71 washer fluid bag (ac)

[Michael G.]

I've been shopping for a replacement washer fluid bag for my 71 with AC and have only seen the smooth,black vinyl bags. Has anyone found anything closer to the lighter colored mesh original or is that all that is available? If so, has anyone experimented with relining the original with any success? Always grateful for your thoughts and suggestions, Mike

[Bill C.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

Only NOS are correct - the repros are black and the filler neck is around 2.5" inches to short.


I paid close to $300 to get my NOS one. In 2 years, I have only seen two of these go to auction on eBay.

You may want to contact JT Piper or John (from Greenhoe's).

[Jack H.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

Yep, the reproduction washer bags ARE differ slightly in geometry & material from factory originals and the differences ARE detectable. BUT, you're on the horns of a dilema here...what I call the 'teeter totter'.

If you find a used original (they're out there), you'll typically pay a hefty price for it. Then, expect the judges to give you full credit on originality and deduct points on condition due to obvious age and discoloration of the bag's plastic components.

Bona fide, NOS original washer bags with NO aging/deterioration are VERY rare! Sooooo, you have the choice of losing points on originality for a reproduction washer bag at reasonable cost, or losing condition points with a used original bag that has visible age. Which side of the ledger do you want to take your deduction from?

[Dick W.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

Bill, I believe that there are three? variations of the bags '68-'72, all with different neck lengths

[Bill C.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

The cars (that I have seen) that are big block A/C and have the bag mounted on the DVR side, by hood latch mechanism, all have had the 2.5"-3" filler necks. They mount under the surround and it would be impossible to fill the bag with water, if not for the long filler neck.

These are the near impossible bags to find.



I have not seen anyone repop them, using the light color plastic and fiberous backing.


The only ones I see re-popped are shinny black with a stubby filler neck.

Maybe this style was used on small block cars and A/C, not really sure.

I am by far not an expert in this area, just reporting on cars I have seen over the years

[Michael G.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

Thanks for the responses. Amazingly mine is still holding fluid. I will not strain it past 1/2 capacity and found that filling it through the outlet tube will also minimize any stress. I had a feeling this was one of those items that is not easily replicated in it's original form. Thanks for the info. Mike

[Dick W.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

When we had Brushy Mtn Corvette, I stocked several variations of this bag, from '68 to '72. We purchased them from EC Products Design in California. I do not have their current catalog, nor is it available on the web. Maybe someone has a copy and can post info as to whether they still make that different bags.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

Dick,

Their catalog is available online, though it's their 2005 version.
Below is a link to the windshield washer portion, but only one bag is shown.

Patrick

http://everythingcorvette.com/catalogue_pdf/Windshield%20&%20Washer/Windshield%20&%20Washer.pdf

[Reba W.]

Re: 71 washer fluid bag (ac)

Like a lot of other items, it is easier for manufacturers to make a one-size-fits all than to differentiate slight differences and increase their costs.