Best way to strip Windshield wiper arms

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm refinishing my winshield wiper arms for my 69 coupe and wanted to know what the best way to strip the old finish off is. I'm thinking blasting in my cabinet with my standard media (? I think aluminum oxide?) will likely be too harsh and lead to pitting on the soft metal of the arms. Is there something else others have used to strip this black finish off of these? Walnut shells? Chemical?

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Best way to strip Windshield wiper arms

It's black plating, not paint. The best option is to leave them alone, as paint will warrant a deduction and you're not likely to gain much by refinishing them. In addition, the metal hoses are a different plating and you'll not match it.

[Michael L.]

Re: Best way to strip Windshield wiper arms

Thanks Patrick. I have read in the TIMJG that they were plated. Unfortunately my arms have had large areas of the plating flake off. Not sure if sticking with them is an option. Does anyone know what type of plating it is? I could always have them re-plated I guess. I also read about the WSW metal line being plated a different, slightly brownish type of plating and was planing on attempting to replicate that with a custom mixed paint, but I could potentially just leave the lines as their appearance is not that bad. But I think I need to do something on the arms.

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Best way to strip Windshield wiper arms

Thanks Patrick. I have read in the TIMJG that they were plated. Unfortunately my arms have had large areas of the plating flake off. Not sure if sticking with them is an option. Does anyone know what type of plating it is? I could always have them re-plated I guess. I also read about the WSW metal line being plated a different, slightly brownish type of plating and was planing on attempting to replicate that with a custom mixed paint, but I could potentially just leave the lines as their appearance is not that bad. But I think I need to do something on the arms.

Mike

You could always buy other ones and sell yours. That may be the cheapest route.

I've not tried stripping and replating them, and since I don't think they are black phosphate I'm not sure its practical at home. If you know anyone who does specialized plating, I'd see if they can help. However, no guarantee that the solder joints won't break, or something else happen to them.

[Michael L.]

Re: Best way to strip Windshield wiper arms

Thanks Patrick. I'll look into sourcing a pair. Are they available repop and if so are they any good?