Windshield wiper inserts.

[86 911 Targa]

Any thoughts on the preferred windshield wiper inserts for the stock wiper arms on the '86 3.2 cars?

Thanks in advance,

Gerry

[db_cooper]

I have used most manufacturers wiper blades available over the years. With the curve on the drivers side, the wiper life there is usually very short. They get noisy, won't clear and shutter after a while.

On a lark, I bought a pair of NAPA "weather shield" (storm shield, something like that) blades on my last visit. Cost about $4 each. Correct length, clip right in, no problem. They have performed the best of all the blades I have used, including Bosch.

Downside is they have a small metal (silver) blade reinforcement end that takes away from the overall appearance. I might clean that up with a black marker.

[dshepp806]

I like the Bosch.......

Doyle

[jeff618]

On the 1986 you may want to measure to see if you have extra clearance on each end of the wiper. Make sure there's 1/2 inch available from the ends of the blade to the edge of the glass as well as 1 inch of clearance between the wipers where they pass at the closest point. Then measure if the hook on the arm is 9mm (not 7mm).

If you have the clearance and the arm is a 9mm, Trico makes the new-style, frameless blades in 14" (its the only 14" beam blade available). Its called the "Trico NeoForm Beam Blade" and you can get it online.

Its not listed for the '86, thats why you need to measure. As a rule, the aftermarket guys never list a larger size in order to be safe. These same blades fit the 95-98 911's and they look and work great albeit they are 1" shorter than the OEM. They work much better than the conventional, framed wipers.

Otherwise, the refill inserts will definitely work too.

[James Brown]

someone on here tried the new type of blades, Bosch Ions, the one-piece kind. just got the smallest ones (14") and cut off a inch or two. might try that in the future

[jeff618]

Originally Posted by James Brown

someone on here tried the new type of blades, Bosch Ions, the one-piece kind. just got the smallest ones (14") and cut off a inch or two. might try that in the future

They probably had to cut them shorter because the Bosch only come in 16". Same with the Rain-X and all the other brands of frameless. That's why I was happy to find the Trico NeoForm Beam Blade in the 14" - in my case I'm replacing 15" but on a lot of 911's they have 13" so the 14" is slightly larger. I'm guessing they'll fit but I'd measure first.

[Forza]

I have a pair of 14" Bosch Excel+ wiper blades on my '83 SC. Can find them at pretty much any major auto parts chain.

[jeff618]

Originally Posted by Forza

I have a pair of 14" Bosch Excel+ wiper blades on my '83 SC. Can find them at pretty much any major auto parts chain.

You are correct - you can get 14" in the old school framed wipers in almost any brand. I'm speaking about the upgraded frameless beam blade wipers. Bosch Icon and Trico NeoForms are frameless wipers; Bosch Excel is a conventional framed wiper.

Here's a pretty good comparison: https://www.wipers123.com/beamblades.php

I just wanted to clarify that! Spring is upon us!!

[balleta]

Found some 13" frameless in Ebay. Will try them both in my 911 and my Jeep. Item #290499147603
Have someone tried it yet?

[Por_sha911]

I just replace my inserts with Trico brand. I liked that I could cut them to size so the fit is factory but unlike other brands, they don't have any cheap end caps to fall off. For less than 8 bucks I can replace them often.
FWIW: I've found that the blades will have less streaking and last longer when I:
-Clay the windshield and then use Rain-X
-Keep the windshield clean (every time I add fuel and glass cleaner when sitting too long).

[James Brown]

Can you post some pictures?

[jeff618]

Originally Posted by balleta

Found some 13" frameless in Ebay. Will try them both in my 911 and my Jeep. Item #290499147603
Have someone tried it yet?

Please keep us posted on performance. China is pumping out a ton of knock-offs where little or no engineering nor R&D go into them compared to the major brands who not only make aftermarket wipers, but also engineer, design and test the OE wipers on most of the vehicles we purchase and drive (Trico, Bosh, Valeo). Looks can be deceiving because the knock-offs look great...but as in most auto parts, what you can't see is probably more important than what you can see.