Cj5 Hard Top

Is there any chance that a steel hard top from a 55-75 CJ5 (I think it's a Kelly) will fit a 76-83 CJ5? I'm pretty sure I already know the answer, but it would make life a lot more convenient if they were interchangeable.

 

No, not without changing the windshield to the earlier style. The body perimeter is the same but the windshield angle and shape are different.

 

Thanks. I thought I remembered reading that the windshield angle was different. I didn't realize that they were different shapes as well.

 

No problem. Yeah, the sides of the windshield tilt in, making the glass trapezoid-shaped instead of a rectangular.

 

After spending a few weeks searching craigslist ads in the northeast U.S. for a fiberglass top, I'm starting to wonder if it might be worth it to try installing a windshield off an older CJ5, and using the Kelly top that I have. Has anyone on here tried it? Any idea if it will fit over the standard '83 roll bar? Would the windshield be a direct swap - hinges in the same place, etc? Thanks for any help.

 

The usual swap is the other way, a later windshield on an earlier Jeep. An earlier windshield in good condition is much scarcer than the later windshields. From what I've read, the defroster holes between the cowl and the WS frame don't line up, the hinge holes need some adjusting, and the catches need adapting. I'd expect similar issues with what you're suggesting.

The Acme fiberglass tops for the late CJ-5 weren't plentiful even in the day. Meyer also made steel cabs for these Jeeps, and I recall that's the "Jeep Official Equipment" that was available.

I'd consider widening my search for the top, including searching farther afield and using more sources including posting WTB ads in all the Jeep forums and maybe more general locations like Hemmings. JMO - if you must have a hard top, and can't afford the time and/or effort to find a vintage one, I'd consider trading up to a CJ-7 or Wrangler, with which the hard top is pretty common.

 

Thanks for the help. I'll keep looking.

 

Just found a half hard top for my 1961 CJ. I was actually seeing more of the newer style tops (1976-1983) around here in Ohio/Michigan. Good luck in your search green62!