Author Topic: Wiper blade refills (Read 30710 times)

69Z28 · « **on:** July 05, 2013, 10:54:28 PM »

Anybody have a source for wiper blade refills for our cars? I need a 15" and a 16" set. There is a whole blade available from Trico but haven't seen just the refills anwhere. I'm afraid waiting for NOS to show up on ebay isn't for me.

So what I have found here so far is RF-15 for the 69 Camaro and the same was used on the 67 Corvette. I was looking on the Paragon website but didn't see a reference to refills though, just the blade with the rubber.

tmodel66 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2013, 02:57:14 AM »

I got my Trico refills at NAPA.

tom · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2013, 05:28:06 PM »

Refills are getting harder and harder to find. More and more retailers only sell whole blades. The explanation I have gotten from counter help have ranged from refills are illegal, to refills never fit anyway, just buy the whole blade. My belief is there is more proffit and less inventory when you don't carry refills. When you find a vendor, you might think about buying several sets.

69Z28 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2013, 05:35:37 PM »

There are millions of 60's and 70's cars out there and no one can make just the refills. Seems like a no brainer to me.

tmodel66 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2013, 10:40:53 PM »

Your part number is 33-150 for Trico Refills

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2013, 04:48:43 AM »

I have gotten a few NOS sets off of ebay, they are pretty common. I think I paid like $20 for the last set.

JKZ27 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2013, 05:04:35 AM »

Quote from: tmodel66 on July 06, 2013, 10:40:53 PM

Your part number is 33-150 for Trico Refills

Looks like 33-150 is the whole blade and 43-150 is a pair of refills.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2013, 05:22:39 AM »

Just scanned ebay, there is a NOS set as a "buy it now" for $29, or you can make the guy an offer, and get an even better deal. Auction #160917044917

tmodel66 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2013, 07:20:55 PM »

Quote from: JKZ27 on July 07, 2013, 05:04:35 AM

Quote from: tmodel66 on July 06, 2013, 10:40:53 PM
Your part number is 33-150 for Trico Refills

Looks like 33-150 is the whole blade and 43-150 is a pair of refills.

Yeah I fat fingered it and I do that on occasion.

69Z28 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2013, 09:14:13 PM »

Quote from: BULLITT65 on July 07, 2013, 05:22:39 AM

Just scanned ebay, there is a NOS set as a "buy it now" for $29, or you can make the guy an offer, and get an even better deal. Auction #160917044917

I found a pair of the correct RF-16 with ribs and patent numbers for $26.00 shipped on ebay for my 69 Impala and made an offer for $20.00 for the 15" ones Bullitt65 linked to. Still, you would think there would be SOMEBODY making some sort of refill for people who like to keep their original blades. Those black replacements are pretty cheesy looking. I have a set on my 69 Impala, and they don't look like they belong.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2013, 10:12:56 PM »

Glad you found them. The die hard guys find the original correct ones. I actually bought a trico gas station display from the 50's NOS in the box a while back, and then bought a lot of all kinds of wiper refills to go in it, and there were couple of pairs of the rf -15 in there as well. I doubt I will go through 3 pairs on my camaro in my life time.

tom · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2013, 11:06:27 PM »

I think refills arr still available from most manufacturers. It's the retailers that are choosing not to stock them.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2013, 01:44:03 AM »

Quote from: BULLITT65 on July 07, 2013, 05:22:39 AM

Just scanned ebay, there is a NOS set as a "buy it now" for $29, or you can make the guy an offer, and get an even better deal. Auction #160917044917

Hard to tell from the pictures, but I don't think those are correct.
Originals had a "skeleton like" backbone - those look to be a solid metal strip?

69Z28 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 10, 2013, 06:20:48 AM »

Quote from: Pacecarjeff on July 10, 2013, 01:44:03 AM

Quote from: BULLITT65 on July 07, 2013, 05:22:39 AM
Just scanned ebay, there is a NOS set as a "buy it now" for $29, or you can make the guy an offer, and get an even better deal. Auction #160917044917

Hard to tell from the pictures, but I don't think those are correct.
Originals had a "skeleton like" backbone - those look to be a solid metal strip?

