Any chance of limited production runs occuring again in the future? Say... if a number of people commit to buy then a production run of just that number of wipes is made after the fact? Or even selling a DIY kit containing all the parts and a link to a youtube video demonstrating the assembly process?
[This message has been edited by mongo (edited 08-18-2015).]
Wow this is horrible news. I'm not really ready for mine but if this last run is done I guess I'll have to jump in. I'm gonna need 2 sets of inner and outers. Let me know if this happens.
A final run has already been done, I may revisit them again in the future if nobody jumps in and takes over producing them. A DIY kit wouldn't work because of the type of rivets used to attach the pieces.
Agreed. I just got the last kid out of my house and have free time to work on the Fiero.... so I started buying parts and found I missed the boat on the wipes.
If/when you decide to do another run, I am in for a set and have no problem pre-paying to ensure I get one.
Argh... I haven't been here in a long time, but yesterday got to thinking about the terrible condition of my dew wipes. Our rain will be back in a couple months or so. Looks like I just missed them.
For whatever it's worth, count me as another motivated buyer.
I am so sad to see this! I have heard nothing but good things about the dew wipes you produce. It was going to be my winter project. One needs something Fiero related to do when the sn * w flies, right? I hope you reconsider and post that you are once again producing them.
Every Fiero still in existence should need new dew wipes and every one that I come across has cracked dew wipes. Trouble is that they are so freaking hard to replace most do not attempt it. I just replaced a pair and because I was also doing a window replacement it was a piece of cake but changing them with the window up is a different story. From what I can see the center screws cannot be easily removed. I guess with Rodneys steel bar shallow head screwdriver you can get between the window and wipe but it ain't easy. A while back Anthony Cook shared a trick that he used to replace these. He removes the door panel (carefully of course) paints reference marks, unbolts the window stops and raises the window all the way up past the screw heads. Then a standard screwdriver can be used to reach the hard to get ones. You've got to be careful to not lose the shallow flat head phillips screws that hold the wipes in place. When I lose one I use old ones, but new they seem impossible to find. Anyone know of a source?
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Every Fiero still in existence should need new dew wipes and every one that I come across has cracked dew wipes. Trouble is that they are so freaking hard to replace most do not attempt it. I just replaced a pair and because I was also doing a window replacement it was a piece of cake but changing them with the window up is a different story. From what I can see the center screws cannot be easily removed. I guess with Rodneys steel bar shallow head screwdriver you can get between the window and wipe but it ain't easy. A while back Anthony Cook shared a trick that he used to replace these. He removes the door panel (carefully of course) paints reference marks, unbolts the window stops and raises the window all the way up past the screw heads. Then a standard screwdriver can be used to reach the hard to get ones. You've got to be careful to not lose the shallow flat head phillips screws that hold the wipes in place. When I lose one I use old ones, but new they seem impossible to find. Anyone know of a source?
Thanks for the info Dennis. It would be nice if jelly2m8 would see this post. He could chime in to the procedure for replacement tips. I know jelly2m8 personally and he installed new GM dew wipes on my 88GT. He's a good guy and does really good work. I never met someone that turns wrenches as good as his fieros work / perform.
I hope he could give us some input on this technical info to make the job easier.
Removing the rear track and upper limit stops allows the 2 center screws to be accessed from under the window glass by rolling the window all the way up and shifting it to the rear of the door. I've got install time down to just over an hour per side start to finish using this method. I will be doing another run around November sometime so don't fret if you are in need of dew wipes. I may try and do an install video as well showing the under the window method.
If you are making a list please put me down for two sets of inner and outer. I'm not sure if you ever figured out the gap problem for the early 84s but that is what one of the sets are for. Please PM me if/when you're doing another run. If I'm gonna use repops I want yours because their the best !
A little trick I use that allows me to replace the wipes without tearing the whole door apart is to use wooden wedge shims from your building supply. They're commonly used to shim case windows and doors to square them in the framing.
After removing the inner door panel, dew wipe. the rubber filler piece at both ends, and mirror, mark the position of the felt guide nuts and loosen but do not remove them.
Lower the window and remove the screws that are easily accessible.
Raise the window and tip it inward. Cut away all the old rubber of the dew wipes.
Insert the dew wipe tool into the screw then slide the wooden wedge down between the tool and window. Exert enough pressure on the wedge to keep the tool engaged with the screw and loosen. Retract the wedge, reposition the tool and repeat.
No need to remove the door skin or disturb any part of the window mechanism or rollers.
Reverse the steps to install the new dew wipes. Use some form of sticky on the tool to get the middle screws started. I like to position a magna-stick just below the screw when removing or installing just in case it drops. They do like to find that very inaccessible niche in the bottom of the door.
Originally I used my fingertip between the window and tool and they were sore for days afterward.
10/16 update. I have ordered supplies and should have dew wipes available for shipment in about 3 weeks. Prices will be $95/pair for outers and $35/pair for inners plus shipping.
Well, I should have said back in August when I posted, that I would like a set of outers. I didn't realize we were compiling a list :-/ My son might be interested in a set as well. Do you, or anyone make a replacement guide? I have a lot of glass scratches on the outside.
