Gen 4 Rear Wiper Delete

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Plus IV, Mar 4, 2016.

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  1. Plus IV

    Plus IV LowGen4

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    Wanted to share how I completed the rear wiper delete today.
    Removing the hatch panels is pretty easy. Start with the lower panel by giving a little tug to release the clips. Then remove the side panels, the small top panel, and then the larger top panel. You will be left with this...[​IMG]
    Unplug the motor harness. You can zip tie it to the wires so that it doesn't rattle around. Using a 10mm socket, remove the wiper arm from the stem and set aside. Remove the (3) 10mm nuts that hold the motor to the hatch. [​IMG][​IMG]
    Remove the motor and you will be left with a hole in the glass. [​IMG]
    I purchased a 1 3/8" metal hole plug from Lowes. [​IMG]
    I roughed up the metal surface with fine sandpaper and then applied 2 coats of primer. [​IMG]
    I then gave it 3 coats of gloss black automotive paint, letting it dry 15 mins between coats. [​IMG][​IMG]
    Once it was dry, I installed the plug in the hole, bent all the prongs to secure it, and then placed a generous amount of clear silicone around the prongs and interior of the plug. You don't want any water from rain or car washes getting inside.
    I re-installed the hatch panels in the reverse order I took them off. I like the smooth clean look. I never used the wiper so I'm not going to miss it. [​IMG][​IMG]
     
    #1 Plus IV, Mar 4, 2016
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  2. bigmichaelkim

    bigmichaelkim Member

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    Cool thanks for this post! Please let us know if any issues arise.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 bigmichaelkim, Dec 18, 2016
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Does the Eco level rear window not have a hole in the windshield (for the missing wiper), and a plug? In other words just plain glass. Just curious, if the plug would be available with a part number.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Dec 18, 2016
  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    If I were doing that i would ask my dealer about the part for the Eco.
     
    #4 Prodigyplace, Dec 18, 2016
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Well maybe there is no part, ie: the Eco rear glass doesn't have a hole. That's what I'm wondering. I wouldn't do a mod like this, but just curious.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Dec 18, 2016
  6. Jerbear949

    Jerbear949 Member

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    we don't need no stinking rear wipers! nice job senor...
     
    #6 Jerbear949, Dec 23, 2016
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  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Editorial: should be "steenking".
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Dec 23, 2016
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  8. BLITZ XW50

    BLITZ XW50 Member

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    Looks good without the rear wiper. Any pictures from a distance?
     
    #8 BLITZ XW50, Jan 6, 2017
  9. alexgrigori

    alexgrigori Active Member

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    Does it improve backward visibility? Motor cover is occupying a bottom corner of the window. Is it possible to straight it up?
     
    #9 alexgrigori, Jan 13, 2017
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  10. ponderosabob

    ponderosabob Junior Member

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    Goofy.
    Why not just buy the 2 eco?
     
    #10 ponderosabob, Feb 19, 2017
  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Perhaps they wanted the 17" wheels, Softex seats, or some of the other features & options on the 4 Touring. The 2016 Eco did not even have many of the safety features available.
     
    #11 Prodigyplace, Feb 19, 2017
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  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    ^ Or the spare.

    I wouldn't do something like this, but the wiper is pretty useless. Maybe good in heavy snow: gives a small clear patch. But, come trade-in time, you've got a chore to restore it to stock. Or if you leave it as-is you confuse/frustrate buyer.

    Kudos to the OP for all the nice clear pics though. (y)
     
    #12 Mendel Leisk, Feb 19, 2017
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  13. randomwalk101

    randomwalk101 DYI'er

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    I'm going to do a DIY on how to install two wipers in the rear. Lol
     
    #13 randomwalk101, Feb 19, 2017
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  14. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    We look forward to hearing all about it when you get back
     
    #14 RCO, Feb 20, 2017
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  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    A pantograph style wiper would be good for the rear, much better coverage:

    upload_2017-2-20_6-21-36.png
    do not know if there's any way it could be done with the current hole location though. Maybe?
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Feb 20, 2017
  16. UltraJetRefill

    UltraJetRefill Member

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    Funny, it just rained here and I got to use the rear wiper for the first time. My initial thought was, "That's it?" :D
     
    #16 UltraJetRefill, Dec 18, 2017
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  17. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Or buy Prime, though it does not come with 17 inch wheels, it is cheaper than buying Gen4 Touring if you live in NE. ;)
     
    #17 Salamander_King, Dec 18, 2017
  18. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    I use the rear wiper occasionally on our 3rd gen, have similar reaction. I suppose it'd be good for snow, it doesn't sweep much of an area though.
     
    #18 Mendel Leisk, Dec 18, 2017
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  19. jamiec123

    jamiec123 Member

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    Very nice write up! I’m going to do this tomorrow as my rear wiper got destroyed in a touch less car was of all things! I know, Wth right. I looked up a new wiper arm and I’m not paying $50 for something I have never used.

    Anyway, what area in Lowe’s can this plug be found?
     
    #19 jamiec123, Dec 19, 2017
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  20. Plus IV

    Plus IV LowGen4

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    You will find it in the nuts and bolts area. It will be in a drawer. There will be all different sizes, both metal and plastic.


    iPhone ?
     
    #20 Plus IV, Dec 19, 2017
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