The windshield washer bag was an early type of windshield washer fluid reservoir used in classic automobiles, primarily from the 1950s and 1960s. It was discontinued in favor of rigid plastic or other durable containers, which are the standard in modern vehicles.
Description: Unlike today's hard plastic reservoirs, the washer bag was typically a flexible, rubberized vinyl or cloth bag with a screen-printed logo, such as "See Clear" or the Ford "FoMoCo" emblem. It was designed to hold the washer fluid and was connected to the washer pump (often a foot-operated pump in earlier models) via a hose and nipple.
Key characteristics included:
Material: Flexible rubberized fabric or vinyl.
Appearance: Often red or black with a white, silk-screened logo.
Function: Stored the washer fluid, expanding or contracting slightly with fluid level and temperature changes.
Mounting: Usually mounted in the engine bay using a specific bracket and grommets.
Discontinuation and Modern Status: The original automotive windshield washer bags were discontinued as manufacturers transitioned to more durable, rigid plastic reservoir bottles, which offered better longevity and reduced risk of leaks or material degradation compared to the flexible bags.