I had the 1971 Vette driver's side wiper arm washer fluid tube break in half. Is there a way to repair this or should I just replace it with a reproduction item. Thanks! Jim
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Re: 1971 Wiper Arm Washer Fluid Tube
You may be able to braze repair it, but Paragon makes an excellent repo which I think is dead on:
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...le-kit-lh.aspx -
Re: 1971 Wiper Arm Washer Fluid Tube
I had the 1971 Vette driver's side wiper arm washer fluid tube break in half. Is there a way to repair this or should I just replace it with a reproduction item. Thanks! Jim
That's a bit unusual...it's typically the RH or passenger side tube that fractures first! Understanding the 'why' issues can help effect a solid repair. As already mentioned, replacement tubes are available from Paragon.
The washer tubes are permanently attached to the wiper arms ONLY at the top where they're soldered into a C-shaped cradle. The balance of the tube is held rigidly to the wiper arm by a series of plastic clips.
What happens is over time, the plastic clips dry out and fatigue fracture due to heat and UV. That leaves the washer tube held ONLY by the solder at the upper end of the arm.
As the wipers sweep, the rubber washer tubes at the bottom act as 'springs' and rock the washer tubes back and forth relative to the wiper arm. Eventually, the washer tube fatigue fractures...
Replacing a broken washer tube without installing fresh/new plastic clips, is simply an invitation to do the job again! So, I'd suggest visually inspecting BOTH the RH and LH arm with respect to their plastic clip integrity and do the plastic clips (as needed) along with the broken washer tube. Paragon also sells reproduction plastic clips...Comment
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Re: 1971 Wiper Arm Washer Fluid Tube
When checking your wiper arms make sure you have the spring covers. Their are slots in the covers to hold the clips so they need to be in place. I have seen them missing many times.Lyle
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Re: 1971 Wiper Arm Washer Fluid Tube
Lyle does a beautiful job of restoring wiper arms with soldered tubes and clips. I bought a set from him for my 69 and am well pleased.
Regards,
MarkKramdenComment
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Re: 1971 Wiper Arm Washer Fluid Tube
I am sorry! It is the passenger side tube (as you sit in the car). Been one of those days. I saw where ZIP Products had both the wiper arms with tubes for $160. Thought I would replace both while I was at it. I am sure the drivers side will break shortly. Thanks! JimComment
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Re: 1971 Wiper Arm Washer Fluid Tube
That makes more sense (RH tube broke before the LH tube)! That side of the washer arm system is under more stress than the driver's side. It's usually those plastic clips that fatigue fracture before the ones on the driver's side go south.
Bottom line, if you want to restore your existing wiper arm, you'll need a reproduction washer tube and plastic clip set. BUT, you should also verify the condition of the plastic clips on the LH arm to verify their condition before you place that parts order...Comment
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