3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

OEM wiper blades getting scarce

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-03-15, 07:14 PM
  #1  
Constant threat

Thread Starter
 
bajaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: near Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 4,968
Received 38 Likes on 34 Posts
OEM wiper blades getting scarce

I prefer to replace the insert in my OEM driver's side windshield wiper blade, to take advantage of the little 'aero-wing' it has. My 'guy' at the local dealership said that there are only about 300 of these things "left in the warehouse". Not sure if that is THE warehouse or A warehouse. Anyway, just thought I'd share that.
Attached Thumbnails OEM wiper blades getting scarce-wiper-refill-004x.jpg  
Old 06-03-15, 07:48 PM
  #2  
Apexsealistically Chalngd

iTrader: (4)
 
VTECthis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Maryland
Posts: 476
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Originally Posted by bajaman
I prefer to replace the insert in my OEM driver's side windshield wiper blade, to take advantage of the little 'aero-wing' it has. My 'guy' at the local dealership said that there are only about 300 of these things "left in the warehouse". Not sure if that is THE warehouse or A warehouse. Anyway, just thought I'd share that.
Price?
Old 06-03-15, 07:59 PM
  #3  
Cheap Bastard

iTrader: (2)
 
adam c's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Luis Obispo, Ca
Posts: 8,370
Received 50 Likes on 42 Posts
My FD still has the wiper blades that it had when I bought it in 2002. I wont drive it in the rain unless I have to. About 2 years ago, I got stuck in a pretty hard rain storm coming home from an autocross. The old wiper blades worked like they were new. I'm never replacing them
Old 06-03-15, 08:07 PM
  #4  
FD Daily
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (26)
 
K-Tune's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Gulf Breeze, FL
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Are you referring to the refills or the wiper blade assembly?
Old 06-03-15, 08:27 PM
  #5  
Constant threat

Thread Starter
 
bajaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: near Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 4,968
Received 38 Likes on 34 Posts
refills, sorry.
Price is $11.49 ea., list is $19.36. But they are the ONLY thing I have found in the way of inserts that are correct fit.
Old 06-03-15, 09:12 PM
  #6  
Senior Member

iTrader: (4)
 
briansfd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 354
Received 46 Likes on 25 Posts
I might be able to chime in on this since I work for Bosch wiper blades. I suggest you try and switch to a beam style wiper blade. They have integrated spoilers that do the same as the big plastic spoilers on conventional. The spoiler creates a low pressure behind the wiper blade that helps pull the blade into the windshield. Beams also have more pressure points then a conventional blade for a better wipe quality.
Old 06-03-15, 09:30 PM
  #7  
Spanking Pcars

iTrader: (4)
 
RedBaronII's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW area
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cool

I buy the wiper blades, take out the blade and install them on my OEM arm.
Old 06-03-15, 10:05 PM
  #8  
FD Daily
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (26)
 
K-Tune's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Gulf Breeze, FL
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Originally Posted by briansfd
I might be able to chime in on this since I work for Bosch wiper blades. I suggest you try and switch to a beam style wiper blade. They have integrated spoilers that do the same as the big plastic spoilers on conventional. The spoiler creates a low pressure behind the wiper blade that helps pull the blade into the windshield. Beams also have more pressure points then a conventional blade for a better wipe quality.


While beam blades may be the latest and greatest... I can't honestly recommend them for vehicles that didn't come with them as OEM. Have personally seen many cases of early come-backs, generally as a result of weaker wiper arm tension than what is required for a beam blade.
Old 06-04-15, 09:23 PM
  #9  
Constant threat

Thread Starter
 
bajaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: near Wichita, Kansas
Posts: 4,968
Received 38 Likes on 34 Posts
I appreciate the feedback on the beam blades but frankly, I think they suck. My wife's last two Ford Escapes have had them and they are next to useless. I just bought some of the new ones for her car from TRICO that have the little aero-wedge built in...we'll see how that works. They'd BETTER, at $27 each! I tried and discarded beam blades on my 2010 F-150. Finally, for my FD I basically keep it all stock...looking at least...and use OEM exclusively if I can.

RedBaronII...what refills have you found or what blade have you found that the inserts work in the stock arm? ALL the ones I've tried are about .040 too wide. I've tried ones with both plastic as well as metal crowns on the rubber insert. If you've found one that works, please share!

Thanks!
Old 06-04-15, 10:14 PM
  #10  
10-8-10-8

 
SA3R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 845
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes on 8 Posts
I don't think they are running out. I go here in Australia to change wiper blades at our local parts store (Repco) and they just give me generic blade refills that push into my existing arms.

They are a common type with a lot of other Japanese cars on the road here. I don't think they are going to run out because that would inconvenience Honda, Mazda, Ford, Toyota and Nissan cars from 1992 up to 2005 in Australia. Thats a lot of demand...
Old 06-04-15, 10:27 PM
  #11  
Senior Member

iTrader: (4)
 
briansfd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 354
Received 46 Likes on 25 Posts
I know you said you don't like beam so i won't try and sell you on them. But just in case next time, TRICO is a garbage product and you absolutely got ripped off. Walmart or Amazon will have the cheapest prices for you. Don't pay over $19 a blade for beam
Old 06-05-15, 12:51 PM
  #12  
Urban Combat Vet
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (16)
 
Sgtblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Mid-west
Posts: 12,078
Received 907 Likes on 635 Posts
I have a couple of extra inserts hanging in the garage. But like others I don't end up needing the wipers much. I also use RainX.
Old 07-17-15, 08:20 PM
  #13  
Spanking Pcars

iTrader: (4)
 
RedBaronII's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: DFW area
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Cool

Originally Posted by bajaman
RedBaronII...what refills have you found or what blade have you found that the inserts work in the stock arm? ALL the ones I've tried are about .040 too wide. I've tried ones with both plastic as well as metal crowns on the rubber insert. If you've found one that works, please share!
Thanks!
Sorry for the late response, I buy the 20'' Bosch Micro Edge and I take the insert out.
On my photo you will see them fitting my R1 wiper arm with the original Aero Wedge Wing. ;-)
Can't give you a part number, because is worn out, Bosch Micro Edge should suffice.
Attached Thumbnails OEM wiper blades getting scarce-img_1619.jpg   OEM wiper blades getting scarce-img_1621.jpg  




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:39 PM.