New top - windshield angle?

I have a major problem. Just ordered and received a new besttop supertop for my 74 cj5. Just about done with my rebuild. I have never actually driven it yet on the road that is.
I did a quick check on the measurement from the inside top of the frame to the back of the jeep. It was 66.5". The instructions say it must be 69.5".
The windshield frame follows the fiberglass tub that I bought from 4wd hardware.
Anyone have any ideas how I might fix this?
Appreciate any help.
Thanks

 

Re: New Top

Do you have the rubber piece that goes between the windshield and tub? If so, you may have to shim it somehow.

 

Re: New Top

I shimmed my w/s with the thick rubber bungee cords. I just cut the ends off of them and ran them along the inside edge. Worked perfectly for me

 

Re: New Top

Starting from scratch, did you put some type of straight edge up the back of the tub and stretch a tape from the W/S frame back to the straight edge????

 

Not sure about your model. But I have bought some new tops for a 64 and a 76. Both of these had a little channel in the front of the winshield frame for the top to fit into. So the top really would be a bit longer than the measurement from the edge of the w/s Also if it is a snap in place on the sides and back, you could compensate with the placement of the snaps...... i think. The top needs to be tight and it will streach some. I bet it is going to fit ok. Just hold your mouth right as you put it on.

 

The supertop is going to attach by rails, not snaps. There's not a lot that can be done to adjust it except maybe drilling some new holes in the side supports.

 

Loosen the windshield frame clamps, push it forward until you have the desired measurement, find what works for you to fill the gap. I left the factory gasket and haven't had any problems.

 

I thought about making some sort of a shim, what did you all do with the defroster vent that comes throught the bottom of the windshield frame?

 

As you probably already know, the defrosters are basically worthless. However, if you want to keep them, consider getting piece of rubber about 1/2" thick that you can cut down to the desired thickness. Use the existing cowl gasket as a template for the defroster vents. Or, a new one can be had for about $30 from the typical parts warehouses. Trim it down as necessary.

 

No, didn't know the defrosters were junk. I haven't driven this jeep yet. Hopefully will be putting it on the road next week. Is there anything to be done on the 74's to improve them?

 

Do you live someplace where defrosters are important? If you'll search around this site and the internet, you should find several people who have upgraded their blower motors to something more powerful. That should help the defrosters and heat in general.

 

There are aftermarket, marine type heaters available. Many people have had success using the blower motor from a '73 Blazer.

 

Yes, I live in upstate NY. Cold for 4-5 months of the year. I thought the chevy blower motor upgrades were for the motors outside the firewalls. Have people made successful conversions with the under the dash type?

 

The Blower fan is under the dash but the motor sticks thru the fire wall into the engine compartment. You just have to cut a slightly larger hole in the fire wall to allow the larger motor of the chevy blower to fit.

 

Not if his 74 is stock. The blower motor will stick out toward the passenger seat. As far as I remember, the opening is pretty small. You'd have to open it up some to fit a larger motor and fan. It may stick out a bit further, too.

I'd keep an ice scraper and a rag handy. You might be a good person to test out the Stop Fog stuff. Check out the post in off topic at the top. I don't know if samples are still available.

Probably won't help with your windshield problem though.

 

You are right. My motor is entirely inside the tub under the dash facing the passenger seat. Has anyone done this upgrade on this style heater? I will have to take some measurements to see if it is possible. Be interested in hearing from anyone who has done this.
Thanks

 

iamgeer did an upgrade with a Dodge truck heater motor. Try this link http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7561&highlight=heater+upgrade

 

Well, Fixed my problem with the windshield angle this weekend. I built a form 5/8" on one side 3/8" on the other side. Mixed a 2part rubber mixture and poured it into the form. Next morning I had a new 80 durometer gasket with the angle I needed. Installed, cut the holes for the wiper wires and defroster vents, relocated the hold down clamps and wa la.

 

We're all ears. Please tell us more, how you did it, and what kind of stuff you made the rubber mixture from?