Arctic top question

Heres one for you guys with arctic hardtops...
I am picking this one up this weekend... all it needs apparently is 2 windows. doors are complete and functional. Just wanted to know... aside from having to relocate the windshield to straight up position, what kind of challenges will i be looking at with the install?
I think what i am going to do is leave two sets of windshield mounting holes in the side of the jeep so i can keep the windshield angled when the jeep is topless in summertime and put it straight up for when the top goes on around this time of year. what do you think? (my main concern is getting the doors on straight. all i need now is a heater in there!!
if you guys have any special mounting systems rigged up for your arctic tops, pls post a pic.. i would love to see!! thanks

 

if it had the correct windshield the install would be much eaiser, and then you dont move you orginal windshields mounting points. you could even leave you orginal on just foled down.

 

from what i can tell... the original windshield does not fold down. Doesnt matter in this case because he doesnt want to part with it (too much invested with wipers and lights, etc.).

 

Does yours have the original windshield on it? If so I would think all you would do is un-latch the windshield, tilt it forward a little and fasten the top to it. You should not have to redrill windshield to cowl holes or move this mount.

 

nah that wont work. when you tilt a 3a windshield forward, it creates a Gap underneath it. thats why it needs to be unbolted and moved. an original arctic top windshiled bolts in place with straight mounting arms instead od the curved ones and does not fold down at all (but i dont have the original arctic top windshield)

 

That windshield is part of the top... should look similar to this...




and mounts in these holes...

(the vertical ones)

without the windshield frame the top is going to be a PITA to fit... though someone on this board did it, I have it bookmarked at home...

ahh here it is..
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19226&highlight=hard+top


you will have to make new doors if you want to use a stock windshield frame it appears.

 

The windshield is part of the top, there's no reason for him to sell the top without the windshield! I'd insist that the windshield comes with it, or no deal. Neither one is much good without the other, right? What's he gonna do with just the windshield? It's not the same as a 3A windshield, so why should he keep it?

 

Man a chrome windshield visor would look perfect on that rig. The only thing I dont like is the flares.

 

he wants to keep it because he has already spent on wipers and lights and stuff on it. its basically the same as a 3a WS only the arms are straight on it

 

They are different. for one the doors mount to the frame as well, that is where the hinges attach.

 

couldnt i just drill holes in the WS frame? can you show me pics of the way you did it?

 

you couldnt just move your windshield frame.... it still will not work with the doors as the doors are designed to work with a straight up windshield frame. The one in the pic is another member, click the link and bump the topic with your question, he may reply.

Personally I would go back and tell the guy that you cant take the top without the windshield frame as they are designed to go together. But you need to fully understand why as well. It is going to require extensive fabrication to make it work with the existing windshield frame. If nothing else try to get the hard top for very cheap to justify doing the needed work to even get it to fit.

That or offer him the lights and wipers he installed on it back and just transfer your wipers etc.. over or find new.

 

The lower part on the correct winshield frame is setup for the hinges. You stock frame does not reach down far enough.

 

you are right Bill, but i think a little piece of square tubing will fix that. Take a look at this pic: http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/Photos/Hardtops/Arctic/3BArcticTop.JPG

looks to me like he just moved the windshield closer to the driver, pointed it upwards and bolted in a little piece of tube to accomodate the doors.

Looks like i'll be testing my fabbing skills. Pics to follow

 

I still say you should demand the windshield with the top, it's part of it for cryin' out loud. What's he gonna do with just the windshield and frame assy.? It would look terrible on a Jeep all by itself, since it's vertical and not angled back, not to mention separating them really kills the value of the top.

And what kind of "lights" did he put on a windshield frame?

 

Skip it w/o the original windshield as nothing will make a regular windshield fit.

 

a little update... i bought the top. i extended my 3b windshield to correct height and repainted the windshield (first coat drying right now). Actually looks pretty good. Next task is to reposition the windshield closer to the driver tilted straight up and determine new arm pivot location... and then line up the doors and bolt in the hinges.

I'll make believers out of you guys...
i know i know you wanna see pics I will post them as soon as i am done

 

My ol' 2A has a top that look nearly identical. It's aluminum, probably isn't an original arctic top--but it looks darn near close. The 2A has a 3A windshield and the top fits fine.

 

yeah... windshield from a 2a and a 3a is the same height but mine was from a 3B (which is more than 4 inches shorter) so i had to extend it. i basically just chopped it all the way across beneath the glass, seperated the two pieces, welded angle iron and square tubing in on the side supports and riveted sheet metal across the big gap ... oh and painted the whole thing. Here's a pic with second coat on (still drying). I kinda like the look of the rivets... sort of original