wiper component finishes for '72

[Randall K.]

I've searched the archives, and want to verify the proper finish for the wiper cover mechanism, the wiper transmission, and the wiper arms. Mine have overspray from a repainting.

Wiper cover mechanism and wiper transmission are flat black. Wiper arms are unpainted. Correct?

Also - from the factory, would there have been any body color overspray in the well in which the wiper cover mechanism and transmission sit?

Thanks
Randy

[Chuck S.]

Re: wiper component finishes for '72

...Wiper cover mechanism and wiper transmission are flat black. Wiper arms are unpainted. Correct?

Also - from the factory, would there have been any body color overspray in the well in which the wiper cover mechanism and transmission sit?...

Hmmm...I'm not sure what the finish on the wiper arms would be if they're not painted black. I'm thinking the only metal part on the wiper arms that's not black is the stainless steel (?) retainers for the rubber wiper inserts.

I would not use "flat black" like you find at home stores for those finishes. When original cars are examined, those finishes appear very flat, but I suspect exposure to the elements has caused the original low gloss to dull down. I say that because the wiper components were not painted in place; they were installed after the black-out operation, and were pre-finished. Most likely, they used GM black primer, which has an egg shell gloss. Also, you will find blacked out areas on the fronts of the doors under the door panels to have a very slight gloss.

The wiper compartment would have been "blacked out" after body color was painted, and before any assembly began. Any body color overspray on any of the wiper components would have been added later; possibly during a paint repair (I have seen a Bow Tie car with overspray...I don't know if it was original.), but most likely, during a later repaint. If your car has been repainted, that is the most likely source of any overspray in the wiper compartment.

BTW...What part are you calling the "wiper cover"? The bottom of the wiper door is not visible after installation, but I found mine to be virtually unfinished (raw aluminum)...there was some green chromate overspray and a little body color overspray from painting. It was not blacked out on the under surface.

[Terry M.]

Re: wiper component finishes for '72

The qiper arms are plated -- not painted. Several different types of plating. I once posted what the plating is. Do I have to do so again?

[Randall K.]

Re: wiper component finishes for '72

Terry - I found your post from March for '69. I assume that same info applies to '72. I'd swear that through the overspray mine look more chrome than black, but that could be a: my eyes, b: age of the part, or c: a non-original part. I do see the tube clips on the arms, so I tend to think they're original.

For Chuck - when I said "wiper cover mechanism" - I meant the mechanism that lifts the cover. I've also seen this called the "hinge assembly linkage".

This car was repainted by a prior owner. The paint quality and color match is good - they just got sloppy on some of the masking.

Thanks!
Randy

[Chuck S.]

Re: wiper component finishes for '72

...I once posted what the plating is. Do I have to do so again?

Mmmm, Nah...I know how upset you get when you have to repeat yourself. Thanks for the refresh.

[Harmon C.]

Re: wiper component finishes for '72

If you are talking about the wiper arms and blade holders 70-72 I would say the were painted black. Semi flat would be my choice like John Deere blitz black. I think the cast end was plated but then finished in black so is the plating needed?

[Terry M.]

[Randall K.]

Re: wiper component finishes for '72

Terry - one more follow-up... What finish of black is appropriate for the wiper compartment itself (flat, semi-gloss, or gloss)? Any particular recommendations for this paint? From what I can recall from other cars (and where mine isn't oversprayed) it appears to be semi-gloss.

I did find a reference to Krylon, Semi-Flat #1613 in another post regarding blackout of door jambs. Is this appropriate for the wiper compartment as well?

Thanks for the help!
Randy

[Terry M.]

Re: wiper component finishes for '72

Terry - one more follow-up... What finish of black is appropriate for the wiper compartment itself (flat, semi-gloss, or gloss)? Any particular recommendations for this paint? From what I can recall from other cars (and where mine isn't oversprayed) it appears to be semi-gloss.

I did find a reference to Krylon, Semi-Flat #1613 in another post regarding blackout of door jambs. Is this appropriate for the wiper compartment as well?

Thanks for the help!
Randy

Use the same paint as you use for the under side of the hood, the inner fender wells and the engine compartment black-out. That is what Chevrolet did. They painted the wiper compartment at the same time as they did the engine compartment black-out.