Aftermarket windshield frames

[jzjames]

Maybe this topic has come up before, but whats the deal with the aftermarket windshield frames?
Are they a different dimension than the original stock ones?

Ive bought my first CJ5 and it has a replacement windshield frame and hinges. Not really fitting that great!

The new frame to cowl seal seems to be oversized for the aftermarket frame. Sloppy fit, the vent/defroster holes dont line up that good.

The windshield frame bolts are all a little cocked when tightened up.

Is there a seal that fits the aftermarket frames which seem to have a thinnner profile?

 

[mtnwhlr]

The aftermarket w/s frames are when you go to put glass in it you will find that doesn't fit either. I will always try and find a good OEM first.

 

[Bent]

For the money they want for them they should be perfect. Too bad there's a lot of on the market. I've been thinking about a fiberglass frame. My stock frame is leaking. I did the Blazer blower motor conversion and the increased flow of hot air just fogs it up faster until the inside of the frame dries out. I thought it might be the heater core so I had it checked when the radiator shop boiled out the radiator I used for the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l conversion.
The pre 1976 frames are different from the 1976 and later frames. Are you sure you have the correct one?

 

[Rj67cj6]

I had to purchase a frame for my 1979 CJ. Ordered it from Morris 4x4. Fit really good, just got lucky with that one I guess.

 

[PaRenegade]

The problem is, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, is that theres only one place in the world who makes ws frames anymore. MD Juan in the Philippines. These other places get from them via directly or thru places like Omix-ada. Their quality control is / was lacking as they really didn't have body templates to go by. Rommel Juan has been making an effort in the past year to improve their products to eliminate some of these fitment issues.
Another issue too that I've seen is aftermarket hinges with poor hole alignment and thinner metal.

 

[IOPort51]

I do not remember who made the frame I got from Collins bros. but is was the same gage metal as the original and I think it is working quite well, so far.

 

[tarry99]

Maybe this topic has come up before, but whats the deal with the aftermarket windshield frames?
Are they a different dimension than the original stock ones?

Ive bought my first CJ5 and it has a replacement windshield frame and hinges. Not really fitting that great!

The new frame to cowl seal seems to be oversized for the aftermarket frame. Sloppy fit, the vent/defroster holes dont line up that good.

The windshield frame bolts are all a little cocked when tightened up.

Is there a seal that fits the aftermarket frames which seem to have a thinnner profile?

JZ and I wish we knew what year you have to better help you as there is several versions.......

My Experience and I have bought and returned many for friends is the aftermarket Frames for the most part as some have stated are Junk.....Not to say you may get a nice one that did not need holes elongated or hinges changed to get it to work.
I have since just done the Craigs List routine to find original in good condition Frames.
The last one I bought for myself......... me and the Mrs did a 600 mile round trip Sunday Morning day trip from the Bay Area to Tehachapi, Cal. Nice no rust frame for $100 and I felt the trip was well worth it........plus I have not been over the Tehachapi's for years so it was nice to see again.

 

[jzak]

This is a little off subject, but since we're talking about Windshield frames, I was hoping to get an opinion.

I've owned a few CJ's in my life with varying levels of body rust. There is one thing that connects all of them. A completely rusted out Windshield frame. I was able to save one with bondo, but I had to replace two windshield frames which were beyond repair. Can someone explain to me why this seems to be the first thing that goes on CJ's? Is it a design flaw, or maybe just weaker metal? I don't know, but I keep on running into this issue. Thanks!

 

[tarry99]

This is a little off subject, but since we're talking about Windshield frames, I was hoping to get an opinion.

I've owned a few CJ's in my life with varying levels of body rust. There is one thing that connects all of them. A completely rusted out Windshield frame. I've had to completely replace two windshield frames. Can someone explain to me why this seems to be the first thing that goes on CJ's? Is it a design flaw, or maybe just weaker metal? I don't know, but I keep on running into this issue. Thanks!

Most times the rubber gasket that holds the glass gets old and hard especially along the bottom edge......they start to leak around the base but normally only into the area where the defrost air runs , once it leaks inside it's too far gone as your feet get wet...........plus none of these Cowboys that sell these frames ever plate them with any rust proofing..............I usually spray the inside and the glass channel with a good rust protective finish before the glass is installed and then over the course of aging a little silicon where the rubber separates from the glass will also keep the moisture away.

 

[mstar]

This is a little off subject, but since we're talking about Windshield frames, I was hoping to get an opinion.

I've owned a few CJ's in my life with varying levels of body rust. There is one thing that connects all of them. A completely rusted out Windshield frame. I was able to save one with bondo, but I had to replace two windshield frames which were beyond repair. Can someone explain to me why this seems to be the first thing that goes on CJ's? Is it a design flaw, or maybe just weaker metal? I don't know, but I keep on running into this issue. Thanks!

Could be the location in which you live. Don't really see that many issues
in our area of the Northwest.Also lots of none rusty survivor jeeps and parts. mike

 

[jzak]

Most times the rubber gasket that holds the glass gets old and hard especially along the bottom edge......they start to leak around the base but normally only into the area where the defrost air runs , once it leaks inside it's too far gone as your feet get wet...........plus none of these Cowboys that sell these frames ever plate them with any rust proofing..............I usually spray the inside and the glass channel with a good rust protective finish before the glass is installed and then over the course of aging a little silicon where the rubber separates from the glass will also keep the moisture away.

Thanks for the feedback! I was also thinking it was a gasket/seal issue. Either the one that meets the tub with the frame, or the one around the windshield.

I wish I could place the blame on that aftermarket Philippino manufacturer, but i'm pretty sure all my jeeps still had the OEM frame. Thanks AMC!!!

 

[jzak]

Could be the location in which you live. Don't really see that many issues
in our area of the Northwest.Also lots of none rusty survivor jeeps and parts. mike

Good point! I used to live in Seattle where I got my first CJ5 with a rusted out frame. I had to go to a jeep junkyard called Olympic 4x4 Supply in Snohomish, WA to replace it. The second CJ was in Norfolk, VA.

 

[HackFabrication]

...Can someone explain to me why this seems to be the first thing that goes on CJ's? Is it a design flaw, or maybe just weaker metal? I don't know, but I keep on running into this issue. Thanks!

None of the automakers thirty-some years ago used corrosion resistant steel. In addition the insides were left untreated.

The basis design causes it to rust out from the inside, as the defrost blows heated air into a hollow frame where it meets cold steel. Result: Condensation. Then rust.