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Windshield latch - Down position

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by DrewDog_CJ3A, Jan 9, 2007.

  1. Jan 9, 2007
    DrewDog_CJ3A

    DrewDog_CJ3A I'm back!!

    Geneseo, New York
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    86
    Anyone here installed a "hoop" on the hood in order to latch the windshield down in the down position using the latch on the windshield??

    I am wondering if the factory windshield latch is strong enough to keep it down over bumps and cliff diving with the jeep.

    I usually ratchet-tie the windshield down, and it's down all the time when I trail ride, but it's a pain.
     
    DrewDog_CJ3A, Jan 9, 2007
    #1
  2. Jan 9, 2007
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Originally there would have been a canvas strap on the w/s that would feed through the lower/shorter footman loop on the hood to keep it down. Never used it to know how secure it was.
     
    Boyink, Jan 9, 2007
    #2
  3. Jan 9, 2007
    panzer

    panzer Super Mod Staff Member

    Columbus, OH
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    I believe the latch on the windshield is to keep the hood in the up
    position. The large hoop is to engage the hood when lifted. The
    footman loop is like Mike said, to tie down the windshield.
     
    panzer, Jan 9, 2007
    #3
  4. Jan 9, 2007
    blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Portland Tn.
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    Zipy ties
     
    blevisay, Jan 9, 2007
    #4
  5. Jan 9, 2007
    DrewDog_CJ3A

    DrewDog_CJ3A I'm back!!

    Geneseo, New York
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    I understand the footman loop and the tie, but what about physically latching with the windshield latch? That way I can just fold down and mechanically latch into place.

    Is there any concequences of doing that??
     
    DrewDog_CJ3A, Jan 9, 2007
    #5
  6. Jan 9, 2007
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Would the wieght of the w/s still be resting on the "standoffs"? Or entirely on the latch?
     
    Boyink, Jan 9, 2007
    #6
  7. Jan 9, 2007
    DrewDog_CJ3A

    DrewDog_CJ3A I'm back!!

    Geneseo, New York
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    Weight would be on the on the standoffs, but would be "tight" to the hood using the latch in the center.
     
    DrewDog_CJ3A, Jan 9, 2007
    #7
  8. Jan 9, 2007
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I don't think the geometry of the windshield & hood hinge locations is gonna let it happen, the loop & catch will line up when the hood is up but not when the windshield is down. You could install another loop on the hood but IMHO the strap is Cool. :)

    H.
     
    Howard Eisenhauer, Jan 9, 2007
    #8
  9. Jan 9, 2007
    Hawk62cj5

    Hawk62cj5 Captain of OldSchool

    Brodnax Va.
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    The strap works fine , I run mine shield down 80% of the time. The good part is I can lean foward flip the buckle up grab the strap and raise the shield up at a red light with out leaving my seat. ( i do it quite a bit) I hate driving windshield up , its to confining.
     
    Hawk62cj5, Jan 9, 2007
    #9
  10. Jan 9, 2007
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    I have had the same thoughts about adding a "down" latch.

    Howard is right - it would require drilling a new set of holes, and I have to think someone at Willys must have considered the concept and perhaps rejected it for good reasons. Perhaps stresses would be concentrated? I tend to respect traditional wisdom and decided to stay with the strap.

    Like Hawk62cj5 I love the option of changing it on the roll. "Shields up!"

    Pete
     
    PeteL, Jan 9, 2007
    #10
  11. Jan 9, 2007
    DrewDog_CJ3A

    DrewDog_CJ3A I'm back!!

    Geneseo, New York
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    I agree... over, say 60 some odd years, and no latches or clamps to hold the windshield down.

    Just wonderin why? It seems simple enough, cheap enough, and I would assume that a metal latch is stronger than a canvas strap. All's we are talking about is a raised hoop on the hood, just like the one that's already there, but about 12" closer to the tub, right???
     
    DrewDog_CJ3A, Jan 9, 2007
    #11
  12. Jan 9, 2007
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Just because the factory didn't do it doesn't mean it's not a good idea. Their decision making process had factors and variables that our decision making process doesn't have -- liability, cost (at a much larger scale), and any potential ROI.

    I'd say try it. Worst case you have a couple of additional holes in a hood. Not the end of the world.
     
    Boyink, Jan 9, 2007
    #12
  13. Jan 9, 2007
    Hawk62cj5

    Hawk62cj5 Captain of OldSchool

    Brodnax Va.
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    Cavas strap you can tell easily if its in functioning order , strap can be made if it fails very easily , Strap can be used for other things , strap is more verisitle ie the windshield doesnt have to be in the fully down postion to fuction, and a strap will not break or bend like a latch would if the body flexed.

    Just my thoughts.
     
    Hawk62cj5, Jan 9, 2007
    #13
  14. Jan 9, 2007
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    That spring on the windshield latch isn't real strong. I won't say you don't have a good idea, I just would trust the strap way before I'd trust the latch.
     
    Glenn, Jan 9, 2007
    #14
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