Windshield Wiper Blades

[RustyFrye]

I used to get my windows (and whole car) washed quite often, but then.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2OtItPW_c

[BillyL]

More wiper blade trivia. I noticed the Bosch Icon blades are marked by size and A or B. My AutoZone counterperson said it made no difference ( the red shirt does not make a mechanical genius). I was curious about the A and B so I researched on the Bosch website as well as online chat. It turns out there is a difference. The A is always for the Driver side and the B is always for the passenger side ( not specified on the packaging). The Bosch rep said it is dealing with the curvature of the windshield for maximum contact to the blade during road speed operation. The difference has to do with the engineered blade spring tensions. While the blade length is obviously the critical fit criteria, applying the proper A and B will increase blade fit to the windshield and performance. So for the T-Bird we should have a 24" A on driver side and 22" B on passenger side.

[428PI]

BillL Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of that. My son's curved blades (not sure what brand) don't fit snug to the windshield on the passenger side. His spring may be weak in the arm but perhaps has something to do with what you're describing. I have been putting on some blades at work and noticed that the curved ones we're putting on (come from Carquest) are sometimes mounted different from side to side. I'll have to look and see what the differences are.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

This has been asked before, Billy, and there are always a lot of different preferences. To answer your question, I have not used RainX wipers, but do use something similar -PIAA. They last for several years and work very well for me, so the expense over time isn't so bad. The refills are about $15 each, but top quality. BTW, each side is a different length. I recall a post some time ago mentioning there were tiny dots on the windshield indicating where the wiper should park. Ah, here it is, see post #5 from Mike.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...derbird-wipers

The wipers are 22 and 24 inches long.

I don't see any dots..either car

[merlot4]

I don't see any dots..either car

I took a look and clearly saw them on mine. They're not actually in the windshield glass, but rather behind the glass nearest the end of the respective wiper blade ends; they're very tiny and easy to miss. As to whether they are on each year is something people will have to look and find out for themselves.

[007Cruiser]

I think I have some Bosch ones on my bird but I don't hardly ever use them because I don't drive in when it's raining out. They're over 3 years old and I know they don't perform great anymore. I have found Rockauto wiper prices are way below the standard auto parts stores in the area.

Thanks for your Rockauto tip. I just bought a set of Trico and I saved about 50% even with shipping charges. They arrived today and will go on tomorrow.

[Quickdraw]

Thanks for your Rockauto tip. I just bought a set of Trico and I saved about 50% even with shipping charges. They arrived today and will go on tomorrow.

Keith, Thanks from me too!! Two Trico blades and delivery for $7.95, Super!

[Frank Dreano]

I've been very partial to the Bosch Icon wiper blades. Some of the Volkswagens I've had in the past had them as standard equipment. They worked so well I've bought them for our Thunderbirds and other vehicles when I've needed replacements. Autohaus AZ has them and I've been very pleased with the parts and service I've gotten from them in the past. Here are the links to the two you'll need for our 02-05 Thunderbirds.

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/24A
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/22B

That's all I use, these wipers hold up to the blistering Florida UV rays the longest...have them on four cars...