windshield installation

[thistle3585]

I am having a heck of a time finding anyone to install a windshield on my new frame. They are saying the vehicle is too old, but I'm guessing no one wants to deal with it. I bought an after market replacement windshield frame. I'm wondering if there is anything I need to look out for in ordering and installing it myself? Any suggestions on best place to order glass and rubber seal?

 

[jdcaples]

Generally, I stay away from name brands/chain/franchise businesses for anything outside the mainstream.

For my Jeep wind shield, I found an auto glass guy on Craigslist that was willing to do it for me.... this was, of course, after I broke two.

I'm pretty sure I bought the glass and seal from Morris (Jeep Parts, Jeep Accessories, Jeep Soft Tops at Morris 4x4 Center).


-Jon

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Not hard to do yourownself.
I have done 8-9 over the years.
Jeep Glass Windshield Installation - Offroaders.com 4x4 off-road trail reports, tech articles, 4x4 clubs, offroad links

LG

 

[hdgapeach]

Do it yourself. Make a cardboard template of the opening, trim the edge to accommodate for the gasket thickness and have a local glass shop cut you one out of a sheet of tempered stock. Way cheaper than ordering a pre-cut piece that won't fit your new frame anyhow. If you aren't too giddy about zippin' the glass in yourself, the glass shop might be willing to do it for a small fee. Takes me all of about 10 minutes to do it here at the house.

This thread (http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/windshield-glass-replacement-24194/?highlight=windshield) has a bunch of info also.

 

[JimsCJ5]

I went thru this last year on our 79.
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/cj5-windshield-install-23532/

You can do it yourself and just be aware that glass doesn't bend and the aftermarket WS frames are . We had to trim ours back to fit the glass we ordered from Morris. You have to take your time...
One more thing, the rubber seal we ordered from Morris wasn't as good as the ones we bought on eBay.
Good luck,
Jim

 

[thistle3585]

Thanks guys. I found one guy that will do it and thinking I might pay him a bit of a premium so i don't have to worry about it.

 

[Posi]

If you have the old windshield glass make sure to compare it to the new one. When I installed my windshield I found the new glass was too large. If you purchased the glass locally they should cut it down to match the original glass at no cost. Most CJ replacement glass comes from china.

 

[jdcaples]

If you have the old windshield glass make sure to compare it to the new one. When I installed my windshield I found the new glass was too large. If you purchased the glass locally they should cut it down to match the original glass at no cost. Most CJ replacement glass comes from china.

That was probably my problem.

Thanks!

-Jon

 

[thistle3585]

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. I ended up finding a guy to do it for $200 installed. I felt like that was a pretty good deal and I don't have to worry about breaking it.

 

[hdgapeach]

Sounds like a good deal. Fair price for not having to deal with the headache!

 

[thistle3585]

The windshield guy calls and asks that I bring my Jeep by so he can pull the inner seal off the windshield to use on the new windshield frame. When I show up, he says he didn't realize it was mounted in rubber and that he was mounting it using urethane and then putting a seal around the inside saying that Jeeps from about '80 used that process versus the rubber seal. He claimed the urethane would last longer and not leak. he's going to track down a seal locally. Does this sound right?

 

[Posi]

Yes, it's stronger and won't leak, but CJ's never used that process. It's a yj thing.

 

[thistle3585]

Thanks. I assume that it is the inner windshield frame seal? He said the dealer wants $80 for it but I can get it at Morris for $20.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Do it your self.. There is no inner or outer seal on the glass. YJ had a inner and outer. If you cant do it your self atleast find some one that knows the difference between the 2 types of jeeps.

 

[thistle3585]

As a follow up, I got the glass installed in to the frame. Today I'm installing the frame along with new hinges and gasket. I'm having a bit of some trouble with the gasket. The gasket between the frame and the body is bowing out in a couple spots leaving a large gap that will collect water. Do I apply any sort of adhesive between the gasket and the windshield frame to keep it from bowing out? Is there some secret tot he process?