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Windshield Latch Alternatives

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Peter Martin, Sep 22, 2021.

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  1. Sep 22, 2021
    Peter Martin

    Peter Martin New Member

    Palo Alto, CA
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    As many of you all likely know (especially if you aren't running a cage) that the original latch type windshield latches dont do the greatest job at holding the windshield up in a quiet, sturdy manner. I know that the little plate with plastic knob screws works from Advanced Adapters, but I like the idea of latches. I saw some cool, approximately the right size latches made for boats that are stainless and look pretty sturdy. I was wondering if any of yall tried something like these or have any alternatives that have worked well.

    Here's what I found:

    Amazon.com : Mxeol Boat Lockable Hold Down Clamp Latch Marine Clasp Locker Hatch W/Boat Pin & Screws : Sports & Outdoors
     
  2. Sep 22, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Hi Peter, welcome :)

    I don't think those will work for you, there's no sprig loading- you may be able to get them installed "tight" at first but they won't stay that way. I've also used the AA clamps, they work well but I always was dealing with the knobs vibrating loose.

    I've gone back to the latches- the usual problem with the latches is either the the rubber seal between the WS & cowl is shot or that the little nibs on the dash where the latches bolt down have worn. I have a good rubber and I've built the nibs up a bit & my windshield is solid as a rock.
     
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  3. Sep 22, 2021
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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    Cheap fix:
    I drilled a hole through the latches and replaced the lower plate screws with an extended loop bolt. It does run the end of the latch in to the dash a bit, but holds the windshield solid and is easy to remove. Been there over 30 years and still works.
     
  4. Sep 22, 2021
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    Extended loop bolt? Please. And a photo of “run the end of the latch in to the dash a bit” I also need a more solid windshield but I’m totally not following. :confused:
     
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  5. Sep 22, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yeah, welcome from Boston.

    This is not an issue that I recognize as a problem. The regular catches have always worked well for me. I recall there is an added part welded to the dash steel that stops the catch from loosening? If that were missing, the hook could slide up. Seems like a better solution - I'll try and get a pic later.
     
  6. Sep 22, 2021
    PeteL

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

    Hills of NH
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    This is a universal fact in my experience. I use rubber shims at the hinges.
     
  7. Sep 22, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Maybe I got lucky but I bought a replacement seal 30 years ago & it's still like new.

    As for the nibs they were worn down a bit on the drivers side- about 5 seconds with the welder / 5 minutes with a file & they now work perfectly.
     
  8. Sep 22, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    Maybe the earlier Jeeps do not have this -

    DashSection.png
    This piece is welded to the dash steel and has notches that key into the hook part of the latches. Quite solid in my experience.
     
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  9. Sep 22, 2021
    Peter Martin

    Peter Martin New Member

    Palo Alto, CA
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    Thank you all for the several reply’s. If this is the case, I suppose I’ll be looking for a used set of latches (the folded over section on the top latch snapped off on both driver and passenger) I will get a new cowl seal as well, and maybe bike innertube until it stops shaking?

    I actually got a m38a1 reproduction dash as it’s way cheaper than a cj5 dash, would this dash panel have these nubs you’re talking about, I know it has a plate on the backside that’s welded.

    I have noticed that getting reproduction latches is just about impossible for a cj5, is there a place j should look or is this really the case? Also are the bottom hooks the same across all the early cj’s? If so maybe swapping to new ones may help
     
  10. Sep 22, 2021
    Peter Martin

    Peter Martin New Member

    Palo Alto, CA
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    I see what your talking about, my dash does have those, although the hooking part is not as pronounced, I’m sure it’s the reason lower hooks aren’t sliding up
     
  11. Sep 22, 2021
    Peter Martin

    Peter Martin New Member

    Palo Alto, CA
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    I would be very interested in seeing this as well
     
  12. Sep 22, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Yup thye do, it's the little nibs in the center that I'm talking about- is the get worn down at al the latch can slip up. IIRC there's also supposed to be fairly solid backing plates that go behind the dash for the latch screws to go into.
     
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  13. Sep 23, 2021
    amboynut

    amboynut Member

    Chelatchie, WA
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    Me too.
     
  14. Sep 23, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Got a pic of it? They're just small plates welded to the dash with a raised ridge running across the middle to the latch teeth to grip onto.
     
  15. Sep 23, 2021
    PeteL

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

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    Mine do.
     
  16. Sep 23, 2021
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    20210923_060038.jpg

    I built these to hold the windshield in place.
     
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  17. Sep 23, 2021
    givemethewillys

    givemethewillys Been here since sparky ran it. 2022 Sponsor

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    That looks like a great idea! I have an extra set of latches, I may give your modification a try.
     
  18. Sep 23, 2021
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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    So here is my setup. Years ago I started trying to modify the bolt to be easier and more aesthetic, hence the wing nut on the drivers side. thumbnail.jpe thumbnail1.jpe
     
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