One of my wiper blase pins broke in half on my 85 GSL-SE and I couldn't find a replacement anywhere. Internet and parts store search revealed that Anco made a pack of 8 or so for 5 bucks, but they're discontinued as far as I can tell. A 2009 thread here referenced new blades which came with replacement pins, but I couldn't find any in 2019. And there was a set of used rusted wiper blades for sale on the internet for 50 bucks which I passed on, because I didn't want to shell out 50 bucks for a tiny pin. Also saw threads about blades from other makes of cars.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Went to Ace Hardware and bought a stainless #8-32 1 1/2 inch screw with a lock nut for 52 cents and it works like a charm.
Hope this tip will help other members here.

 

I read here, on this forum, quite a while ago, that a member had gotten some newer Mazda wiper arms from another Mazda model... (one that takes the more modern attachment method, vs the 'pin' that seems to wobble quite a bit with lots of play). He cut the two wiper arms in half & welded them together & now he had the 'old' Rx7 part that mounts to the wiper motor shaft & the 'new' (other Mazda) end that has the 180 degree bend (at it's end) that snaps into the wiper blade portion.. so, he has no 'play' in his system... where mine seems to have LOTS of play...wiper blades all over the place... I would like to make a set up for myself... like those I have explained.. seems like a good modification.. since I live in a very rainy climate...

 

Sean did that (82transam) to his FB IIRC, welded some FC wiper arm ends on his FB arms so that he can use normal snap-in style wipers on the FB. I'm planning on doing something similar in the future, as it makes total sense.

 

me too.

 

I did the wiper arm conversion by welding the two together. I got tired of the crappy pins wobbling. The pin style really sucks. One of the best up grades I've done.

 

I remember a post on here where some other car wiper arms fit our cars as drop on replacements. Have to dig around for the link.

Here it is. You can use a 97 Saturn SL2 wiper arm that has the hook style modern end to it. No welding needed. Thanks GM!

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...rsion-1126499/

 

If anyone else besides Zeke has used the Saturn arms, or any other arms, please please tell us about it. My local yards don't have any old Saturn S's, and the arms are $50 each on Epay. I'd love to get some, but need more assurance they will fit correctly. Thanks.

 

I just swapped to a pair of NA/NB Miata arms. They're not as flush to the body, but they sweep about the same as the stock. $20 used, they fit, and get rid of the stupid pin attachment.

 

Thats a great idea. We know NA miatas and SA RX-7s share some parts like the center console.

 

I got some early Miata wipers and mounted them up with 18" blades. They are uneven lengths and both a little longer than stock, but the performance is outstanding. I drove in a pouring rain on the highway and they worked excellent. The only issue is the shape, which is much higher off the cowl than the flush-fitting stockers. I will keep them on as I look fore something closer to original dimensions. Take a look...


They look good from the front.

But sick up too far off the cowl.

And they're in the field of view while driving.

But they have a very nice sweep arc on the windshield.

They work perfectly, but look awkward.

 

Took a walk thru local salvage yard to find some later model Dodge wiper arms to fit my early W150 Ramcharger. Early like mine don't allow you to pull back and lock at 90 degrees and have the earlier bayonet style. Found some on a B van that lock back and have modern hook on the end.
Took a walk around the import side of yard with wiper arm upgrade for my SE in mind and scored a pair from a 97 Miata. Duplicate to what you have there.Got home and compared to what's on car,fitted driver side arm to car and sat in car and decided i wasn't using them for same reason-in line of sight. I have a stash of wiper blade pins that'll keep me going for some time.
I found a set of arms on a 86 Pathfinder that very much resemble 1st gen arms with the modern hook but i broke both of the plastic covers over the retainer nuts when trying to pivot them up,they were brittle after being in sun forever. I fitted these arms and they'll work(much lower profile than Miata arms) but the exposed holdown nut section of arm is ugly looking and needs the covers to look right. Will try to locate new replacements,certain they'll cost more than the arms. All three sets of wiper arms cost me $10.