Wiper Arm Restoration

[Keith M.]

Well...been going back and forth whether to just replace or restore. At the moment thinking I will try to restore. Believe these are original arms. Blade holders stamped Anco so don't think those are original. Anywho..most immediate question...what should i use to remove the red pain from the arms. Am thinking mineral spirits or possibly acetone. Attached pics are after a long Evaporust bath.
Thanks!

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Keith,
I always prefer restore originals to buying new (unless NOS originals can be sourced). I would try paint stripper even though today's formula is not as effective as it used to be. Soaking in lacquer thinner would also work. If you don't have them, all of the tubes, clips, and plastic pieces are available from Paragon and maybe others. Refinishing the arms is best answered by others - maybe they will chime in. Let us see the results as you go!
Jeff

[Keith M.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Thanks Jeff. I am taking that approach of trying to restore what is left on my 69. i came across a name of Lyle Chamberlain in an old thread indicating he did wiper arm restoration. Not sure if he still does or is even still around but sent him a PM. And no I do not have ANY of the clips, etc as like many other things they were all removed by prior owners. Even the washer hoses coming through the firewall are gone...and the entire A.I.R. system..and the entire spare tire assembly....and....you get the idea.

[Richard K.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Keith, message sent.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Put wipers in heated EvapoRust and you'll get no damage to the surface.

[Keith M.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

tried paint stripper tonight. no love. When you say "heated" do you mean like warmed up a bit or closer to boiling. i have read/heard that evaporust is hindered in effectiveness at colder temps. right now my garage is my work area...like 60 degrees. for smaller items like these I could do inside...closer to 70 degrees. Restoration is a journey..not a destination. Thanks!

[Stephen B.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Normally, I use EvapoRust in my ultrasonic cleaner with the heat setting on. The EvapoRust is not boiling, but is probably 120 degrees range. It works as 60 degrees, but take much longer. You could put the wipers in a bath of EvapoRust and leave in the sun for awhile. Also, leave the EvapoRust container inside the house at room temperature, or better yet over a HVAC vent to warm. Just some ideas. you can also try Simple Green to safely remove paint. I don't like using acidic products when trying to maintain the integrity of the original surface under the paint.

[Tony R.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Keep in mind that evapo rust is designed specifically to NOT remove paint.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Let me be clear, EvapoRust does remove paint; however, it does not remove plating. This is from years of experience.

[Keith M.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

Here is my experience with Evaporust and paint to date. Vendor states it will not remove paint...and I have found that to be "mostly" true. It did not remove paint from my pulleys. However, with some items it had some slight paint removal, specifically seat frames and radiator core support, and the paint that came off was in flakes not dissolved. Did nothing to the paint on the wiper arms. So while in most cases it "may" not remove paint in some cases it could depending on age of the material, any pre-existing separation or flaking, base composition of the paint, composition of underlying material, and possibly other environmental factors. With regard to my wiper arms I think the hard shellac like finish is going to require just the right substance to remove. Think I will try mineral spirits next. If that doesn't work maybe acetone. I will have to refinish once done stripping but would like to not harm the underlying plating if possible. Thanks all.

[James W.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

I agree with using the warmed up Evaporust. It will remove the paint, just give it a little time.

I bought a shallow plastic tote with a lid at Walmart and bought a five gallons of Evaporust to put my drive shaft, half shafts, and strut rods in to remove the rust. It works great and won't change the surface finish of the metal.



James

[Keith M.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

To the untrained eye this looks like a chafing dish leftover from my daughter's graduation party last summer. In reality it is a vital tool for restoring old Corvette wiper blades and other parts. To those who commented to add heat...you know your chit. Evaporust relies on an endothermic reaction. Prior to this setup I tried denatured alcohol, mineral spirits, actone, paint stripper, and god know what else with no joy from any. I am seeing good results with this heated evaporust setup...though it does take time and about $20 in sterno's and counting. Will post pix once all is said and done..but looking very promising. FWIW...with one fuel can and the volume of liquid I have in there it gets to about mid 90 degrees. If I run two fuel cans it gets close to 110 degrees. In my experience Evaporust is very effective and easy to use and by FAR the biggest challenge is finding the right size container...especiallly when it comes to things like seat frames and radiator core support.

[John F.]

Re: Wiper Arm Restoration

How about pictures of the final product from above!