72-75 vs. 76-86 windshield frames+tubs

I am trying to find a new or used windshield frame for my '75 cj5. Can I use a '76+ windshld frame on my tub? If so, do I buy 76+ Bestop, and will the top fit the rest of the tub? (is a '76-'77 tub the same as my tub?) Any help would be great!

Thanks

Shaun :AMC:

 

AFAIK the outside dimensions of the tubs are the same, but the floors and dash are different.

The windshield question come up a lot. The '76 windshield will fit if you change the latches to the newer style. Only the later top will fit the later windshield, and vice-versa. The '76-on windshield tilts back more and narrows from bottom to top. The earlier windshield glass is basically rectangular, while the later glass is trapezoidal.

 

So do you think the 76's look cooler than the rectangular frames?
CH

 

Theoreticly the 76+ windshield should be more aerodynamic. But I doubt it helps any. I dig the older frames cause you see less older jeeps around these days.

Kevo

 

The older JEEPs are Coolest.. :AMC:

 

I kept my stock windshield frame on my 75 CJ-5, though we found quite a bit of mud patched in it when we were doing touch up paint and such. My avatar is a pic taken in 1980 with the hard top, and the sig pic was taken today with a Bestop Supertop on it. At least you will have a visual to compare a newer one to. IMO, I like the stock look the best.

 

Great info. I am going to have the same problem. Just bought a '72 CJ5 with a 76+ windshield frame (no top or doors included...go figure). From what I gather, the 76+ top is my only option?

 

Nothing to prevent you from changing the windshield back to the 70-75 style, if that's what you prefer. Unfortunately (for you), they are a popular upgrade for earlier Jeeps, so the price may be higher than you'd like.

 

I've looked into that option as well. I did manage to locate a shop here locally that would be able to get one in for me. At this point, I'll take the fastest path to being able to drive it rain or shine...without getting too wet...

 

I have a brand new stock '74 windshield frame & glass in storage since I am currently running a '78 body on my '74.

Does everybody remember the little spring clips that kept the windshield wipers to the windshield at highway speeds? I think that the wiper "float" was the main reason for the later slanted windshields.

I once had a '74 top narrowed to fit my '78, but make sure you get a reliable upholstery shop, my top started peeling back at highway speeds, so I had to fabricate shims for the front channel.

gj