'75 Wiper Blades

[John M.]

As one of my many fall and winter projects I'm starting small. I need to replace the wiper blades on my '75 convertible and the blades that I have now are not even close to being original. My wiper arms are fine, it's just the blades w/inserts that need to be replaced.

My questions: Are the current replacements offer by Trico correct (I think they are called "Easy Fit") or should I be looking for an original set of blades/inserts?

Also, if I need to find an original set, what other years would be similar to those which were originally installed on my '75?

Lastly, If you can still find the blades, were might I locate replacement inserts?

Thanks!

John

[Peter L.]

Re: '75 Wiper Blades

John - I would expect the 75 Corvette to have originally been equipped with either 16" TRICO or ANCO windshield wiper blade assemblies. Most typical seems to be the TRICOs. These TRICOs installed in PRODUCTION would have had blade refill holders w/ a narrow flat top section and rounded sides, a black finish, and stamped TRICO/MADE IN USA at each end on the top. The older SERVICE versions of this holder had the same configuration but typically had the brushed or dulled natural metal finish, not black.

The original TRICO refills used in PRODUCTION for these windshield wiper blades would have had a metal vertebra and Latch-Lock clip with a black finish and a rubber wiper with 3-ribs. The older SERVICE versions of these refills like the SERVICE version of the holders had the brushed natural metal finish, not black.

Folks have had success with painting the holders and vertebras by waving the paint ever so lightly over the items because at least with the holders too much paint on the top can cover and fill in the TRICO/MADE IN USA stamping.

Pete