm enough for me to go and mess with Dreamboat today. I was fiddling with dash console buttons where I thought nothing worked and discovered I have working wipers. Not only is the motor working but the wires are connected to the switch in the dash. It is a miracle.
The blades need to be replaced and seem small. There may have been some custom work done to attach the blade. Here is a pic.
Should I replace arm? Blades? Both? Any guidance on what to buy?


Well, at least one image is right side up this time. Sorry, guys.
Thanks,
Shanna

[WayneG]

I dont think it is short but the drivers side is misadjusted. The wiper should park on the glass, as low as the spline on the wiper shaft allows. You should replace the blades every year, they deteriorate in the sun. I dont recall the number but NAPA has them.

[bkahler]

Darned if I can find the part number for the ones I bought from AM Equipment. I only bought from AM because I was ordering replacement arms and a new wiper switch.

I think the blades are 20" long and I agree with Wayne, just buy them locally!

Brad

[Foxbrook]

Thanks for the advice. I will go to Napa Auto and see what they say. At my Napa, I am often met with blank stares and shoulder shrugs unless the one older gentleman is working there. He is amazingly helpful and knows a lot of everything. He will help me figure it out.

I wonder if I replaced the motor, if I would get a faster wiping motion. Thought? As always, I appreciate all the help you the forum provides. I would be lost otherwise.

Shanna

[WayneG]

They may just be geared low, and that may be the best speed you can get.
My solution is to avoid driving in rain and use rainx when I cant avoid it.
I seldom use my wipers

[rmkrum]

Not that I am knowledgeable about MH wipers, but my impression is that the arm may be too long and the wiper blades too short. If you get a huge unwired arc below the end of the blade, you might want to investigate a shorter arm and a longer blade size. It just does not look Kosher...

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Foxbrook

I wonder if I replaced the motor, if I would get a faster wiping motion. Thought? As always, I appreciate all the help you the forum provides. I would be lost otherwise.

Shanna

The wiper motors should have 2 speeds. It's possible you're only getting the low speed to run.

I'm not overly impressed with the wiper motor & mechanism arrangement on these coaches. On my Argosy both motors and pivot mechanisms were shot.

[GWallace]

From your picture it looks like the arm and wiper are original. As Brad stated the wipers on these early coaches aren’t the best. I have had my 1977 20’ since 1978 and have the original arms. The blade is a 20 inch blade and on my unit most of the original components were made by TRICO. The TRICO part number for the 20 inch is 63-201 for the all weather refill.

The arm inside between the motor and the arm pivot shaft has nylon plastic bushings on each end. For the driver’s side the arm extends from the middle to the pivot shaft on the left side. Worn bushings allows a lot of play and the wiper movement gets quite slopppy. I read one time where someone modified the arm with a bearing arrangement that also articulated so that the wiper operated without any play in its movement.

Recently I went to OReilly Auto Parts and they ordered the TRICO refill for me and it fit just fine.

Attached is a picture.
Good Luck
Gregg

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by GWallace

The arm inside between the motor and the arm pivot shaft has nylon plastic bushings on each end. For the driver’s side the arm extends from the middle to the pivot shaft on the left side. Worn bushings allows a lot of play and the wiper movement gets quite slopppy. I read one time where someone modified the arm with a bearing arrangement that also articulated so that the wiper operated without any play in its movement.

The modified link arm is post 69 of this thread. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...y-75428-5.html

Post 68 of that thread shows the switch I used to convert from two switches to one with intermittent settings.

[Foxbrook]

Sorry for the delayed response, somehow my account got locked and I could read but couldn't post. It is all sorted out and working now.

Thanks for the helpful info and part numbers everyone. I will order the new TRICO wiper blades to start and make sure the wires are connected correctly to the switch.

I am very interested in that switch that Smartstream installed in his coach. It is warmer now and I should have the motivation to tinker.

I can't wait!

Shanna

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Foxbrook

Sorry for the delayed response, somehow my account got locked and I could read but couldn't post. It is all sorted out and working now.

Thanks for the helpful info and part numbers everyone. I will order the new TRICO wiper blades to start and make sure the wires are connected correctly to the switch.

I am very interested in that switch that Smartstream installed in his coach. It is warmer now and I should have the motivation to tinker.

I can't wait!

Shanna

Shana, I bought the same wiper switch that Smartstream recommended. I have it installed but have not tried it yet. Pretty straight forward on how to hook it up.

Brad

[Smartstream]

The switch works great on my coach. It was pretty simple to install from what I remember but my memory like the rest of me is getting old.
You have to match the switch to the motor/gear drive. The way it returns to the "park" position makes a difference.

[martin300662]

Do you have a part number for the switch guys? I have looked on the AM Equipment website and I think I would need, Delay Switch, 12V, Coast to Park, Two motor applications, 311-1026????

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Do you have a part number for the switch guys? I have looked on the AM Equipment website and I think I would need, Delay Switch, 12V, Coast to Park, Two motor applications, 311-1026????

That's the one I purchased.