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Year ? Windshield angle-Soft top related

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by WadeS, Jan 13, 2015.

  1. Jan 13, 2015
    WadeS

    WadeS Member

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    Just wondering what year they changed the windshield angle on the cj5's.
    I thought it was around 1973.
    Certain soft top doors won't fit Correct
    Thanks W
     
  2. Jan 13, 2015
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    1976

    55-75 takes the same top.
    76-up takes a different top.
     
  3. Jan 13, 2015
    dsrt4

    dsrt4 Member

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    555
    Change the windshield frame according to the year top you want to use.

    Have a 55 and found a 76 and newer top for cheap....Change to the 76 and newer windshield frame

    Same goes with the 76 and newer. Find a 55 to 75 soft top for cheap? Change to a 75 and older windshield frame.

    Keep in mind the tub will need the proper attachment points added for what whatever year top style you use.
     
  4. Jan 13, 2015
    WadeS

    WadeS Member

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    ya it looks like the windshields on a 76 and up lean back more .Older style is more upright right .
     
  5. Jan 13, 2015
    dsrt4

    dsrt4 Member

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    555
    Yes and narrower up top for 76 and newer.
     
  6. Jan 13, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I understand the change is not a bolt on. I'm sure you have to enlarge/move the hinge holes, and the hold dow style is different and must be adapted. I believe the holes in the cowl for the defroster must change too.

    But it's not difficult.

    True. The later windshields lean back more, and the glass is trapezoid shape (narrower across the top than the bottom).
     
  7. Jan 13, 2015
    dsrt4

    dsrt4 Member

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    555
    It's a bolt on... I've done it to my 73 and 82. Both ways. My defroster worked fine with no mods either jeep. I think my defroster opening in my 73 windshield was the same as the 82.

    Only had to drill a few holes here and there. Both top conversions went on in a afternoon with 1 guy..
    I had help with hoisting windshield frames though.
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2015
  8. Jan 13, 2015
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    The Hinge location bolts holes are all different..........the defrost vent hole on the early jeeps does line up fine at least until about 1980, maybe even a little later as mentioned above to 82 but after that they don't line up...............Pre 75 Doors will not fit or line up properly with a later top or windshield frame do to the increased angle and trapezoid shape of the later frame. The Windshield wiper motor is now inside which could conflict with some early Jeeps that have a cross bar there for there roll cage. The Windshield hold down clamps are now a bolt attached to a large knob and are also in a little different location.................nothing impossible.
     
  9. Jan 13, 2015
    WadeS

    WadeS Member

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    My original question was more concerned with Original Whitco tops and windshield angles - would a top that fit a 75 fit a 66 ?
    Seems like it would.
    I had heard that from about mid 73 and up there were differences
    Thanks guys W
     
  10. Jan 13, 2015
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    '55-'75 CJ and '52 up M38a1 use the same top. '76 and up are different. The '73 to '75 are the same as the earlier ones. Just like colojeepguy answered.
     
  11. Jan 14, 2015
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yes.

    Piling on ... what you heard is wrong. 1976 is the first year that is changed.
     
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