The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1973 - 1987 Chevrolet & GMC Squarebody Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-17-2015, 03:34 PM   #1
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

The affordable replacement wiper blades for the old bayonnet style wiper arms on my '76 C10 come with plastic adapters that don't stay on the end of the arm and/or twist sideways.

I want to replace my wiper arms with later style arms. Has anybody with a 73-88 full size Chevy/GMC truck upgraded to either of the later wiper arms below? Which one did you choose and why, and is it a perfect fit?

These are the two I am looking at:

1) #32 - 1st design Chevy GMC 88-94 ("L" end). These arms have a bend in them. My 89 S10 has this style arms. I like that the plastic end keeps the arm from destroying the windshield if the wiper blade falls off.

2) #33 - 2nd design Chevy GMC 94-99 ("U" end). These arms are straight like the old bayonnet arms. I've had good luck with wiper blades staying on the U-end wiper arms on lots of other cars, but if the blade ever falls off, it's going to destroy the windshield.

Which one is better for my truck? BTW, does anyone know why GM kept changing arm styles??? Thanks!

Last edited by 76C10Stepside; 09-17-2015 at 03:34 PM. Reason: add info
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2015, 03:34 PM   #2
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Here's a link to both arm style on LMC's site: http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cd/full.aspx?Page=143
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2015, 03:46 PM   #3
UKNOWME
Registered User
 
UKNOWME's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Clovis, NM
Posts: 2,705
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Interested as well!!!! Sub'd
__________________
2018 Audi S5- wife's ride
1980 Chevy Scottsdale http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543511
1981 Chevy Silverado- in pieces
1964 Chevy c10
2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU
UKNOWME is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2015, 04:48 PM   #4
nsulacountry
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Natchitoches, LA
Posts: 70
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Why not just keep them and use refills? I still have the OEM wiper arms on my 1979 C20 Bonanza. I just use the refill inserts.

CT
nsulacountry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2015, 01:43 AM   #5
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Quote:
Originally Posted by nsulacountry View Post
Why not just keep them and use refills? I still have the OEM wiper arms on my 1979 C20 Bonanza. I just use the refill inserts.

CT
You're lucky! I don't HAVE the original metal ends to re-use with refills. The replacement blades come with cheapo plastic ones that don't work on the bayonnet arms. They keep falling off, and one of them broke. I want to get newer style arms that I can find replacement blades for anywhere and for a good price. I like the Valvoline Silver replacement blades best. BTW, I'm running longer blades than OEM (17", IIRC), because they clear more of the windshield.

I'd like to know if both of the two newer style arms I listed will fit my truck, and which one is the better choice it if matters at all.
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2015, 07:57 AM   #6
TexasJeff
Don't Crush em Restore em
 
TexasJeff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Pinehurst, Texas
Posts: 764
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Quote:
Originally Posted by nsulacountry View Post
Why not just keep them and use refills? I still have the OEM wiper arms on my 1979 C20 Bonanza. I just use the refill inserts.

CT
I bought the black arms from LMC (number 17 top section) for my 1980 model, because I could never find just the refill blades, only the all black full blades, and thought that the silver arms with the black blades looked funny to me, so bought the black arms to match the black blades.
__________________
TexasJeff
2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS
1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible
1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually
TexasJeff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2015, 12:48 PM   #7
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasJeff View Post
I bought the black arms from LMC (number 17 top section) for my 1980 model, because I could never find just the refill blades, only the all black full blades, and thought that the silver arms with the black blades looked funny to me, so bought the black arms to match the black blades.
I see that the new arms you bought to replace your original silver ones are the original bayonnet style arms, so I guess you have the correct wiper blades (#19) that have the connector that fits the bayonnet arm ends to go with them. I don't have those, and the auto parts stores in my area don't stock them. I want newer wiper arms where I can just buy either the refills (lowest cost), or the inexpensive replacement 17-inch blades. $20 plus tax and shipping to replace wiper blades seems like a lot to me, LOL!
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2015, 11:28 AM   #8
83GMCK2500
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Beaverton, OR from WA State
Posts: 1,515
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

I've observed that the later squares used the L end that the early GMT-400 platform received. I do not know if the squares adopted it in '88 with the -400s or if it was '90/'91.

