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I have a 5” crack in the lower left corner of the front windshield of my 53 Clipper Sportster. Need to replace the entire windshield. I have a replacement windshield. The windshield wipers that are a part of the lower chrome windshield strip appear to be a challenge. Would appreciate any guidance or references to complete the job. Thanks

There is a decent procedure on removing and replacing the 26th series (53) windshield starting on page 41 in the body section of the 51-4 service manual. You can download the individual sections from the literature archive and just print the pages you need.

A description of how to work on the wiper pivots and tensioners is on page 4 and 5 of the instrument section of the service manual. You will need to release cable tension to the pivots to loosen them so when working with the tensioners it is a good idea to wear gloves or use a rag to protect your hands from the pulleys. The tensioner spring is strong and the pulley edges are sharp.

There is a fairly decent illustration of the wiper parts on plate 157 in the parts manual. Minor details of those items shown are a bit different than yours but the parts function and how to work on them is similar.

You just need to loosen the towers from underneath. But don't remove the screws. This will give you enough wiggle room. The lower trim just sits against the rubber. Not into the rubber like the like and top trim.

If the rubber is hard/petrified, then it would be safer to cut the rubber out vs bending any of the trim.

If it hasn't been replaced in the last 25+ years, then a new seal will probably be needed. Steele rubber sells them.

Howard and BigKev, thanks for the quick reply, guidance and reference to the service manual which I will now download. Colin

Definitely if you are working with old rubber you will need to install with new rubber. Even if you were to break the windshield to remove it, you will find the old rubber seal to be too stiff and brittle to install the new windshield as directed, without tearing up the rubber.

Old rubber makes it near impossible to remove and install the embedded stainless trim without tweaking it.

New rubber came with the replacement windshield, but thanks for the advice