XK120 Windscreen Wipers

I am in the process of rebuilding a '120 fixed head and would like to upgrade the wiper system. Does anyone know of an alternative which is powerful enough for driving in mordern traffic and relatively straightforward to fit. - Roger Learmonth

In addition to a new switch and MK II/XK140/150 wiper motor, a wiring harness for the wiper motor from an XK140 and the rack, part C11841, with the self parking rider. The standard XK120 wiper rack does not have self-parking rider. The blades themselves can be upgraded to a more modern blade. The mounting of the new wiper motor could be done in the present area in the XK120. A new mounting bracket may have to be fabricated. - Cleo Bay Jr.

Use a motor from a Mk II and the 2 speed switch from a saloon. But, what kind of power are you looking for? The arm/blade combo are the weak point. A little re-engineering and that is solved. - George Badger

I recommend Rain-X instead of modifying the wipers. I use it on the 120 and rarely even turn the wipers on. If you haven't used it, you will be amazed. The MGTC we owned for six years didn't even have a working wiper motor and I didn't bother to fix it because the Rain-X made it unnecessary. - Bruce Cunningham

You're so right about Rain-X. - George Badger

Bruce, That is seriously interesting. I'd give it a go if I wasn't in the difficult position of being on the verge of fitting the new dash and trimming the interior. If I don't fix the wipers now, then it will require a lot of re-work later. Your suggestion however, is duely noted. - Roger Learmonth

Roger, that is a very good question. The wiper function in a XK 120 is dangerous by all means, especially when it rains. - Arno Wahl

Maybe it rains slowly in England, necessitating slow wipers!!?? - Mike Plechaty

Times have changed: When John Bolster did test the new DHC, he wrote in Autosport in May 1954, after a wet day round the Club Circuit at Silverstone: "...my visit took place during the recent spell of bad weather, and a thunderstorm was raging when I made my test........the screen wipers ensured 100 per cent" (!) - Martin Jacobsen

Martin, It's staggering how expectations seem to have changed or is it that I haven't got my original equipment working properly? My insistance on changing the '120 FHC set-up is based on the inadequacy of my 120 OTS system which is frankly worse than useless. I rally a '150 OTS and although an improvement, is also woefully inadequate in that department, (works well in really wet conditions but virtually stops when the screen dries and they lift at speed). What am I missing? - Roger Learmonth

If you have any questions or comments send e-mail to: ted@jag-lovers.org
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