Lets hope they're the correct ones. If not they are going back. I bought a set for my 69 Camaro and my 69 Impala.

69Z28 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 10, 2013, 06:23:58 AM »

I just checked the pics and can see the clips on the ends of both sets I bought.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 10, 2013, 06:25:35 AM »

even though i don't have them right in front of me, I am pretty sure they are a solid metal strip with clips on the ends. Could you please post a picture of the "skeleton like " back bone that you are stating is assembly line correct I am guessing?

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #16 on:** July 10, 2013, 10:36:48 AM »

they will fit just fine, but they are not 1969 correct.

This picture is of earlier refills from 1965 with the dots, but the backbone would still be the same for 67 - 69's.

69Z28 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 10, 2013, 02:23:08 PM »

Here are the pics of the refills I got off ebay. Top pic 16" you can clearly see the skeleton the bottom pic 15" not so clearly. When they come in I'll post better pics.

BULLITT65 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 10, 2013, 05:08:38 PM »

so they look like the correct design. Maybe mine do look like that, I don't have them in front of me and I have been working on a M*stang lately so I have been focused on those parts for the last month, almost done. Then I can go back to wrenching on my 64 C/10
Glad you got the right ones coming

69Z28 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 10, 2013, 05:25:13 PM »

Here are a few pics of the RF-16 refills that came in just now. I thought I would get the box but I didn't. When I went on ebay I just put in Trico RF-15 and Trico RF-16 and these came up. I wasn't after OEM or NOS, that's not important to me and I'm not even positive these are what was factory installed, but I at least have something to install. Looking closely and I mean closely, it's so tiny, I can see U.S. PATENT NO. 2687241 or may be 2697241. The 8 or 9 number, whichever it is isn't very clear. My brain is telling me it's a 9. When I get the RF-15's in I'll post some pics.

I hope this helps others looking. It's a shame you can't get these local.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #20 on:** July 10, 2013, 05:25:43 PM »

Quote from: 69Z28 on July 10, 2013, 02:23:08 PM

Here are the pics of the refills I got off ebay. Top pic 16" you can clearly see the skeleton the bottom pic 15" not so clearly. When they come in I'll post better pics.

That's them...

69Z28 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 10, 2013, 06:06:13 PM »

Hey Jeff, by that do you mean they are 'just refills' as sold for replacements or OEM?. I'm going to assume not 69 OEM factory but just what you could buy at the parts stores or gas stations and like that ack in the day. Realistically, that's all I would want anyway. Might have to pic up a spare set for both my Camaro and Impala. I can't see these going into the $100.00 range but ya never know.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #22 on:** July 10, 2013, 06:17:16 PM »

The 1969 and early 70's refills and the original assembly line were exactly the same. 3 ribs, patent numbers, and skeleton back.

The ones with the metal strip were later years or may even have been for a different arm type?
these were available from Trico as:just the rubber Refills = RF, or Complete blades = I think those were tagged LF?

I saved a 12 case of these for myself - last time someone managed to convince me to part with a pair - think they paid me $35.

When I went looking for that picture today and found the Dots pair for 63-65. I had to control myself and not buy them for $100.
those are just impossible to find for the Corvettes. and the ones on my 63 driver car are streaking a bit

my wife would not be happy if she found that I paid $100 for a set of wiper refills, especially when I don't like to drive the car in the rain. LOL

69Z28 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 10, 2013, 07:17:30 PM »

Quote from: Pacecarjeff on July 10, 2013, 06:17:16 PM

The 1969 and early 70's refills and the original assembly line were exactly the same. 3 ribs, patent numbers, and skeleton back.

The ones with the metal strip were later years or may even have been for a different arm type?
these were available from Trico as:just the rubber Refills = RF, or Complete blades = I think those were tagged LF?

I saved a 12 case of these for myself - last time someone managed to convince me to part with a pair - think they paid me $35.

