Window Frame

[Bent]

I'm getting close to buying a new window frame. The only real rust the 5 has shown is around the spot welds at the base of the window frame. Water is entering the defrost cavity, and even with the Blazer blower motor, its is a fogy mess. Given the amount of rain we get, I'm considering a fiberglass windshield frame.
I would like to hear any pros or cons of the fiberglass vs steel windshield frames that anyone has experienced.
I also plan to swap to intermittent wipers at the same time. Will that require a wiper motor swap or just a new wiper switch?

 

[Morris4x4Center]

If it helps, we carry several windshield frames and parts -
Jeep Windshield Parts and Accessories for a CJ5, CJ7 and CJ8 Scrambler at Morris 4x4

I think as long as a new metal one is properly prepped and painted, it should last just as long as a fiberglass one. There were problems on many vehicles in the 80's with body parts rusting, I think it was more of a steel and failure to prep or have any rustproofing back then.

Just a thought :-)

I'm not sure about the wiper swap, but our Tech guys should know, if you want to give them a call or email -


Sales Department:
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Email Our Sales Team:
sales@morris4x4center.com


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[Peanut Butter]

Yes on the wiper motor. The standard motor is a three wire. You will need the four wire for intermittent. You will also need the correct switch and the little black box that has the intermittent board in it, if you want to stay original jeep. Here is a picture of the setup:







:driving: Rod

 

[tarry99]

I'm getting close to buying a new window frame. The only real rust the 5 has shown is around the spot welds at the base of the window frame. Water is entering the defrost cavity, and even with the Blazer blower motor, its is a fogy mess. Given the amount of rain we get, I'm considering a fiberglass windshield frame.
I would like to hear any pros or cons of the fiberglass vs steel windshield frames that anyone has experienced.
I also plan to swap to intermittent wipers at the same time. Will that require a wiper motor swap or just a new wiper switch?

Either Aftermarket steel or Fiberglass will be a challenge to get it to fit correctly. Meaning be prepared to elongate holes in both the frame and hinges, also on some the glass has to be custom cut in size to fit the frame and rubber seal correctly, ETC........The steel are all offshore manufactured , the fiberglass were being made in the South.
The best solution is to find an OEM Windshield frame used that is still in good Condition.........and restore it. The problem is always the rubber seal at the base of the frame that after a few years drys out and allows water to get into that cavity.......folks should check there's and silicon as necessary. I have purchased several used over the past few years for friends that have the same issue.........be prepared for the shipping costs......The Southwest States including California , Nevada are the best places to look.....anywhere from $250 and up for something good , but even used there will be some minor rust issues.
Having said that if you were to have a 4-wheel drive outlet near you that stocked the Import frames I have heard of guys getting lucky after randomly trying several frames and picking the one with the least issues.....Lest face anything can be made to fit........just depends on your abilities and patience.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Yes on the wiper motor. The standard motor is a three wire. You will need the four wire for intermittent. You will also need the correct switch and the little black box that has the intermittent board in it, if you want to stay original jeep. Here is a picture of the setup:







:driving: Rod

If you use a fiberglass frame you will need to ground your motor since it looks for ground through the window frame.

 

[gr8dain]

I have a fiberglass windshield (and tub). My only issue is really the fact that I had to "adjust" the holes for the wiper motor in order to get the linkage to work. And yes, a dedicated ground is needed.

 

[Bent]

thanks for the info and pictures guys. Its exactly what I needed to see.
gr8dain, did all the fiberglass frames have the same lip around the top like the steel frames? I have an Acme hard top and that lip engages in the seal channel on the hard top.

 

[gr8dain]

thanks for the info and pictures guys. Its exactly what I needed to see.
gr8dain, did all the fiberglass frames have the same lip around the top like the steel frames? I have an Acme hard top and that lip engages in the seal channel on the hard top.

Mine does not have any "lip". There is flat area above the window that slides into the front part (channel) of my hard top. Then the steel piece on my hard top gets screwed to the top of the w/s frame. If you are referring to anything else, I don't have it. And my seal is not so good anyway. I was following a box truck that had powdery snow on top yesterday. As it was blowing off the truck it was coming i to my cab and it was snowing in my CJ. Funny but annoying.

 

[jammer1]

I had a fiberglass frame on the CJ7 before I rebuilt it. I junked the frame. If you're on the freeway you can watch it bend in and out (especially with the soft top on). I solved that problem by putting bars to the windshield like the yjs. Also if you go from soft top (summer) to a hard top (winter), removing the screws for the soft top lip they can loosen up as the years go by. Also never got a good seal with the windshield (glass) gasket. Just my experience. I've also heard of people having problems with the wiper shaft. If the linkage binds it can twist the shaft where the little metal stem locks the shaft. In fiberglass that metal stem can strip the fiberglass.

 

[Bent]

Maybe the best option is to try and salvage the one I have. Has anyone tried to clean and solder the bottom seam that is spot welded?

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

Maybe the best option is to try and salvage the one I have. Has anyone tried to clean and solder the bottom seam that is spot welded?

Look for yj part outs may be easier to find a used yj windshield.

I guess that wouldn't help if this is for your older five

 

[Bent]

Look for yj part outs may be easier to find a used yj windshield.

I guess that wouldn't help if this is for your older five

That might work. With a little google searching I see that a YJ frame will bolt up to a 1976 and newer CJ. And with a little modification the defrost set up will work also. I want to upgrade to intermittent wipers so, I think this is worth looking into some more.

 

[johnnyreb]

gotta use the yj motor and linkage

 

[gr8dain]

The YJ linkage is better anyway. I use it in my glass CJ windshield. Much better than the replacement CJ parts I had installed previously.