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Newell Gurus
Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts (/showthread.php?tid=9102)


Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - TerryW - 09-18-2026

Hey guys, 
 
I lost my driver’s side windshield wiper idler arm nut along the highway in the rain. When I stopped to remove the drinker’s side and switch it to the driver’s side I (of course) lost that one in the rain-soaked parking lot. These nuts are the shouldered type and appear to have vanished from the face of the earth, unobtanium???. 
 
So... my question is, where can a fella find parts for these old air wipers. I really don't need to replace the arms but I could if that’s the only/best way. I really don't need to replace the pivot plates either but again, if that's the best way then I'll do that too. but how would I know what arms and pivot plates would work with the old air motor shaft? 

I've been through the post here and all the Ambus and Amequipment etc websites but I don't see any parts for the older air powered stuff. I can't believe I'm the only one who's come up against this.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

RE: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - HoosierDaddy - 09-18-2026

Terry. If all you need are nuts I would measure the stud and source the nuts from hardware supply. They are probably 1/4 28 or 5/16 28. They could be 20 pitch thread instead of 28. The correct size should thread on easily with your fingers. Be careful not to damage threads . Get a nyloc locking nut.
pm me if you need help sizing them.

Another thought. Check with your local public school mechanic. They might have some NOS parts laying around. That is where I found a brake relay valve for my 1978 Newell years ago.

RE: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - TerryW - 09-18-2026

(09-18-2026, 09:14 PM)HoosierDaddy Wrote:  Terry. If all you need are nuts I would measure the stud and source the nuts from hardware supply. They are probably 1/4 28 or 5/16 28. They could be 20 pitch thread instead of 28. Get a couple of each!  Get a nyloc  locking nut.

The trouble is that they are stepped. So that about half of the length of the outside of the nut is round and sinks into the idler arm. I do have a milling machine, with a little fiddling around maybe I can machine up and polish some stainless acorn nuts from the home despot???

RE: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - HoosierDaddy - 09-18-2026

Hmm. Not standard. I would call American Bus in Cincinatti. They may have parts like that but not show them online…
Do you have a lathe??? ?

800-581 7118. American Bus.

RE: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - Jack Houpe - 09-19-2026

(When I stopped to remove the drinker’s side) Now this brought a laugh! Big Grin

I have been using AI more and more. I wish AI could do this brake job for me on this bus of ours but this is what it says. 

Where to Look for Vintage Wiper Parts

Newell Coach Parts: Even for older coaches, Newell Coach maintains records and custom fabrication support. You can call their parts desk directly at 918-542-3344 ext. 228.

AM Equipment: They supply OEM wiper motors, arms, and linkage components for heavy-duty and vintage motorhomes. You can contact their technical support at 541-327-1546 to match old stud and thread patterns.

AutoTex OEM / Wiper Technologies: They specialize in replacement wiper assemblies, arms, and hard-to-find hardware for older commercial and RV chassis.Heavy-Duty Truck/Fleet Suppliers: Stores like FleetPride often carry commercial-grade wiper studs, knurled adapters, and retaining nuts.

RV Salvage Yards: Midwest salvage liquidators (such as Visone RV or Colaw RV) often part out vintage motorhomes like classic Newells and Foretravels.If you know the thread size or whether the wiper system is air-driven or electric on that 1986 model, I can help narrow down the exact manufacturer part number.

Hoosierdaddy - HoosierDaddy - 09-19-2026

[attachment=17585    

Some pics of the arms and shaft would be helpful .

RE: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - TerryW - 09-19-2026

This is what i'm dealing with. the small idler size is 10-32, I'm not sure about the larger drive size, it's three towns away in storage right now. The air motor is stamped APMP 664-2 if that helps. Maybe I could turn down a tiny piece of 10-32 rod coupling??? Hmmm....
(Yesterday, 03:12 AM)Jack Houpe Wrote:  (When I stopped to remove the drinker’s side) Now this brought a laugh! Big Grin

I have been using AI more and more. I wish AI could do this brake job for me on this bus of ours but this is what it says. 

Where to Look for Vintage Wiper Parts

Newell Coach Parts: Even for older coaches, Newell Coach maintains records and custom fabrication support. You can call their parts desk directly at 918-542-3344 ext. 228.

AM Equipment: They supply OEM wiper motors, arms, and linkage components for heavy-duty and vintage motorhomes. You can contact their technical support at 541-327-1546 to match old stud and thread patterns.

AutoTex OEM / Wiper Technologies: They specialize in replacement wiper assemblies, arms, and hard-to-find hardware for older commercial and RV chassis.Heavy-Duty Truck/Fleet Suppliers: Stores like FleetPride often carry commercial-grade wiper studs, knurled adapters, and retaining nuts.

RV Salvage Yards: Midwest salvage liquidators (such as Visone RV or Colaw RV) often part out vintage motorhomes like classic Newells and Foretravels.If you know the thread size or whether the wiper system is air-driven or electric on that 1986 model, I can help narrow down the exact manufacturer part number.

I'm going to take you up on this, thanks.  At this point I am thinking about replacing with newer stuff, maybe electric. The switches on the dash are already problematic

RE: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - HoosierDaddy - 09-19-2026

This would be a good time to switch to electric. It has been done before on classic Newell. That would provide for intermittent wipe as well. Here’s a pic of the replacement part obtained through American Bus for 316.
Dirks and Four State Trucks offer conversion kits.

RE: Classic 1986 Winshield Wiper Parts - TerryW - 09-19-2026

(11 hours ago)HoosierDaddy Wrote:  This would be a good time to switch to electric. It has been done before on classic Newell. That would provide for intermittent wipe as well. Here’s a pic of the replacement part obtained through American Bus for 316.
Dirks and Four State Trucks offer conversion kits.
Holy smokes those are EXPENSIVE. I had no idea. Ok, well I'll try to get the air system working for now and if I hit the Powerball I'll check back in with electric. Whew, I need to get a pacemaker after that sticker shock.