Newer Top on a '74 CJ5

Hey all,

I just bought my first Jeep , it came without a top or windows and will be a project for me over the next year or two.

I love the looks of a half top, but Besttop does not make one for a '74 CJ5. I have heard that I can replace my windshield with a 1976 or newer windshield and could then the halftop would fit.

Can anyone confirm this? Is the only difference in dimensions between a '74 and a '76 body is the windshield? If so, are the windsheild frames easily interchangeable? How about the wipers?

I've checked the windshield frame comparison and I seem to have the original bottom mounted wiper, 1974 windshield frame.

Thank You in Advance!!
Matt
'74 CJ5, 304, 3 Spd

 

Wiper motor is mounted on the inside on the 76 & up. Might be a whole different internal arm setup, I seem to remember that 72-75 internal wiper parts are, dare I say it, rare. So I would count on getting the whole wiper system with the new frame.

Starting in 76 they switched to a different frame to cowl fastener. Instead of the "latch" used from 75 down, the went to a "knob" system. You'll probably have to go the knob route.

There may be more considerations, others will add, I'm sure.

 

Yes, you'll need the whole '76-on windshield and frame, including all the wiper parts. The glass is a different shape, the frame around the glass is different, and the windshield tilts back more.

The '76 and up wiper parts are different from the '75 and earlier. There is no source for the earlier parts, but the later parts can be modified to work in an earlier frame.

Lots of stuff changes for the 1976 model year. About the only thing that doesn't change in the body is the exterior tub sheet metal, and even that has some subtle changes.

If you really want a half-top, and can afford the price of admission, you should be able to find a shop to make one for you. Just about any shop that makes boat upholstery should be able to do it if you supply them with a pattern.

 

Thank you both, very helpful!

 

Did BestTop used to make a top that worked on 74. I have a full soft top and bikini top from that company.