Split windshield on my 55 CJ5

I just bought a 55 CJ5 and noticed it has a two piece windshield or a split windshield. I haven't seen a split windshield on any other models of this model age, even my 54 CJ3B is a one piece glass. Can someone tell me if this is stock or where I can find more info regarding the 55 CJ5's?

 

I believe the split window was an option on the 55 CJ5.

I am pretty sure I have read that before.

I think it is a cool looking windshield, on the few I have seen in pictures online.

I am sure some more experienced people than I will respond.

Do the windows on the windshield open individually or are they fixed in place?

 

Oh boy, it has more than 3 shift levers, it has four. The fourth is for the Warn overdrive.

Here's a picture of it where I found it. It's paid for, but I haven't brought it home yet.

 

To start off with, I want to clean it up and get it ready to fire. After that, I can proceed with restoring it. If I don't like the I 4 motor, I have a Buick V6 to drop in.

 

That was factory on M38a1's and is a leftover as the factory used up what they had on the civvy models. Hence the "faux" battery box cover on the cowl, also a left over from the M38a1 as is the shackle reversal in the front (shackles at the rear of the front springs instead of at the front like later early CJ's).
The glass does not open individually on this model of w/s frame. There were some that had the whole glass open up but were split like that. Commonly referred to as "safari windshields" or "ventilating windshields". Mostly used on export models. These are sought after by many for the nostalgia and coolness factor.
The one in the pic doesn't look to be one of these.

 

Can you provide a pic of the passenger side and view of the Tailgate?

 

I can show you the tailgate, but I can't show you the passenger side yet. There isn't a hole for the electrical connect, if that's what you're looking for.

 

Cool old CJ. I like the windsheild.....

 

Re the "using up" of old parts as a reason for the battery box, etc. I suspect it's more that Kaiser simply re-purposed the military parts for use in their new CJ offering with as minimal changes as possible. Once the M38A1 became obsolete as a military model, the vestigal military features were phased out as it became easy and economical to do so.

Just specultation.

 

Modifications look to be the roll bar, seats, front fenders, overdrive, wheels, tow bar and mirror. I wouldn't be suprised to find more. Over all I'd say that it was very well upgraded. I did notice that it looks to still have the Ross steering.

 

What's modified about the front fenders, I must be missing something.

 

My first guess would be DJ fender on the driver side anyway. Indent with no hole for the light.

 

Yep, you're right. I saw that, but I didn't make the connection.