Has anyone converted a Pre '75 windshield to post '75 windshield

I have a '74 CJ5 and I am trying to get a hard top for it. I am having trouble finding one in my area that is in good condition. I have contacted www.rallytops.com and talked to the owner about a top for my Jeep. He said I would have to get a complete windshield off of a '76-'95 CJ5, CJ7, YJ, ect. and it would bolt up. I have searched many forms for windshield conversion and I have not seen anything that addressed this. If anyone has done this or has any info I would appreciate it.

 

I've just done this to my 73. I put a post 76-86 frame on it along with the correct brackets for those years. You need the brackets that go with the newer frame to make it work.

 

If you search in the Intermediates forum, you'll find a lot of posts about this. As I understand it, you'll have to do some fitting and adapting, but it will fit. You'll need the complete hinges, as pointed out by uplandhawaii.

BTW the '74 is an Intermediate CJ, so technically you're in the wrong forum. Just FYI.

 

Rally Tops advertises on their site all the way down to '54 for CJ5's. Why is this guy making you retrofit your intermediate?
http://www.rallytops.com/jeep/cj5.html

 

because he hasn't made a separate mold for the intermediates and earlies yet. the windshield on those are near vertical as apposed to the late models have a tilted back windshield. There was simply more demand for the late model top, and it was easier to make using the acme top as a starting point. However allegedly with the simple windshield swap a late model top fits on an earlier jeep at least with soft tops. If you are going for the hard doors You'd have to check to see it those would work.

early cj5=55-71 Short fenders, F heads and dauntless v6s and D18s
intermediate cj5 = 72-75 long fenders, basically the same as an early, but with updated drive-train. 232,258,304 and D20s
late model- 76+ completely different animal, with exception of the the d-20 in some years and the motors

 

I've been in contact with Jerry at Rally Tops several times too. I hope he starts manufacturing tops for us intermediates. I can't change my windshield without pulling my roll cage, besides, I'd like to keep it the way it is.

 

2rdt, if you change out with an aftermarket frame, post up how you liked the fit and finish. I think I'll need to get a new one for my '74 eventually...too many rust spots, so I'd like to know how it worked out for you.

 

Here are some pics of a 63 that I recently sold that had an intermediate windshield frame on it. I didn't convert it so I cant tell yall exactly what to do.




And the same jeep 8 years earlier with a Best Top soft top on it.



It can be done, and you will still have a multitude of top options..

 

Huh, interesting that he wouldn't note that on the site. I can appreciate the fact that he knows it will work with a conversion, but that wouldn't make it a true early or intermediate, would it? I appreciate a little truth in my advertising.

I'd say keep looking for a used hard top! I turned one up after a little searching. Scour Craigslist and be a bit patient. It can be done.

 

DOH! I'm in my own little world lately..
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