Fontana and Monte

[williamcorke]

Its rare to see a photo with the extra wiper motor visible as well as the wiper.

Experts I've consulted in the past seem to share the opinion that the 3rd, top-mounted wiper was hand-operated on the B20s that had them fitted. A wiper motor in the lower-roofed coupe would:
1. impair visibility
2. be a major cranial hazard in a crash

There is also the question of how the upper wiper would be synchronised with the standard ones...

The ex-Claes 1953 Liège-Rome-Liège rally-winning car has been restored with a motorised wiper. But one of its 60s custodians says it didn't have a motor when he had it.

A berlina roofline would make the motorised wiper more practical, or so Chiron thought, presumably! The question of synchronisation remains unanswered.

It look as if Chiron has a headrest on his seat, while his co-driver has a pillow!

Here's a photo of the interior of the Claes car (credit Will How):

[fay66]

I love the thought of a snow deflector.  When did bug deflectors go out of fashion?  Is it when a wash-wipe became common?

There's also a stick with a circle at its top which appears to be directly in front of the screen.  Any ideas on that?

David

Here you go David, only problem all of them seem to be in the USA, many Styles and Colours!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1940-60s-SINKO-BI-FLECTOR-in-Original-Box-Bug-Snow-Deflector-25-CHEVY-FORD-NOS-/131438567603?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e9a5960b3

Brian
8227

[DavidLaver]

So that's a snow deflector...learn something new...

With the extra wiper I've always assumed them to be a superior item off a boat or a plane for use at high speed.  The standard wipers are a bit slow as well as being notoriously fragile.  I never anticipated they'd be used together.  In many years of asking nobody has ever had a definitive answer.  They're also seen on Aston's of the era and I think Rowan Atkinson's historic racer has one.

David

[DavidLaver]

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/12172/lot/134/

http://static5.imagecollect.com/preview/560/177d69542ed7946

http://static1.imagecollect.com/preview/560/ab14f075a15d7e6

[SanRemo78]

There is also the question of how the upper wiper would be synchronised with the standard ones...
[/quote]

If they were synchronised..... How about a Lucas type wheelbox and tube with the stiff spring run around the screen to link up with the standard wiper rack? Wouldn't need a motor at head height?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVER-DEFENDER-WINDSCREEN-WIPER-SPINDLE-ARM-BOX-2001-PRC8495-/331223019071?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d1e6e2e3f

Guy

[fay66]

There is also the question of how the upper wiper would be synchronised with the standard ones...

If they were synchronised..... How about a Lucas type wheelbox and tube with the stiff spring run around the screen to link up with the standard wiper rack? Wouldn't need a motor at head height?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVER-DEFENDER-WINDSCREEN-WIPER-SPINDLE-ARM-BOX-2001-PRC8495-/331223019071?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d1e6e2e3f

Guy
[/quote]

I think you just probably put it on at the right timewhen needed! many 30's cars had top mounted wipers because the windscreen opened and you just pulled the lever out of it's park position and let it go to set it going..
The other thought is perhaps they were there as a back up in case you had a problem with the main wipers, which I would have thought was more likely, as I can't really see the need, unless it was used to clear a build up at the top of the windscreen against the drivers A pillar.
David, I seem to recollect that Alan Wesson had some of these, or the bug deflectors, for sale a few years ago.
Brian
8227

[stanley sweet]

I love the thought of a snow deflector.  When did bug deflectors go out of fashion?  Is it when a wash-wipe became common?

There's also a stick with a circle at its top which appears to be directly in front of the screen.  Any ideas on that?

David

I'm having a guess the thing on a stick may be an external thermometer. As for bug deflectors, I have been seriously thinking about a full width one for the Fulvia. I have never known any car to attract a windscreen thick with varous entrails in such a short time. Gets a bit tedious in summer.

[fay66]

I love the thought of a snow deflector.  When did bug deflectors go out of fashion?  Is it when a wash-wipe became common?

There's also a stick with a circle at its top which appears to be directly in front of the screen.  Any ideas on that?

David

I'm having a guess the thing on a stick may be an external thermometer. As for bug deflectors, I have been seriously thinking about a full width one for the Fulvia. I have never known any car to attract a windscreen thick with varous entrails in such a short time. Gets a bit tedious in summer.

Stan,
I shouldn't think the bugs were that pleased either

Brian
8227

[stanley sweet]

Now you've made me feel guilty. I'll have to drive at no more than 5mph in the summer.

[SanRemo78]

You do know what the last thing that goes through their minds as they hit the screen don't you?

[the.cern]

You do know what the last thing that goes through their minds as they hit the screen don't you?

Could it be 'wow, its a Lancia!!!!' ?

[mikeC]

Here's a photo I've had for many years, showing Walter Schock and Ralf Moll in their Mercedes 300SL on the 1956 Sestriere Rally; I've only just noticed the B20 Aurelia in the background!

[Parisien]

You do know what the last thing that goes through their minds as they hit the screen don't you?

.....did I leave the milk bottles out........


P

[SanRemo78]

You do know what the last thing that goes through their minds as they hit the screen don't you?

.....did I leave the milk bottles out........

Their a**e.

Sorry, I'll get my coat and leave now...




P