clip-on / temporary windshield wipers?

[davespencer]

just finished my mk iv roadster and i did not opt for the windshield wiper kit. it sounds like wipers are a necessity to register my car in michigan. i do not want to disassemble everything i have done to install a wiper kit. just wondering if anyone has dealt with this before in the state of michigan or if there is such a thing as temporary or "clip-on" wiper kit just to get through an inspection on the car.
thank you for any input or advice
Dave S

[RickP]

I used something similar to this in order to get past inspection in PA.

https://www.ebay.com/i/231772486289?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=231772486289&targetid=484887847669&device=m&adtype=pla&googleloc=9007412&poi=&campaignid=1497794122&adgroupid=56281259685&rlsatarget=pla-484887847669&abcId=1139466&merchantid=113752303&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIksvbobSw4gIVlK_ICh2GDgjxEAQYCyAB EgJnB_D_BwE


Not exactly what I used as the one I found actually clips onto the windshield. But you get the idea

[RickP]

Found the model I used. Expensive for sure but it got me across the finish line.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Quick-Mount-1932-36-Roadster-Electric-Wiper-Motor,5513.html

Rick

[Greg K]

Here is one I know some have used temporarily. Manual Windshield Wiper (https://www.go2marine.com/product/209874F/sea-dog-manual-windshield-wiper-removable.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjq_e27qw4gIVhR-GCh26WwxOEAQYAyABEgKX_vD_BwE)

[Joel Hauser]

I live in New York State and was able to pass inspection using a manual wiper similar to the wiper Greg K used.
The Michigan Vehicle Code at Section "257.709, "Windshields and windows; prohibitions; rearview mirrors; exceptions; windshield wipers; exemption; hot air windshield defroster or electrically heated windshield or other device; windshield device; definitions", states,

"(4) Except as provided in subsection (5), the windshield on each motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. A vehicle licensed as an historical vehicle is exempt from this subsection if the vehicle was not originally equipped with such a device. Each windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order."

I'm not a lawyer in Michigan, so I wouldn't dare give advice on Michigan Law.

Dictionary.com defines a device as, "a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one."

But I'd ask someone who works at a hot rod shop.
Joel

[edwardb]

I live in New York State and was able to pass inspection using a manual wiper similar to the wiper Greg K used.
The Michigan Vehicle Code at Section "257.709, "Windshields and windows; prohibitions; rearview mirrors; exceptions; windshield wipers; exemption; hot air windshield defroster or electrically heated windshield or other device; windshield device; definitions", states,

"(4) Except as provided in subsection (5), the windshield on each motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow, or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle. A vehicle licensed as an historical vehicle is exempt from this subsection if the vehicle was not originally equipped with such a device. Each windshield wiper upon a motor vehicle shall be maintained in good working order."

Wow, dug deep into the Michigan

I'm not a lawyer in Michigan, so I wouldn't dare give advice on Michigan Law.

Dictionary.com defines a device as, "a thing made for a particular purpose; an invention or contrivance, especially a mechanical or electrical one."

But I'd ask someone who works at a hot rod shop.
Joel

Wow, dug deep into the Michigan code there. But none of that will really comes into play here. Our cars are titled in Michigan as an assembled vehicle, and there's a specific set of instructions for how it's done: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/BFS-72__09-03__83315_7.pdf. In those instructions is reference to a TR-54 inspection form: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/TR-54_38480_7.pdf. This form has to be completed by a police officer, and here's where you'll see the checkbox for wipers (and washers BTW). Will a clip on or temporary setup pass the inspection? Probably. But there is clearly, in my experience, a lot of discretion used and depends on the officer doing the inspection. Even more discretion if you know someone. Enough said there. Once you have the form signed, next stop is the SOS office. They won't look at the TR-54 other than to see it's signed and all the boxes are checked. They will submit the title application if you have all the necessary paperwork outlined in the instructions. And that's also when you get to pay sales tax. There aren't any more inspections after the first one.

[GoDadGo]

Here is one I know some have used temporarily. Manual Windshield Wiper (https://www.go2marine.com/product/209874F/sea-dog-manual-windshield-wiper-removable.html?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=gb1&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=productfeed&utm_campaign=googleshopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjq_e27qw4gIVhR-GCh26WwxOEAQYAyABEgKX_vD_BwE)

Here's another Manual Wiper from Speedway if it helps.

Wiper
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Hand-Crank-Manual-Windshield-Wiper,2301.html

Mount
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Manual-Hand-Windshield-Wiper-Mount-Bracket,3416.html

Good Luck!

[DavidW]

Found the model I used. Expensive for sure but it got me across the finish line.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Quick-Mount-1932-36-Roadster-Electric-Wiper-Motor,5513.html

Rick

If you find yourself in a bind and just need wipers to pass inspection I have two of these. I mounted them with a bracket I made that goes on the top of the windshield with brass bolts in the groove. I'll send them to you if you promise to send them back. Just cover shipping, let me know.

[skidd]

Another option worth considering...
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?26986-Budget-Removable-Windshield-Wipers
They are butt-ugly, 100% temporary, and passed inspection.