When I went looking for that picture today and found the Dots pair for 63-65. I had to control myself and not buy them for $100.
those are just impossible to find for the Corvettes. and the ones on my 63 driver car are streaking a bit

my wife would not be happy if she found that I paid $100 for a set of wiper refills, especially when I don't like to drive the car in the rain. LOL

12 cases? Will you actually use them all? If you get a chance how about a pic of an OEM set for 69. I'm not sure what they look like and not sure what is on my Camaro.

Yeah...my wife would have taken them and used them as a switch on me. Prices are unbelievable for the people that have these cars and can't afford the high prices. It just isn't fair if you ask me. I mean who do those people think they are. I'm damnnn lucky I have what I have but I can't pay those prices. There are several dated pieces I need for my Z I see all the time, but I can't afford them.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #24 on:** July 10, 2013, 07:22:33 PM »

LOL - no I mean one case of 12 pairs.

I can take a picture later.

69Z28 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 10, 2013, 08:15:55 PM »

Jeff...

<---- THIS SMILEY NEEDS TO LOOK LIKE GROUCHO MARX, you know, with the cigar in his hand flipping the ashes off? I thought that's what you meant...12 pairs. That's still a lot. I might look for a couple more pairs this winter. I'll have to hint to the wife for Christmas presents this year. I don't drive my car in the rain either because of the vinyl top, it's unrestored and I really don't want to help it along if possible. A pic would be nice of the rubber so others could see too in case someone stumbles on a supplier and can let us all know.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #26 on:** July 10, 2013, 08:29:01 PM »

when I bought these I could have bought 12 cases - -and I should have. There is no supplier for these anymore.
just bought one case with 12 boxes.
Haven't been made like this for over 40 years.

the wife saiid I was nuts, just like she did when I bought all the R12 I could grab.
The freon was only $1.99 a pound on closeout at Sears.

JKZ27 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 11, 2013, 09:32:34 PM »

These are the blades you can get from NAPA for about $9. They have the refills for about $5 a pair which I haven't got before. I may pick up a set to see what they look like. These blades certainly aren't assembly line correct but look and work great on my drivers.

John

bertfam · « **Reply #28 on:** July 11, 2013, 09:37:40 PM »

Quote

These are the blades you can get from NAPA for about $9. They have the refills for about $5 a pair which I haven't got before.

You got any part numbers for the NAPA blades and refills?

Ed

JKZ27 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 11, 2013, 10:51:55 PM »

Yeah, the complete blade as shown is WIP 601537 and should interchange from Trico 33-150. Its labled as a Trico Classic.
The refill set is WIP 601512 which they show supercedes to WIP 601598. I've not seen the refills in hand yet but if I grab set I'll post a pic.

John

69Z28 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 11, 2013, 11:10:06 PM »

So if we all go to NAPA and ask for WIP 601598 we'll get refills right?

tmodel66 · « **Reply #31 on:** July 12, 2013, 02:08:32 AM »

Quote from: JKZ27 on July 11, 2013, 09:32:34 PM

These are the blades you can get from NAPA for about $9. They have the refills for about $5 a pair which I haven't got before. I may pick up a set to see what they look like. These blades certainly aren't assembly line correct but look and work great on my drivers.

John

That's what I bought for my car and posted such on page 1. They look just like the original to me.

69Z28 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 12, 2013, 04:20:51 AM »

I wrote all those numbers down just for S & G's. I'm gonna hit NAPA tomorrow and see what I can get.

69Z28 · « **Reply #33 on:** July 12, 2013, 03:02:04 PM »

Hi guys, here is the RF-15" refills that just came in, I got the box for these. Has Canada and American script on it. Notice the 3 lines? They are different then the RF-16's that came in for my Impala.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #34 on:** July 12, 2013, 03:45:38 PM »

looks good

69Z28 · « **Reply #35 on:** July 12, 2013, 04:10:50 PM »

Jeff, these are just the everyday generic replacements correct?

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #36 on:** July 12, 2013, 04:34:41 PM »

post a picture of the back and patent numbers...

