Windshield wipers

[birdfan]

I have been looking at the new style "beam" windshield wipers that don't have the metal frame, just a thicker springy blade. I think they would look a lot sleeker and more streamlined compared to the stock wipers. Does anyone have experience with these on a T-bird? Do they conform well to the shape of the glass? Any recommendations on a good brand, or one that didn't work?

Also, I am considering them for my other car because it would seem without the metal frame they wouldn't ice up in the winter. Anyone have experience with them in the snow and ice, and are they better than the regular ones?

Thanks!

[Brad]

Re: Windshield wipers

If I recall correctly one of the T-bird blades is longer than the other, if so, make sure you measure non-stock type blades

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Windshield wipers

I got a set of the new Bosch ICON for Sue's car last year.

They are pricey I think almost $40.00 a set, but are the best blades I ever bought.

They are very quiet, and have no bracketry to ice up in the winter
and have a nice clean look to them.

I liked them so much I've added them to both the Tbird & Dakota.

http://www.boschautoparts.com/WiperB...ages/Icon.aspx

See link for $15.00 rebate

[Leroy]

Re: Windshield wipers

Another excellant product to add to a good set of new blades is Rain-X washer fluid. It leaves a coat of Rain-X on your windshield and your wipers work alot better and bugs don't stick or smear as bad. Good Stuff. Leroy

[DavidA]

Re: Windshield wipers

I have a set on my Magnum and really like them. When I need new blades for the Bird, that's what I'll get.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Windshield wipers

Can't get the Bosch Site to search for a local source in zip code 70123 for Icon blade. Are they available at Pep Boys or Auto Zone or is there a website I can order from? I need new blades before Choo Choo.

[Chuck]

Re: Windshield wipers

Windshield wipers? What are they for? Oh yea - Those things at the bottom of the windshield, ahh just something else to have chromed

[94mcd]

Re: Windshield wipers

I have gotten mine at Pep Boys and Advance Auto. Sometimes they will run rebates on them.

[gentry609]

Re: Windshield wipers

yes the blades for the bird are bosch ,. nothing compares order from amazon for $14 00 each [AND SOMETIMES FREE SHIPPING] but dont be suprised if they send them in separate shipping containers.
See you all at Choo-Choo

[Geodiver]

Re: Windshield wipers

I bought the rain-x brand for my black bird (everyday driver) and mostly for the fact that there will be no problem with the metal parts freezing up in winter...paid around $23.00 for each and yes, one is longer than the other....btw, they work great.

[Brad]

Re: Windshield wipers

For years I struggled with streaking non-performing wipers...changed blades, styles, even replaced the wiper arms on one car, and then I found the answer.

Never EVER use the squeegee at a gas station, they are normally covered with dirt, grease and oil.

Use a kitchen cleanser with water (NEVER DRY) and clean the windows and your blades real good...do NOT use a cleanser with the abrasive pieces in it.

I do this a few times a year and my wiper blades normally last me 5 or more years and work perfectly

[birdfan]

Re: Windshield wipers

Thanks for all the replys and info. I figured they would look good, but a couple of you confirmed they are good in the winter, too. Looks like I will get two pair, one for the T-bird and one for the winter car, too.

John, Thanks for the link to the coupon. That will make a big difference as they are pricey. I will compare the on-line prices, too, but I have to admit I still have the old fashioned desire to pick up an item and bring it home and put it on. And John, how can I ignore your recommendation, since they will be going on my wife's car, and she is also named Sue - what a great combination!

I appreciate the reminder the wipers are different sizes. I had read that somewhere, probably on this site, but I will have to measure them carefully to make sure I get the right size, because I couldn't find the size in the owners manual.

And for those of you who don't know, this to confirm that the wipers are those thingies at the bottom of the windshield that you use when it rains - that is if you ever take it out in the rain

[Lonestar]

Re: Windshield wipers

I think I am going to be in the minority here but my 2 cents anyway. On more and more cars from 05 and up the new fangled wipers have been standard equipment but the housings are made specifically for these blades. When installing them on a car not originally equipped with this type of blade they MIGHT look funky because the big attaching / mounting bracket. The wipers are sleek but then there is the big hump in the middle and that somewhat, in my opinion, makes them look out of place (on cars where they did not come standard). Be that as it may, I installed a set on my Buick Rainier and F350. They work great on the Rainier (although I do not like the hump) but they were horrible on the F350. The right wiper just could not make the curve on the right side so after few months I went back to the standard type on that vehicle.

I have not seen the new fangled wipers installed on a Thunderbird but I suspect they would not be as sleek as the OEM type. Maybe not.

[Daktari]

Re: Windshield wipers

Hi there,

I have this type of blade on both our T-bird and our FX and they seem to work really well. They seem to be less noisy, don't squeak as much. I got them at our local Wal-Mart for about $12.00 each. I think they were Michelin.

Gordon.