Wiper Blade Replacement

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of windshield wiper blades on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Windshield wiper blade assembly (driver side) × 1 — ANCO 31-series or Trico equivalent, 16-inch blade
• Windshield wiper blade assembly (passenger side) × 1 — ANCO 31-series or Trico equivalent, 16-inch blade

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and turn off engine
2. Move wiper arms to upright service position by turning ignition to accessory position, activating wipers, then turning off ignition when arms reach mid-windshield position
3. Wipe down wiper arms and blade assemblies with clean towel to remove any debris

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove driver side wiper blade
   Lift the driver side wiper arm away from windshield until it locks in the raised position. Locate the release tab or pin at the connection point where the blade assembly attaches to the wiper arm. The blade-to-arm attachment style on this vehicle should be verified visually before removal, as vintage F-100 wiper arms may use a bayonet, side-pin, or hook connection depending on original or replacement arm. Press the release tab while sliding the blade assembly away from the hooked end of the wiper arm to separate it. Support the wiper arm to prevent it from snapping back against the windshield.
2. 2

   Install new driver side wiper blade
   Hold the new wiper blade assembly and align the attachment mechanism with the hook on the driver side wiper arm. Slide the blade assembly onto the arm hook until you hear or feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the blade to confirm it is securely locked to the arm.
3. 3

   Return driver side wiper arm to windshield
   Carefully lower the driver side wiper arm back down to the windshield, guiding it gently to avoid impact with the glass. Ensure the new blade sits flat against the windshield surface.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side wiper blade
   Lift the passenger side wiper arm away from windshield until it locks in the raised position. Press the release tab at the blade attachment point while sliding the blade assembly away from the hooked end of the wiper arm to separate it. Support the wiper arm to prevent it from snapping back against the windshield.
5. 5

   Install new passenger side wiper blade
   Hold the new wiper blade assembly and align the attachment mechanism with the hook on the passenger side wiper arm. Slide the blade assembly onto the arm hook until you hear or feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the blade to confirm it is securely locked to the arm.
6. 6

   Return passenger side wiper arm to windshield
   Carefully lower the passenger side wiper arm back down to the windshield, guiding it gently to avoid impact with the glass. Ensure the new blade sits flat against the windshield surface.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was performed beyond blade removal, so no reassembly is required

Verification

• Turn ignition to accessory position and activate wipers to confirm both blades operate smoothly without chattering or skipping
• Verify both blades make full contact with windshield across their entire length during operation
• Spray windshield washer fluid and run wipers to confirm proper clearing performance
• Check that both blades are securely attached with no looseness or rattling during operation
• Confirm wiper arms return to proper parked position at bottom of windshield when turned off

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