My '83 still has the silver/stainless arms (assuming material, never taken a magnet to them) and the only reason I haven't swapped to the later arms is that they're all black I like the silver/stainless on mine.

I've had a wiper self destruct on one of the U-end arms and not only does the potential to scratch the window exist, mine rolled flat and then rotated around creating quite the distraction.
__________________
Devin

1983 GMC High Sierra 2500, 4x4, RC/LB, 400 S.B., SM-465, NP-208, Corporate 10 bolt & 9.5" 14 bolt
1996 GMC Sierra SLE 3500 DRW, 4x4, EC/LB, Vortec 454, NV-4500, BW-4401, AAM 925 & AAM 1050
1997 GMC Sierra SLT 1500 4x4, Z71/F44, EC/SB, Vortec 350

My Introduction with my '83s History
New Daily, the '96
83GMCK2500 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2015, 02:01 PM   #9
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Quote:
Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500 View Post
I've observed that the later squares used the L end that the early GMT-400 platform received. I do not know if the squares adopted it in '88 with the -400s or if it was '90/'91.

My '83 still has the silver/stainless arms (assuming material, never taken a magnet to them) and the only reason I haven't swapped to the later arms is that they're all black I like the silver/stainless on mine.

I've had a wiper self destruct on one of the U-end arms and not only does the potential to scratch the window exist, mine rolled flat and then rotated around creating quite the distraction.
That is all very useful information. Thanks! This helped me decide on the "L" style arms if they work. The main concern is whether or not they will park properly on the C10 windshield, which unlike the more modern S10, starts a couple of inches higher up and has a rubber grommet/seal that sticks out. I will test fit one of the arms from my 89 S10 on the 76 C10 to make sure it fits before buying a pair of them for the C10.
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2015, 08:33 AM   #10
v30crewcab
Registered User
 
v30crewcab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Chatt Tn
Posts: 982
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

my 88 has the L style.
__________________
88 military v30 crewcab shortbed 5.9 cummins, nv4500, 205
86 k30, 89 diesel burb, 76 gmc pathfinder
71 longbed 5.3 4l80
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=522535
v30crewcab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-26-2015, 10:07 AM   #11
Axle
Registered User
 
Axle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 1,212
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

1985+ truck wiper arms have the side pin (which I prefer) I bought a set of these to replace the flat style on my '83. (Got them at the dealer for around $25 a piece. They come in black only, but at least the blades stay put.

I changed them out for the same reason, the adaptors to fit blades to the flat style where garbage. No positive retention whatsoever. For the pin styles, I just look for blades that use a spring and they won't be escaping.

Alex.
Axle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2015, 06:32 PM   #12
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Quote:
Originally Posted by Axle View Post
1985+ truck wiper arms have the side pin (which I prefer) I bought a set of these to replace the flat style on my '83. (Got them at the dealer for around $25 a piece. They come in black only, but at least the blades stay put.

I changed them out for the same reason, the adaptors to fit blades to the flat style where garbage. No positive retention whatsoever. For the pin styles, I just look for blades that use a spring and they won't be escaping.

Alex.
UPDATE: I put one of the wiper arms from my '89 S10 on the C10 passenger side, and the end of the wiper blade hits the rubber seal at the top of the windshield when it reaches the top. This despite the fact that the S10 wiper arms only have 16-inch blades, and I am running 18 inch blades on the C10 with the original (shorter) bayonnet style wiper arms. I positioned the S10 wiper arm as far down as possible (in the park position of course), so cannot adjust it down any farther to gain the needed clearance at top. Guess I will have to locate some good original stainless steel ends for my old bayonnet arms instead.
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2015, 11:09 AM   #13
Axle
Registered User
 
Axle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 1,212
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Try a 14" wiper blade.

