maintenance

Wiper Blade Replacement

for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

18 min

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace worn windshield wiper blades on the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine to restore proper windshield clearing performance.

Warnings

⚠Do not operate wiper arms without blades installed as this can scratch the windshield

ℹ️Spring tension in wiper arms can cause them to snap back against windshield if released suddenly

Tools required

None required (hand operation only)

Parts

Driver side wiper blade assembly × 1 — 16-inch hook-type wiper blade
Passenger side wiper blade assembly × 1 — 16-inch hook-type wiper blade

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
Move wiper arms to mid-stroke position for easier access by briefly turning on wipers then shutting off ignition when arms are vertical

Procedure

1
Lift driver side wiper arm
Grasp the driver side wiper arm near the base pivot and pull it away from the windshield until it locks in the raised service position. The arm should hold itself up by spring tension.
2
Release driver side blade retaining tab
Locate the small metal or plastic tab on the wiper blade assembly where it connects to the hook-shaped wiper arm end. Press or pull this tab while simultaneously sliding the blade assembly toward the base of the arm to disengage it from the hook.
3
Remove driver side wiper blade
Once the retaining mechanism is released, slide the old wiper blade assembly completely off the hook end of the wiper arm. Set aside the old blade.
4
Install new driver side wiper blade
Align the new wiper blade connector with the hook on the wiper arm. Slide the blade assembly onto the hook until the retaining tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the blade to confirm it is securely locked to the arm.
5
Lower driver side wiper arm
Carefully guide the wiper arm with new blade back down to the windshield, controlling its descent to prevent the spring tension from slamming it against the glass.
6
Lift passenger side wiper arm
Grasp the passenger side wiper arm near the base pivot and pull it away from the windshield until it locks in the raised service position.
7
Release passenger side blade retaining tab
Press or pull the retaining tab on the passenger side blade assembly while sliding the blade toward the arm base to disengage it from the hook.
8
Remove passenger side wiper blade
Slide the old wiper blade assembly completely off the hook end of the wiper arm and set it aside.
9
Install new passenger side wiper blade
Slide the new passenger side wiper blade assembly onto the hook until the retaining tab clicks securely into place. Verify the connection by gently pulling on the blade.
10
Lower passenger side wiper arm
Carefully guide the passenger side wiper arm with new blade back down to the windshield, controlling the descent to prevent impact damage to the glass.

Reassembly

No reassembly required for this procedure

Verification

Turn ignition to accessory position and activate wipers at low speed to confirm both blades move smoothly across windshield
Spray windshield washer fluid and verify new blades clear water effectively without streaking or chattering
Inspect that both blades make full contact with windshield across their entire length during operation
Confirm wiper blades return to proper park position at bottom of windshield when switched off

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