Without question this is THE site for those of us struggling with Corvette restoration. Kudos to all the moderators. When I'm not working on the "car", I'm reading the forums.
I see other postings regarding windshield wiper problems in this area, so here goes. The wiper motor checks ok, wiper transmission and arm assembly has been disassembled cleaned, lubed, reassembled and adjusted. The wiper blades are new. All works well on a dry windshield, arms move and sweep across the windshield without interuption; however once water "rain" hits the windshield, the smooth back'n'forth motion changes to a jerky stuttering motion. What the heck is that all about? Thanking you in advance!
Albert

One of two things. One is the tension on the wiper arms, and how much force they push on the windsheild.

The other is sometype of contamination on the blades and the glass. It may be clear and unseen, but still be there. There are various chemicals that can cause this. Give the blades and window a VERY through cleaning with a STRONG glass cleaner. More common than you would think.

Hey Ken,
I'm leaning toward your second suggestion. Prior to being rescued last November (2003) the car sat abandoned and exposed to the elements in a Georgia field for some 12-13 years. Needless to say the car was a mess. A never wrecked body turns out to be the one of the few positives.
I will give the glass a thorough cleaning and have another go at the wipers too.
Thanks again, you are the best!
Albert

I've found an excellent way of cleaning the windshield is to use the cream type cleaner made for glass top stoves. It does a great job cleaning the glass and also acts like Rain-X when it comes to keeping the windshield clear in the rain.

To Ken and Gunslinger,
I tried several different brands of window cleaner, as well as, vinager & water, but no luck. But there is good news; one of my experiments did confirm the problem is not mechanical. Armed with two spray bottles, one with Windex and the other with straight water, I sprayed Windex on the windshield and the jerky motion stopped immediatly, I sprayed straight water on the windshield and the the jerky motion reappeared. Apparently the Windex acts as a lubricant. Ken is right, the problem is on the glass or with the wiper blades (ANCO Aerovantage).
Gunslinger, offered the answer before I posted my next question. Polishing the glass was next on my list of options. Rain-X is also on the list just further down. I'll post the results of polishing the glass.
I do appreciate the opportunity to share ideas with you folks. Thanks to both of you.
Albert

To Ken and Gunslinger,
Final note.
The cream type glass cleaner, reducing wiper pressure on the windshield and several coats of Rain-X seems to have cleared up the vast majority of the problem. That issue appears to be under control, now, on to the next problem.
Albert

NEW BLADES AND RAINX. Rainx is also making a windshield washer fluid. Newspaper is the best material to use for cleaning any kind of glass. After driving a full day, or week, the oil film from the road, fuel vapors from trucks and cars will deposit on the wiper blades and windshield.
Boatman ......... 79 L82

this is true!!! I drove from MD to NYC once in the rain....what a mess on the windshield. The black crap builds up so bad on the windows that the blades never could wipe again. Diesel fuel, fumes etc stick really good and you can not see it...laquer thinner and newspaper got it off though...clean the blades too!!! |