OEM Wiper Blades 1973-1974 and the story behind no chrome

[Chief Brody]

For those who are interested, I have been trying to find oem wiper blades for my 1974 Blazer. It wasn't until I went to the parts yard yesterday that I discovered what was oem.

I know these are correct because I found them on four separate trucks.

So here they are, they were made by Trico and had a satin stainless steel finish. They are not shiny like chrome. The blades themselves are a little over 15" with no tension on them.
They are not completely flat on top, they are a bit curved or domed, with a flat on top of that ridge.

An interesting fact is that Ralph Nader is largely responsible for the law that "banned" some chrome parts on automobiles...including wiper blades. Here is the article on the Senate Subcommittee that met on this...in 1965 I believe.
The Liberal Left is already at work in the mid sixties..

http://www.american-buddha.com/nader.unsafeanyspeed.2.htm

 

[Chief Brody]

Let me also state that not everything in that article was a bad thing...automobile industry safety regulations...
I do remember as a child, when most all cars had large amounts of chrome, you could see them coming up the road for a mile when the sun hit the chrome...but I don't think I would have done away chrome parts to the extent that they did.

This is something that I really haven't thought about in years...new cars don't have chrome...and you don't see glare beaming off them anymore...

kind of like you don't see pull-tops from soda and beer cans laying around and all over the side of the highway.

but I still like chrome trim...

 

[brian wafer]

not sure i don,t have a new set,will look !

 

[dyeager535]

Only parts I can think of that were truly chromed/plated off the top of my head are the bumpers, door handles, hood ornament, the 4x4 1/2 ton center caps, and tailgate handles/switches (if K5). I'm sure I've missed a few.

Not many people seem to realize that the side mirrors are stainless steel (at least the "stock" ones) and the wheelwell trim is aluminum I believe.

Can always tell an aftermarket side mirror on these trucks, they are rusty.

 

[Keitha]

Don't forget that chrome is more expensive then the alternatives. The automobile industry is always happy to substitute expensive for cheap.

 

[blazinzuk]

If I could ever meet Ralph Nader, oh he is old and I would still punch him repeatedly in the face. Then let him heal then continue to punch him, and repeat this cycle for the rest of his life.

I really hate that guy.

 

[USSkoval]

The original little 'sport' mirrors were chrome. But yes, most body trim on cars and trucks was made out of aluminum or polished stainless steel.

 

[Chief Brody]

The original little 'sport' mirrors were chrome. But yes, most body trim on cars and trucks was made out of aluminum or polished stainless steel.

not from 1950 to 1965...they were laden with chrome....

 

[USSkoval]

not from 1950 to 1965...they were laden with chrome....

Actually a lot of it was stainless. Window/pillar trim, bodyside trim, stuff like that. Bumpers and cast parts where chromed, the smaller stamped stuff was usually stainless. At least that's the case with GM cars.

 

[Chief Brody]

Actually a lot of it was stainless. Window/pillar trim, bodyside trim, stuff like that. Bumpers and cast parts where chromed, the smaller stamped stuff was usually stainless. At least that's the case with GM cars.

stainless probably holds up better than chrome...those wipers aren't rusted at all...

 

[chulisohombre]

My stock 72 are trico as well. Not rusted at all. Stainless I believe. Also a 15 inch blade.