Original Wiper Blades

[dreavis]

This may seem like a stupid question, but I needed to replace the wiper blades on my car and the blades I took off looked like they may have been original. They are metal marked "Arman," then a symbol I can't make out and the letter "C."

I put on some new Bosch blades but then wondered if it is preferable to get wiper inserts and keep the metal ones.

A quick search tells me that this wiper company was used for Ferrari as well, so it's possible they're original.

Is this an item that Spider owners covet or are they something that can simply be tossed?
Thanks!

[vandor]

Yes, Arman & C. are the original wiper blades. I would keep them, I believe you can still find refills online.

[dreavis]

Thanks Vandor.

I've been looking online, but haven't had luck finding a readily available replacement insert. If anyone has a source for these I'd appreciate the information.

[njoconnor]

I found some 13 inch refills, with the metal "blades", at JC Whitney. To keep them in the original arms, I've had to crimp the end ears in a bit, clamping the blade in place, They work..albeit slowly...and the original arms look better than the black plastic refills now commonly available.

If there's a source for the Arman & C originals, I'd welcome the info as well.

Neil

[Squidders]

These might be the ones on ebay

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ARTO-382-Dar ... 0600359543

or

http://www.ebay.it/itm/ARTO-382-Dario-A ... 0600359543

[bradartigue]

Depends on the model year. Early cars had Carello wiper blades with replaceable inserts. The "arms" were two thin aluminum wires. Very cool indeed - but I've seen them only on the AS and BS. It seems the BS1 and onward got solid arms, more like you see on every car today.

[dreavis]

I found some of the inserts on ebay.uk, but I'm concerned they are new old stock. Like the discussion on old tires, I can't see these holding up very well over time.

I'm going to try taking the arm to a local parts store and see which inserts are the closest fit and the crimp them as suggested. Once I get the picture thing sorted I'll post some of the finished product.

[KandJinmaine]

Our 1980 FI ( California edition ) has the cool wire bodied wiper blades on it, and they too move very slowly I last replaced them back when you could get the refills for just about any car out there, but now they want to sell you the whole blade. Not very "green" is it?