69 Wiper Area Tar?

[Lynn S.]

Restoring the wiper arms and connecting rods to the motor. The original parts are covered with a tar like material as is the wiper cavity. Was this material applied by the factory and what should I use to restore it to same condition? Thanks, Lynn Schwebach

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

The first part of your question is easy: There was a tar-like sealant used in the windshield well of ALL C-3s, including your 1969. There will be a "Call-out" for the original material, by part number, in your copy of the 1969 AIM. Unfortunately that part number will not do much good, since I would wager it is no longer available.

I am sorry, but I don't know what would be a suitable replacement -- but someone here might.

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

My original owner 70 came with the tar stuff on the wiper arms below the wiper door. It is still as applied from the factory.

[Daniel S.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

I have been told that the material used to seal wiper door components is a plastisol body seam sealer that may be available at automotive paint shops.
I cannot confirm that this material is similar to the original as applied at the factory since I have not had a need to acquire any as of this writing.

[Tom S.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

Look for Joe Lucia to chime in hopefully. He helped me with my 69 more than I can say. This guy is a wlking encylopedia on 69's.I'm sure he will help out when he see's the post. Tom

[Lynn H.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

I think you may be able to use black automotive rustproofing that is available in a spray can. It may take a little practice (and more than one can) to get a feel for how you need to apply it so it looks original. I also have (in a spray can) some black pick up truck bed coating, that comes in a spray can and comes out very similar to the sealant in wiper areas of the early C3 cars. I can get the brand name of the stuff I have if you are interested.
Lynn

[Joseph M.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

A good alternative is submarine sealer. I know the name sounds odd, but the product is used on evaporative coolers. It is a thick black tar like substance that can be poured into and around the wiper transmission. I have already used it to mimic the sealant around the outer box heater with good results. You can use Google t locate a distributor.

[Floyd B.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

I was told that it was an asphalt based material. It was actually used to seal all penetrations of the firewall. Interestingly enough it apparently wasn't used to prevent water intrusion but to prevent fumes from entering the cabin. Anyhow, I have found a substitute that looks just like it. Go to your local big box home improvement store and get a can of asphalt roofing cement. You know, the black tar, goopy, messy stuff that seems to get on everything the moment you open the can. Scoop out the amount you plan to use into a small container and thin it with kerosene or mineral spirits. Apply is with a tong depressor and small paint brush. Don't try to be neat, just slop it on - that's how they did it at the factory.

[Jamie F.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

Yes, Floyd is right. Henry's Asphalt roofing cement/sealer works perfect.
They do have a couple variations of it, so read the label and see which one will work better for you.
I recall one dries faster, and one is thicker.
I do know the one I used took FOREVER to harden up, something like a month or more.
So after it is applied, put everthing back on and don't poke it with your finger for a long time!

[Michael D.]

Re: 69 Wiper Area Tar?

...I think you may be able to use black automotive rustproofing that is available in a spray can...

I used 3M automotive undercoating. It looks very much like the factory installation, but dries to a very dark brown -- not black. Krylon semi flat black covered it.