Year ? Windshield angle-Soft top related

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

 

1976

55-75 takes the same top.
76-up takes a different top.

 

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.

 

ya it looks like the windshields on a 76 and up lean back more .Older style is more upright right .

 

Yes and narrower up top for 76 and newer.

 

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).

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

'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.

 

Yes.

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