In a message dated 98-01-21 06:05:40 EST, Roger Moment wrote:
<< I have been working with MOSS for the past 6-9 months to make refill
rubbers
available for the original Rainbow wiper blades used on all hHealeys from BN1
thru BJ/BT7, i.e. the roadsters. MOSS has been selling wipers that are 8
1/2"
long, which will function but are 1/2" too short. It turns out their molder
of the rubber part makes an EXACT/IDENTICAL molding to the original. It was
just cut short by 1/2" because of the length MOSS was selling (the whys of
this are another story).
Anyhow, I asked MOSS to check on the original molding length and found it to
be the 8.94" of original Rainbow blades. MOSS agreed to have their supplier
send over some untrimmed rubbers with the latest order and these are now
available. Part number is 164-977 and price is $3.45 ea. These parts are
NOT
in the current catalog but will be in the next update.
The rubbers have ALL the correct molded pips, side bars, etc. They are
rubber
only, i.e. do not have the finger metal backing strip. This you have to
transfer from old blades. Just slightly bend an end tab and slide out the
rubber strip. Be carefull to not lose the pin at one end which is used to
retain the refill in the blade frame. Slide in a new strip and bend the tab
back. To keep from breaking the tab, make the bending as slight as possible.
If you have original Rainbow blades DO NOT THROW THEM OUT!! They are
unobtainable (at least with the Rainbow stamping on the pieces. The MOSS
replacement blades for Healeys are made correctly, and are a suitable
substitute. Unfortunately the finger metal backing they include is too short
to use with these new refills. However, byk scrounging old blades you might
come up with the right pieces.
This is a good example of MOSS working with us to get something right. I
really offer many kudos to them for helping. Now there is no excuse for not
having the original blades on Concours cars, or even drivers. Keep you eyes
out at swap meets for old blades. They can be made like new.>>
This is also good news for Sprite owners. Because early Sprites used 8 inch
blades, it has been possible to buy the reproduction blades from Moss and cut
the element down to 8 inches, then throw away the superstructure. The
availability of an element only, means this can be done for under $4, instead
of paying $10 for the entire blade assembly. Of course those with HAN8's and
9's can now use the above method to achieve a correct (inexpensive) 9 inch
blade.
Bruce Gearns
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