1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

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

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by 2rdt, Oct 14, 2009.

  1. Oct 14, 2009
    2rdt

    2rdt New Member

    Tuscaloosa, AL
    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2009
    Messages:
    1
    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.
     
  2. Oct 14, 2009
    uplandhawaii

    uplandhawaii BentFrame 4X4

    Big Island HAWAII
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2006
    Messages:
    41
    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.
     
  3. Oct 14, 2009
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    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.
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2009
  4. Oct 14, 2009
    MountainCleric

    MountainCleric Another Member

    Butte, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Messages:
    90
  5. Oct 15, 2009
    djljeep

    djljeep Meandering Aimlessly

    Western Maine
    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2008
    Messages:
    199
    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
     
  6. Oct 15, 2009
    1975CJ5

    1975CJ5 Member

    Joplin, MO
    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2005
    Messages:
    125
    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.
     
  7. Oct 15, 2009
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2005
    Messages:
    1,785
    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.
     
  8. Oct 15, 2009
    Colorado_Baja

    Colorado_Baja JEEPS!!

    Fort...
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2006
    Messages:
    304
    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.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

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

    [​IMG]

    It can be done, and you will still have a multitude of top options..
     
  9. Oct 15, 2009
    MountainCleric

    MountainCleric Another Member

    Butte, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2009
    Messages:
    90
    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.
     
  10. Oct 15, 2009
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    9,221
    '55 to '75 there isn't anything to do. Unhinge and put the new one one. :D

    It's the post-75 frames that require different hinges and hold-downs and tops. :)
     
  11. Oct 15, 2009
    Colorado_Baja

    Colorado_Baja JEEPS!!

    Fort...
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2006
    Messages:
    304
    DOH! I'm in my own little world lately..
    Posted via Mobile Device
     
New Posts