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windscreen wipers.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6283
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:24 pm    Post subject: windscreen wipers. Reply with quote

I am tempted to alter the windscreen wiper position on my 1949 TC to make it safer. I know this would horrify purists and to be honest I am reluctant to make the change despite it being the sensible thing to do because it is such a noticeable feature of these cars.

The wiper motor is mounted on the windscreen frame directly in front of any passenger and this worries me. I expect to find the wiper motor in this location in pre War cars but what surprises me is how long MG - with a mantra of "safety fast" - continued with the practice and didn't alter it until the introduction of the TF in 1953.


Familiar view from the passenger seat... (similar car)


It could be argued, I suppose, that if I wanted a car with modern safety features I should have bought a later model. I can't argue with that but I am too far into the build now to start back peddling and too far extended financially to justify selling on.

My plan would be to install a Lucas DR2 single speed motor under the dash with wiper arms emerging from the scuttle; as in the TF.

As I have no problem with the panel lights coming on with the side/head lights I propose using the redundant (fused) panel light switch as a relay protected control.

Am I alone in feeling anxious about the head height wiper motor? I will be fitting seat belts anyway so am I being over cautious?
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 1950
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My Dellow [1951/2] also has a forehead stamp for a wiper motor.

Whilst I doubt very much whether any passenger's forehead would display SACUL permanently inscribed, [mine is located at the base of the screen]..in our new H&S orientated world, it is a concern of mine.
Land Rover-owners of the series variety would possibly have similar concerns?

The prevalence of the system is down to the foldability of the windscreen.
My main concern is how much the weight of the motor influences screen frame vibrations?

Plus, the wee flat blades[even though vaguely sprung] are almost useless when compared to modern day wiper systems......a good job I can still stick my head round the side of the windscreen?
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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Minxy



Joined: 22 Sep 2010
Posts: 272
Location: West Northants

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For what it’s worth my opinion would be to leave it alone - no question.

As I was reading your post I was thinking ‘fit seat belts’ and then you mentioned your intention anyway.

I suppose you could fabricate a cover out of styrene ( similar to the inside of cycle helmets pipe cladding etc) to slip over the motor while you have passengers aboard.
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petelang



Joined: 21 May 2009
Posts: 442
Location: Nottingham

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good God Ray, wheres your sense of adventure?
For donkeys years we drove around with none of these Air bags, seat belts, Toughened glass, steering wheels right in front of your chest attached to a long spear, suicide doors, etc all. And the greatest majority of us survived?
There's no such thing in my opinion as a "dangerous car" it just becomes one in the hands of someone who doesn't evaluate risks. Same with "dangerous roads", they're only made so by idiots who don't observe their limitations.
Me thinks though dost protest too much for a man who intends to drive an open top car!
(Tonge in cheek by the way, don't take offence).
Peter
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 1:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As Alastair says, these old wiper systems are almost useless. I very rarely bother with mine in the rain. I don't do it, but you could keep a small bottle of detergent with you to use as a wetting agent for wiperless use. You could also, for original appearance, construct a fake wiper motor out of covered polystyrene that would give a little protection for the passenger's forehead when they hit the top of the windscreen frame.

Peter Wink
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Peter_L



Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 2680
Location: New Brunswick. Canada.

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

How about an inertia triggered solenoid that "snaps" the windshield down onto the bonnet and at the same time pulls up the "roll bar" from behind. Oh,... and also triggers the hazard lights, which is very important.
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Rick
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Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 3:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Personally I wouldn't give it a second thought, but as already suggested just make up a squidgy cover to go over it perhaps on journeys.

RJ
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6283
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 3:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I thought I might get the thumbs down. Rolling Eyes

As I said "safety fast" was the MG mantra and a few years later the TF arrived with a hidden wiper motor.

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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 1950
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 3:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
and also triggers the hazard lights, which is very important.


In the UK, only after one has actually stopped. {Unlawful in the UK to use hazards whilst moving, except under one very specific circumstance...and then, only briefly. Especially seen by those who think they know, but actually know very little, and are towing someone! Or are making their way along the road in limp mode {limp mode being a BMW driver thing, I was told?} Think they're being ever so 'safe', yet cannot give any indication of intention whatsoever. ''Look at me, I know all about safety! I've got my hazards going!!'' Completely ignoring the bigger picture regarding road safety!
''Risk ' was mentioned above?
When deciding 'risk', a 'risk assessment' is done?

That's how stuff like the Highway Code has come about, courtesy of the DVSA....through someone actually identifying all the risks of conducting a certain action on the roads...
Not by someone with but a half baked idea of what driving is about.

Sorry, rant over, I dislike those who make up their own ideas about 'safety'..
_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 1950
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 3:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

One final word.....
Rainex?

Smile
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

alastairq wrote:
One final word.....
Rainex?

Smile



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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6283
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 4:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am not questioning the effectiveness of the wipers. I know they are poor; even the TF had crap wipers and Rainex is de rigueur. !

The issue is one of aesthetics vs. safety. My Swallow has a typically useless vacuum wiper mounted directly in line with my forehead. Then again it is twenty years older than the MG and I make allowances for it.

The MG is a sports car. The essence of the brand has always been that owners can improve the performance of their cars. Some of us also want to improve safety and that I am doing but I run the risk of being called a big sissy!

The wiper motor is just one element but there is a trade off with appearance and my fear is that one can drift too far in one direction or the other. I think it is essentially a matter of getting the balance right.

As far as my fear for passenger safety is concerned I suppose I could always ban them! Laughing
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alastairq



Joined: 14 Oct 2016
Posts: 1950
Location: East Yorkshire

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 5:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote


_________________
Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
----------------------------------------------
Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.
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Ray White



Joined: 02 Dec 2014
Posts: 6283
Location: Derby

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 7:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Despite how he portrayed himself that man was a very skilled entertainer and performed all his, at times dangerous, stunts himself!

I'm sure you share much of his skill set Ray.

And look forward to further publications of..



Peter
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