69Z28 · « **Reply #37 on:** July 12, 2013, 06:12:43 PM »

OK Jeff, this is what I can see. I had to break out the 2o foot magnifying glass to get this info.

On the second pic in above post on one side you can see 29A, on the other end same side 75A

Opposite side one end says ONE OR MORE PATENTS (and there are 8 of them) here are 4 I was able to read before my vision went south, these may or may not be accurate but that is what I can see, 3549383, 2687544,2697241, 2756474. I can get the others if you need them. Giving my eyes a break.

On the other end, closest to the clip, 702849 CAN. 52, 55, 58 PATENT PEND.

Here are two pics of the back.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #38 on:** July 12, 2013, 06:21:58 PM »

Yes - those are assembly line correct for 67 - 70 Camaros. And Corvettes

The blade holders are different though.
63-65 corvette - bright chrome - flat <Trico> Dots rubbers
66 Corvette same as 67 Camaro <Trico> some Corvettes used Anco from the plant in 67.
67 had peaked blade reading <Trico>
69 had peaked blade reading <Trico> made in USA
70 used the push pin blades like Novas.

somewhere along the line the "squished flat peak" blades were used - may have been in Late 69 I am not sure when the change occurred.

I grabbed 2 more sets - just can't help myself

69Z28 · « **Reply #39 on:** July 12, 2013, 06:53:07 PM »

Cool, I guess I scored then, now I have to look to see if my blades are correct, damnnnnn it Jeff. Peaked for 69.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #40 on:** July 12, 2013, 08:53:24 PM »

Quote from: Pacecarjeff on July 12, 2013, 06:21:58 PM

Yes - those are assembly line correct for 67 - 70 Camaros. And Corvettes
....
69 had peaked blade reading <Trico> made in USA
.....
somewhere along the line the "squished flat peak" blades were used - may have been in Late 69 I am not sure when the change occurred.

Does anyone have any info on a possible 'late 69' change re the above? I thought the arms/blades on my 09C 69 were original, but they seem to be the 'flat' type (if I know what I'm looking at)..

JKZ27 · « **Reply #41 on:** July 12, 2013, 10:44:23 PM »

I just stopped at NAPA on my way home to check out the WIP 601598 refills. They're just the all black plastic cheap refills. I still want to see the actual Trico refills to see if they look like the ones in their Classic blade.

69Z28 · « **Reply #42 on:** July 12, 2013, 11:39:49 PM »

Quote from: JKZ27 on July 12, 2013, 10:44:23 PM

I just stopped at NAPA on my way home to check out the WIP 601598 refills. They're just the all black plastic cheap refills. I still want to see the actual Trico refills to see if they look like the ones in their Classic blade.

The RF-15's I just posted a pic of are correct according to Pacecaejeff. Reply #33 and #37 have pics. the Classics I understand are identical but have no Trico stamp on the blade and the refills may be different. Someone here mentioned maybe we can still get refills from the Trico and that most auto parts store won't stock them. IDK

zman1969 · « **Reply #43 on:** July 15, 2013, 09:37:27 PM »

Quote

These are the blades you can get from NAPA for about $9. They have the refills for about $5 a pair which I haven't got before. I may pick up a set to see what they look like. These blades certainly aren't assembly line correct but look and work great on my drivers.

John

OK not assy line correct but do the look close enough for a driver?

big iron · « **Reply #44 on:** July 25, 2013, 05:17:40 AM »

Quote from: Pacecarjeff on July 12, 2013, 06:21:58 PM

Yes - those are assembly line correct for 67 - 70 Camaros. And Corvettes

The blade holders are different though.
63-65 corvette - bright chrome - flat <Trico> Dots rubbers
66 Corvette same as 67 Camaro <Trico> some Corvettes used Anco from the plant in 67.
67 had peaked blade reading <Trico>
69 had peaked blade reading <Trico> made in USA
70 used the push pin blades like Novas.

somewhere along the line the "squished flat peak" blades were used - may have been in Late 69 I am not sure when the change occurred.

