The MGB wiper system changed meaningfully across the production run, and the motor, wheel boxes, rack, and arms are not all interchangeable between variants. The key identification points are whether the car has a 3-synchro or 4-synchro gearbox, whether it is a Roadster or GT, and the precise model year, as several component changes occurred at specific points within each period.
Wiper Arms & Blades
Replacement wiper arms and blades are available in silver, black, and polished finishes to suit both correct restoration and personal preference. The arm and blade are a matched pair, confirm the finish required when ordering. Wiper blade condition has a direct effect on screen clearing performance and should be checked regularly, as a hardened or split blade will streak and smear rather than clear, which on a car without a heated screen becomes a safety issue in poor weather.
Wiper Motors
Two distinct motor types were used across the production run and they are not interchangeable. The DR2A type was fitted to 3-synchro Roadsters from 1962 to 1967. The 14W type was fitted to 4-synchro Roadsters and GTs from 1968 onwards. The 3-synchro GT originally used a 12W type motor, which has been replaced by the 14W type using the correct gear; any motor suspected of being the 12W type should be confirmed before parts are ordered.
Within the 14W type there are two variants of self-parking switch, a screw-fitting type and a clip-fitting type, and the correct brush kit depends on which parking switch is fitted. Confirm which switch is fitted before ordering brush components. Reconditioned exchange wiper motors are available for both types. Wheel boxes differ between Roadster and GT applications, and within the Roadster between the 1962 car and 1963 onwards.
Wiper rack, casings, and all associated linkage components are available alongside the motors. An intermittent wiper kit with variable delay from 3 to 30 seconds is available for both positive earth cars (pre-1967) and negative earth cars (1967 onwards), fitting within the existing wiper switch so the original dashboard appearance is completely unaffected. A combined wash/wipe activation version is also available for negative earth cars, which triggers the wipers automatically when the screen washers are operated.
Washer Bottles, Brackets & Jets
The washer system changed from a manual foot-pump arrangement on chrome bumper cars to an electric pump on rubber bumper cars. The washer bottle itself changed from a rigid bottle with bracket mounting to a flexible bag arrangement during later production. Chrome washer jets were fitted to earlier cars, with black jets on later production. An electric washer conversion kit is available for earlier cars that were originally fitted with the manual foot-pump system.
Stainless steel washer bottle brackets are available as an alternative to the painted original for owners who want a cleaner engine bay finish.