Wiper Issues

[BigWheel]

Hey Guys, it's been a while and hope all is well. I've got an issue with the wiper on the drivers side that has me stumped. Where the wiper arm connects to the wiper mechanism/motor everything is held in place by two screws attached to the metal inside the cowl/grill (right in front of the windshield). Well that metal anchor broke and when I disconnected the wiper arm the motor fell down into the grill. So my question is can you take that grill off and how?

I wasn't even sure how to do a search on this. Thanks for any help!!!

[BigWheel]

I found a couple of threads on here that help. No need to respond unless you have some more ideas about the wiper mount on the drivers side.

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?45373-Wiper-Problem&highlight=Wiper+mount

[crazyrog17]

Wiper Issues

Had the same problem, and as you might have read, sandwiched the broken cowl with two pieces of aluminum.

Feel free to post links to the threads you've found helpful here, might help the next person looking for this information.

[BigWheel]

Is there any way to remove the cowl on these cars?

[FestYboy]

remove the spot-welds...

[BigWheel]

remove the spot-welds...

Question: I don't want to destroy the cowl and have never removed one with welds. Do you have suggestions on the best way to do this?

[bravekozak]

Can you not fish out whatever fell down into the plenum by removing the wiper motor bolts and just holding it to the side? Please post a picture of the problem.

[BigWheel]

Can you not fish out whatever fell down into the plenum by removing the wiper motor bolts and just holding it to the side? Please post a picture of the problem.

I can fish it out but to repair the mount I've got to have full access to it. When it broke it came completely apart inside so I have to replace or add supports to fix it. My hands are too big to go through the access panel and be able to work. Make sense?

[FestYboy]

there is a spot weld removal tool available in several sizes HERE, easy to use.

[gestiva]

I can fish it out but to repair the mount I've got to have full access to it. When it broke it came completely apart inside so I have to replace or add supports to fix it. My hands are too big to go through the access panel and be able to work. Make sense?

^ I know what you mean about big hands not fitting while working on festivas, lol.
I will be back in town Thursday afternoon and could drop by and help out? Just let me know. I also have a spare driver's side motor if that helps?

[bravekozak]

Would you have to change the complete wiper arm and pivot assembly?

[Festiva_Fred]

You know if you are going to remove the cowl by drilling out the spotwelds, 1. That is a lot of work, you'll have to reweld it all and dress welds, prime paint if you want it to look good afterwards. 2. You will have to remove the windsheild to gain access to some of the welds. Not trying to be a jerk here, but seems like a ton of unnecessary hassle and work. I would see about finding someone with small enough arms/hands to take out the broke parts and replace it. It's not terrible to get to IMO once you remove the access panel, not the easiest thing but far better than cutting up and rewelding a peice on...

[BigWheel]

^ I know what you mean about big hands not fitting while working on festivas, lol.
I will be back in town Thursday afternoon and could drop by and help out? Just let me know. I also have a spare driver's side motor if that helps?

Hey Jason, I've been wondering how you're doing. I can't do much with it until the weekend but I may give you a call then. I appreciate the offer.

[BigWheel]

Festive_Fred, you've got a point. I had actually considered taking it to a local body shop to see what they could do. I don't have the tools or knowledge to weld a fix on the mount or to re-weld the cowl. I appreciate everyone's input. Good stuff!!

[Festiva_Fred]

Festive_Fred, you've got a point. I had actually considered taking it to a local body shop to see what they could do. I don't have the tools or knowledge to weld a fix on the mount or to re-weld the cowl. I appreciate everyone's input. Good stuff!!

I would say taking it to a bodyshop, would cost a bit of money for them to do all of the work, labor and materials aren't cheap.. I work as a bodyman so I know haha. Best way is if you can find a way to do it somehow through the access panel and leave the cowl intact.