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Lowering The Windshield

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by 74CJ5 Renegade, Sep 4, 2019.

  1. Sep 4, 2019
    74CJ5 Renegade

    74CJ5 Renegade Member

    Houston, TX
    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2002
    Messages:
    269
    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!
     
  2. Sep 4, 2019
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    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.
     
  3. Sep 4, 2019
    Iandavidh

    Iandavidh Member

    California
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2018
    Messages:
    398
    My hood bends inwards a little bit but I don’t worry about it
     
  4. Sep 4, 2019
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    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
     
  5. Sep 4, 2019
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    Oct 21, 2012
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    2,327
    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.
     
  6. Sep 4, 2019
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

    Big Island on...
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    Oct 30, 2015
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    1,597
    1966 cj5, no problem having the windshield down. I actually have matching yellow detailing clothes for added protection for the hood paint :D
    Having the strap to hold the windshield down tight prevents the hood from getting dented by “bouncing” of the windshield step offs.
     
  7. Sep 4, 2019
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Make sure the standoffs are on the correct side. They are side specific to match the contour of the hood.
     
    Beach66Bum likes this.
  8. Sep 5, 2019
    baldjosh

    baldjosh Member

    pacific north west
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    Oct 24, 2017
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    X2
     
  9. Sep 5, 2019
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    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.
     
  10. Sep 5, 2019
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    Jun 5, 2007
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    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.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2019
  11. Sep 5, 2019
    mrtii

    mrtii 1972 cj51986 cj7 2022 Sponsor

    gilroy, California
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    Oct 3, 2016
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    165
    I have driven my 86 cj many times no issue other than the wind in your face,
     
  12. Sep 5, 2019
    johneyboy03

    johneyboy03 The green beast

    Quebec, Canada
    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2011
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    2,115
    Run my 75's without any issus on the hood.
     
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