[TerryW]

Hey guys, 
 
I lost my driver’s side windshield wiper idler arm nut along the highway in the rain. When I stopped to remove the drinker’s side and switch it to the driver’s side I (of course) lost that one in the rain-soaked parking lot. These nuts are the shouldered type and appear to have vanished from the face of the earth, unobtanium???. 
 
So... my question is, where can a fella find parts for these old air wipers. I really don't need to replace the arms but I could if that’s the only/best way. I really don't need to replace the pivot plates either but again, if that's the best way then I'll do that too. but how would I know what arms and pivot plates would work with the old air motor shaft? 

I've been through the post here and all the Ambus and Amequipment etc websites but I don't see any parts for the older air powered stuff. I can't believe I'm the only one who's come up against this.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

[HoosierDaddy]

Terry. If all you need are nuts I would measure the stud and source the nuts from hardware supply. They are probably 1/4 28 or 5/16 28. They could be 20 pitch thread instead of 28. The correct size should thread on easily with your fingers. Be careful not to damage threads . Get a nyloc locking nut.
pm me if you need help sizing them.

Another thought. Check with your local public school mechanic. They might have some NOS parts laying around. That is where I found a brake relay valve for my 1978 Newell years ago.

[TerryW]

Terry. If all you need are nuts I would measure the stud and source the nuts from hardware supply. They are probably 1/4 28 or 5/16 28. They could be 20 pitch thread instead of 28. Get a couple of each!  Get a nyloc  locking nut.

The trouble is that they are stepped. So that about half of the length of the outside of the nut is round and sinks into the idler arm. I do have a milling machine, with a little fiddling around maybe I can machine up and polish some stainless acorn nuts from the home despot???

[HoosierDaddy]

Hmm. Not standard. I would call American Bus in Cincinatti. They may have parts like that but not show them online…
Do you have a lathe??? ?

800-581 7118. American Bus.

[Jack Houpe]

(When I stopped to remove the drinker’s side) Now this brought a laugh!

I have been using AI more and more. I wish AI could do this brake job for me on this bus of ours but this is what it says. 

Where to Look for Vintage Wiper Parts

Newell Coach Parts: Even for older coaches, Newell Coach maintains records and custom fabrication support. You can call their parts desk directly at 918-542-3344 ext. 228.

AM Equipment: They supply OEM wiper motors, arms, and linkage components for heavy-duty and vintage motorhomes. You can contact their technical support at 541-327-1546 to match old stud and thread patterns.

AutoTex OEM / Wiper Technologies: They specialize in replacement wiper assemblies, arms, and hard-to-find hardware for older commercial and RV chassis.Heavy-Duty Truck/Fleet Suppliers: Stores like FleetPride often carry commercial-grade wiper studs, knurled adapters, and retaining nuts.

RV Salvage Yards: Midwest salvage liquidators (such as Visone RV or Colaw RV) often part out vintage motorhomes like classic Newells and Foretravels.If you know the thread size or whether the wiper system is air-driven or electric on that 1986 model, I can help narrow down the exact manufacturer part number.