Alex.
Axle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2015, 12:33 PM   #14
rich weyand
Registered User
 
rich weyand's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Bloomington Indiana
Posts: 1,041
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

I have the straight bayonet arms with the pin on the top side. I got some Accu-Fit 60-016 from NAPA and they just slid on and clicked in place no problem. They're tight on there with no wiggle at all. So I guess I don't see the issue.
__________________
Rich Weyand

1978 K10 RCSB DD.
rich weyand is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2015, 01:20 PM   #15
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Quote:
Originally Posted by rich weyand View Post
I have the straight bayonet arms with the pin on the top side. I got some Accu-Fit 60-016 from NAPA and they just slid on and clicked in place no problem. They're tight on there with no wiggle at all. So I guess I don't see the issue.
Alex, I don't run 14s because prefer to get 4 more inches of clear windshield.

My neighborhood NAPA closed down a few years ago. That's why I didn't see these. Will make the drive to the nearest NAPA and take a look at the Accu-Fits. Thanks!
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2015, 02:09 PM   #16
rich weyand
Registered User
 
rich weyand's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Bloomington Indiana
Posts: 1,041
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Yeah, I just took them out of the package and slid them on to the bare metal arms until they clicked over the pin. Done. The number I gave you was for 16" blades, which is the stock size. You can run longer, but it puts more load on the wiper motor and all it gives you is a better view of the top of the hood. Mine had 18s on it when I got it and guess what -- the wiper motor was dead/dying.
__________________
Rich Weyand

1978 K10 RCSB DD.
rich weyand is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2015, 02:15 PM   #17
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

Quote:
Originally Posted by rich weyand View Post
Yeah, I just took them out of the package and slid them on to the bare metal arms until they clicked over the pin. Done. The number I gave you was for 16" blades, which is the stock size. You can run longer, but it puts more load on the wiper motor and all it gives you is a better view of the top of the hood. Mine had 18s on it when I got it and guess what -- the wiper motor was dead/dying.
Good point. I may go back to 16s, but never 14s.
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2015, 12:15 AM   #18
ElGracho
Gentleman Jim Driver
 
ElGracho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Poulsbo, WA
Posts: 1,553
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

I'm not sure what you are trying to accomplish. I think you are saying the original silver colored arms only allow you to get blades that fall off. Rich says there are some better blades at NAPA.

I haven't messed with my 75 since the wipers work fine on it and I just use refills. Everything else has these:

http://www.classicparts.com/1985-91-.../#.VhyE-2vZOUl
__________________
Joe
'75 GMC Gentleman Jim
'84 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super duper plain (manual steering, manual brakes, no dome light, no cig lighter)
'85 Chev C10 Short Wide - Super plain Vortec 4.8 4L60E trans
also: '81 K30, '83 C30 Crew Dually, '84 M1028 CUCV, '85 M1009 CUCV, another '85 C10 SWB, '89 R3500 Flatbed
ElGracho is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2015, 02:04 AM   #19
76C10Stepside
Registered User
 
76C10Stepside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 300
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

As I explained in the first post, the original pieces that connect the bayonnet wiper arms to the blades were missing, so I've had to use the crummy plastic connectors that come with the brand of replacements blades I like. The plastic pieces don't work. Blades twist sideways and keep falling off. None of the auto parts stores I went to had anything, and the wrecking yards are all picked out, so I figured I'd go with later model wiper arms that don't need those adapters.

I'll either get the NAPA hybrid blades that work with the bayonnet arms or switch to the later "L" end wiper arms with 16-inch blades.
76C10Stepside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2015, 09:08 AM   #20
Axle
Registered User
 
Axle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 1,212
Re: 73-88 Wiper Arm Upgrade Options

They are not missing, those adaptors come with the blades as everybody makes their own style.

Just bite the bullet, convert to the black pin style arms and have blades that stay put.

As for 14" blades, that is in response to your Astro wiper arms that are too long...

Alex.
Axle is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:36 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com