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Defroster Duct

linckeil

linckeil

Member
Here are two options I found. I'd love to hear from folks who have actual experience with either.

1) A $26 OMIX-ADA option. part number 17907.01. I'm not a big buyer of omix parts, but its only a heater duct. Any feedback on this option:


2) A $68 option offered by jeepsterman using the OEM part number of M1111. The description says its "improved quality" and made in the US. Is it worth paying nearly 3x for this unit over the omix part? maybe it is? What are thoughts/feedback on this part?


Are there any other options out there that I should consider?
 
anything will be better than Omix in the quality department. as much as we deservedly bag on them, they are really the only people that care enough to make parts for our old jeeps.

i consider jeepsterman one of us, and i support him when i can when buying parts. knowing parts will fit is well worth the added cost.

i cannot tell you how many times i have bought Omix parts only to have to rework most everything. mounting holes seldom line up, overall fitment of parts are guaranteed bad.

id go jeepsterman every day.
 
One of the reasons you’re unable to find a rust free windshield frame for a CJ is because of the defroster duct. It puts moisture into the windshield cavity causing it to do the inevitable. After an exhaustive search to find an OEM windshield frame for my CJ some 20 years ago I opted not to ever use or replace any of the defrost ducts only thing was a new cable to finish off the dash. I’ve never run into a problem that I need the defrosters for, but then again my ole girl is only wearing her bikini top all 4 seasons here at the Delaware Seashore.
 
58 willys said:
One of the reasons you’re unable to find a rust free windshield frame for a CJ is because of the defroster duct. It puts moisture into the windshield cavity causing it to do the inevitable. After an exhaustive search to find an OEM windshield frame for my CJ some 20 years ago I opted not to ever use or replace any of the defrost ducts only thing was a new cable to finish off the dash. I’ve never run into a problem that I need the defrosters for, but then again my ole girl is only wearing her bikini top all 4 seasons here at the Delaware Seashore.
Click to expand...
The other problem is the factory windshield frame duct “cavity” essentially got no paint inside, other than a little overspray where the two oval duct holes are. The rest of the inner cavity is bare steel.
 
I have one that looks like either of the ones you posted. I'm pretty sure I got it from JC Whitney in the 90's. It's fine, did the job.. As others mentioned, Jeepsterman is the source I'd use, but I don't think you could go wrong with either one.
 
Keys5a said:
The other problem is the factory windshield frame duct “cavity” essentially got no paint inside, other than a little overspray where the two oval duct holes are. The rest of the inner cavity is bare steel.
Click to expand...

This. I'm not sure early CJ's even came with any duct.
 
PeteL said:
No doubt. But what I consider "Early" CJ's came without any heater, except possibly as an option under the passenger side dash
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Biased sampling no doubt, but most of the pre 72 CJ 5's around here have/had heaters and defrost. That was one of the major improvements over the flat fenders and their M. Mouse makeshift defroster system. When I put the tub together on my 3B 52 years back, I mimicked the CJ5 system with the bottom of the windshield enclosed and the defrost ducting built into the center of the dash (above the switches).
54108008836_9bc5cc021c_b.jpg
 
You guys will laugh at me,
but,
I used a short section of flexible RV pooper pipe. I squeezed into the body slot in the dash and taped the bottom section to the existing piping. The great thing is I pulled about an inch through so it contacts the windshield, sealing the duct to the frame. Coupling this with the 1st gen Bronco heater box and I have a windshield that clears pretty quickly, even in wet conditions.

Total cost was about 5 bucks, and yes I used new pipe :)
 
Interesting conversation. I certainly don’t want to introduce moisture into my windshield frame. I hadn’t considered that possibility.

I will not be using the stock heater setup. I will running this unit from Summit:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...Z7hHH6SzztErWmCaBjmcz5biw8OLnumQbPc4iaaHf7oht

Perhaps the original unit was prone to introducing moisture? Or perhaps all systems do this – new or old?

I do live in New England and the jeep certainly won’t be my daily winter driver, but I would like a defroster. But if a defroster system means rotting out a windshield, then I’ll forego that luxury.

I understand the theory, but how much of a threat is there that moisture from the heater core gets into the windshield?
 
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