Anco Aero Wiper Blade ID

[ko-lek-tor]

Scored a set of what I believe are oriiginal Aero wiper blades off a guy's 69 SS. Can someone tell me how to confirm they are OEM? Either by pics or PM. I can't post pics right now. Thanks.

[z28z11]

My '69 Z was equipped with them when I bought it, as was my Z11. I have both the sets, plus several NOS sets and refills I have bought over the years. I can share any numbers and features that you want to compare - I can dredge them out this weekend. I know the blade holders have patent info on them, possibly a date code, as do the inserts. Love those Red Dots -

I asked about originality many years back from a well known Chevrolet guy - he told me in no uncertain terms that some Camaros were equipped with them (from GM), particularly Z's and SS cars. I wouldn't mind hearing opinions from our internal experts -

[JohnZ]

The "Aero" (wing) feature was only on aftermarket blades - none were ever used in production.

[ko-lek-tor]

The "Aero" (wing) feature was only on aftermarket blades - none were ever used in production.

Admittedly, I have never seen a RPO number or have seen them offered as an option, but I was led to believe otherwise. Thanks for the clarification John. Anyway, got a set now. Just something else I bought but did not need. I guess $10 was not too bad though?

[z28z11]

$10 is not bad when you consider these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-15-INCH-ANCO-WIPER-STOCK-NO-815-/141338935534?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20e87500ee&vxp=mtr

I've seen them advertised for as much as $250 a pair (although you'd have to be crazy to buy them at that !)

By the way, I've seen these as early (bright polished) editions, and the matte finish late models, on Corvettes, plus the 18" blades on Mopars. They may be aftermarket, but I've seen a lot of pairs sell for large prices, plus even Classic has them advertised in the catalog as repops. Coincidental, I'm sure.

[z28z11]

And, if you were ever curious as to Anco being an OEM to GM, consider these :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/65-66-67-68-69-CHEVELLE-IMPALA-CAMARO-CORVETTE-NOS-WINDSHIELD-WIPER-BLADES-ANCO-/281321265487?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item41800dd94f&vxp=mtr

Turns out, John W. Anderson actually invented the replaceable wiper blades in the 30's, Anco sued Trico (and was in litigation with them for 7 years in a patent infringement case) in the late 50's early 60's from what I understand. Anco is currently a division of Federal Mogul . Makes me wonder a little more if they might have been available OTC or as OE on some GM products in the late 60's -

I do believe Anco and Trico have swapped OEM status with GM over the years - whoever had the lowest bid at that bid moment, probably.

[z28z11]

Adds weight to the previous statement - anyone have a box of GM part #3888296 laying around ? I'd sure like to see them to understand what the differences are between them and the Trico listing right below it for Camaros (other than a 1/4" of length). My old Anco 815 refills fit both Trico and Anco blades -

Regards -   

[JohnZ]

By the way, I've seen these as early (bright polished) editions, and the matte finish late models, on Corvettes, plus the 18" blades on Mopars. They may be aftermarket, but I've seen a lot of pairs sell for large prices, plus even Classic has them advertised in the catalog as repops. Coincidental, I'm sure.

The "aero" wing blades were never used on Corvettes, either; both Anco and Trico blades were used (in pairs) on '63-'67 Corvettes, but only in the normal (non-"aero") configuration. Vendors will tell you anything to sell you parts, and I'm sure more than one has tried to sell "high-performance cars got hiigh-performance wiper blades from the factory".  :-(