The Ron Francis windshield...
The Ron Francis windshield wiper bracket is made of stainless steel with urethane blocks in between the two pieces.
This prevents the bracket...
This prevents the bracket from marring the finish of the windshield frame.
We found the manual Model...
We found the manual Model T wiper at Total Performance and modified it to work with the Ron Francis mounting block. Two little tangs on the base of the wiper arm were removed to lengthen the shaft so it would extend through the block.
Total also has windshield-frame...
Total also has windshield-frame mounting brackets, but they are designed for the round shape of the frame. We had to shorten the blade since our windshield on the 32 roadster is chopped 3 inches from stock height.
The bracket could also be...
The bracket could also be used with an electric wiper motor, such as this one we found at an auto parts store.
It has a switch on the back...
It has a switch on the back for two-speed operation.
By using a cigarette-lighter...
By using a cigarette-lighter plug, the wiper can be set in place and used quickly.
The motor accepts a standard,...
The motor accepts a standard, universal wiper arm and blade setup.
As you can see, the system...
As you can see, the system is simple and quick, and it serves several functions.
We like the way it looks,...
We like the way it looks, but it can be removed and stowed away if you wish.
We acknowledge that laws governing automotive safety are for the most part a good idea. They are also typically written for the greater car community and often are at odds with specialty cars. We also acknowledge that most vehicle inspectors weve come across are rather ignorant when it comes to some things about our kit cars, no matter how much we argue. A case in point is windshield wipers. They are safety items and can be downright handy when it comes to sweeping away rainwater.
Most states require at least one windshield wiper, regardless of whether or not we roadster drivers will ever actually be driving in the rain. More than likely, well be sitting under an overpass or the overhang of a service station if a cloudburst appears, waiting for a break in the weather. At the least well have our windshields treated with Rain-X or some similar chemical that beads and repels water to provide a clear view. Explanations of those roadster facts tend to fall on deaf ears, however, and still our cars are required to be fitted with some sort of wiper.
Weve found a cool, inexpensive remedy to the wiper dilemma that doesnt require drilling any holes or attaching ugly blades to our cowlings. Ron Francis Wire Works offers several configurations of a neat windshield mounting bracket ($26) designed to mount either a manual Model Tstyle arm and blade ($30) or an electric wiper motor to the top of a windshield. We discovered one that not only fits on our 32 Ford roadster frame, but also fits on a Cobra replica windshield. Attaching either the bracket or motor couldnt be simpler. And if you think it looks goofy, you can quickly remove it.