Lowering The Windshield

In my 27 years of CJ5 ownership I have never driven with the windshield in the lowered position.

My concern is any time I have put the windshield down the weight of it presses down and contorts the hood. That is with me still holding some of the weight and not letting the hood hold all of the weight.

Will the hood hold the weight without getting damaged? My hood buckles a fair amount and that is static with out road vibrations/ movement.

My thought is to add some support under the hood to give it more strength. A friend had a great idea, get another hood and cut out a section to run under where the windshield supports are. Perhaps roll a bead in it?

Would love to know anyone else’s experience with this!

 

I run with mine down almost all the time on my '56, never experienced any hood damage.

In any case... hoods are cheap and available.

 

My hood bends inwards a little bit but I don’t worry about it

 

The intermediates have about a 4" longer hood than the earlies, and I swear they are made of lighter gauge metal. This combination makes for a very flexy support for the windshield in the lowered position.
One of my old '74s had a "bowl" in the hood center when I parked it outside in the rain, no doubt resulting from what you are describing, not enough support for the windshield!
-Donny

 

I like winshield down but my lungs no. Bronchitis guaranteed. Wear a vest to protect you it is more important! My hood seems to be strong enough maybe there are differences between models.

 

1966 cj5, no problem having the windshield down. I actually have matching yellow detailing clothes for added protection for the hood paint
Having the strap to hold the windshield down tight prevents the hood from getting dented by “bouncing” of the windshield step offs.

 

Make sure the standoffs are on the correct side. They are side specific to match the contour of the hood.

 

X2

 

You mean the stand-offs on the windshield? On an intermediate, the stand-offs are on the hood. Two required, both the same.

I ran my '73 with the windshield down a lot. No obvious issues.

 

Ran mine down for the first time this past weekend. No damage except it did scratch the paint a bit. I had the bikini top rolled up under the standoffs, I need a hold down strap for sure.

 

I have driven my 86 cj many times no issue other than the wind in your face,

 

Run my 75's without any issus on the hood.