I grabbed 2 more sets - just can't help myself

Please explain if 67 Camaro had polished ,flat, blade holders. Please explain the difference between flat and peaked holders

JohnZ · « **Reply #45 on:** July 25, 2013, 04:02:36 PM »

Quote from: big iron on July 25, 2013, 05:17:40 AM

Please explain if 67 Camaro had polished ,flat, blade holders. Please explain the difference between flat and peaked holders

I don't think any '67 Camaro had polished flat blade holders; that's when the Federal MVSS spec on "specular gloss" driver reflections went into effect, and wiper arms and blade holders got the "satin" or "satellite" dull finish.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #46 on:** July 25, 2013, 04:15:57 PM »

On the left are satin peaked blade holders for 66 67 68 69. On the right are flat chrome used in 63 64 65.
Early 66 cars still used the shinny ones. not sure of the exact change over date.

big iron · « **Reply #47 on:** July 26, 2013, 06:26:29 PM »

John and Jeff,
Thanks for the reply.
My 67 Camaro and Corvette have satin peaked blade holders but the are stamped TRICO MADE IN USA. You indicate I will need the blade holders with TRICO only stamped on them? Is this correct?

Bob

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #48 on:** July 26, 2013, 06:33:26 PM »

Yes - 67 was only Trico.
not sure about 68
69 started the Made in USA.

now to be perfectly honest most can't tell the difference, or can't see the difference.
And unless you are being judged by Bloomington Gold or NCRS with your Corvette. - I wouldn't sweat it.
Last time I sold a set of the <Trico> blade holders for 67, I think a 67 Corvette guy gave me $375 for the pair.

Lucky I had an extra set, or I may have considered selling them off my car.

big iron · « **Reply #49 on:** July 26, 2013, 08:56:45 PM »

Actually will be looking for a set for the 67 Camaro. Sure thought the Camaro blades where original as it has not seen the street since 1970.
Something unusual about the 67 Camaro blades, they are not stainless steel. they are steel with a dull gray coating on them. Lacquer thinner will not hurt the finish.
Every part of the blade is steel and is magnetic.
I have an 05E build and I wonder if there was a change over in material and stamping in late 67?

Bob

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #50 on:** July 26, 2013, 10:11:53 PM »

Don't go throwing anything away just yet.
I am just relaying what all the Corvette judges believe to be fact. I am still a firm believer that multiple styles of many things were used simultaneously.
Every Corvette, Camaro in 67 used the same blade holders - hard to believe every single one was exactly the same with the same stampings.

big iron · « **Reply #51 on:** July 27, 2013, 04:38:10 PM »

I would be interested if owners of original 67,68 Camaros would check there blade holders with a magnet and let us know if they are magnetic.

John Z,
Could you explain what satellite dull finish is and did the Federal regulation start at the 67 start up or was it phased in during the production run?

Bob

JohnZ · « **Reply #52 on:** July 27, 2013, 05:03:07 PM »

Quote from: big iron on July 27, 2013, 04:38:10 PM

I would be interested if owners of original 67,68 Camaros would check there blade holders with a magnet and let us know if they are magnetic.

John Z,
Could you explain what satellite dull finish is and did the Federal regulation start at the 67 start up or was it phased in during the production run?

Bob

I think you'll find that ALL blade holders were stainless - some were magnetic, and some weren't (300-series stainless is magnetic, 400-series is not). The satin/satellite dull finish started on Corvettes in mid-1966, in anticipation of the requirement for the 1967 model year, which became effective September 1, 1966.

Pacecarjeff · « **Reply #53 on:** July 27, 2013, 06:13:36 PM »

I would agree with John - all were stainless - easy to see when you hit an untouched junkyard and all the blades are still perfect.

I tried a magnet, and my results were mixed - some were magnetic some we not.
There did not seem to be a patten based on style or stampings.

the main problem with the peaked ones and what makes them so rare, is they are very fragile.

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Author Topic: Wiper blade refills (Read 30710 times)