Re: \'76 or later windshield on \'74 CJ-5
They say if you use the newer windshield frame and hinges it will mount up.
They say if you use the newer windshield frame and hinges it will mount up.
'76 or later windshield on '74 CJ-5
G
\'76 or later windshield on \'74 CJ-5
Does anybody know the body differences between a '75 and earlier CJ5 and '76 and later? The question I need an immediate answer for is; can you put a '76 or later windshield with the correct seals and hinges on a '74 CJ-5? I realize I would need different tops to fit, but before I buy a bikini top, I want to potentially convert the windshield since I have access to a '76 frame but would have to buy one which is made for a '74 if I am stuck with this style. The only other body differences I can see from pictures, etc. is that the floor pan is different. I find it extremely frustrating that many catalogs list parts for '76 and later CJs, but some parts will fit the earlier ones. I realize that there are some parts which will not fit the earlier ones (windshield parts, seat mounts, etc.), but you really don't know until you get the parts in front of you. Since I will most likely be replacing the body, is it simple to just put a complete '76 or later body on the '74 frame or am I going to run into problems?
Thanks,
Jim
1974 CJ5 304 V8
Does anybody know the body differences between a '75 and earlier CJ5 and '76 and later? The question I need an immediate answer for is; can you put a '76 or later windshield with the correct seals and hinges on a '74 CJ-5? I realize I would need different tops to fit, but before I buy a bikini top, I want to potentially convert the windshield since I have access to a '76 frame but would have to buy one which is made for a '74 if I am stuck with this style. The only other body differences I can see from pictures, etc. is that the floor pan is different. I find it extremely frustrating that many catalogs list parts for '76 and later CJs, but some parts will fit the earlier ones. I realize that there are some parts which will not fit the earlier ones (windshield parts, seat mounts, etc.), but you really don't know until you get the parts in front of you. Since I will most likely be replacing the body, is it simple to just put a complete '76 or later body on the '74 frame or am I going to run into problems?
Thanks,
Jim
1974 CJ5 304 V8
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
G
Re: \'76 or later windshield on \'74 CJ-5
I just bought a 76 windshield for my 74. They bolt right up, but you will need new hinges, possible new wiper assemblies (I had none at all so I needed them) and possibly new mirror assemblies, depending on your setup.
The only difference in the windshields is that the 76 and up is 3 or 4 inches less in width. Otherwise they are they same. Make sure you get a frame with a windshield channel or purchase one separately as you'll need that for your bikini top. Also, if you order a bikini or soft top, from that point forward you'll be requesting a 76 or newer top.
As far as differences go, the chassis on a CJ prior to 76 IS different than that of a newer model. The difference appears to be widening the frame from the firewall back. Interior differences appear limited only to the seat mounting brackets and the lack of a tool box under the passenger seat in an early CJ. If you go with a 76 and up body you will have to fabricate new mounts and/or mounting positions. I'd suggest sticking with a new tub for your model year for ease of installation. Most all accessories from 76 and up that you see in the catalog will work in your CJ, with the possible exception of consoles due to the different seat brackets. The CJ's are fundamentally the same on the interior and mostly differ in chassis width. In other words, nerf bars for a 76 would not be long enough to mount to a 74 because the 76 chassis was wider.
Hope that clears some stuff up for you. My project is just starting and I'm just learning as I go. This is a great BBS for that reason. You can also email me at "[email protected]" if you want to swap ideas and stuff.
Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..
I just bought a 76 windshield for my 74. They bolt right up, but you will need new hinges, possible new wiper assemblies (I had none at all so I needed them) and possibly new mirror assemblies, depending on your setup.
The only difference in the windshields is that the 76 and up is 3 or 4 inches less in width. Otherwise they are they same. Make sure you get a frame with a windshield channel or purchase one separately as you'll need that for your bikini top. Also, if you order a bikini or soft top, from that point forward you'll be requesting a 76 or newer top.
As far as differences go, the chassis on a CJ prior to 76 IS different than that of a newer model. The difference appears to be widening the frame from the firewall back. Interior differences appear limited only to the seat mounting brackets and the lack of a tool box under the passenger seat in an early CJ. If you go with a 76 and up body you will have to fabricate new mounts and/or mounting positions. I'd suggest sticking with a new tub for your model year for ease of installation. Most all accessories from 76 and up that you see in the catalog will work in your CJ, with the possible exception of consoles due to the different seat brackets. The CJ's are fundamentally the same on the interior and mostly differ in chassis width. In other words, nerf bars for a 76 would not be long enough to mount to a 74 because the 76 chassis was wider.
Hope that clears some stuff up for you. My project is just starting and I'm just learning as I go. This is a great BBS for that reason. You can also email me at "[email protected]" if you want to swap ideas and stuff.
Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..
Re: \'76 or later windshield on \'74 CJ-5
How far back do you think this applies. Was the CJ-5 body the same from creation to 74? My cousin has a '58 that needs some upgrades and I am curious about interchangeability.
Thanks,
Tom
1985 CJ7
4WheelDriveWeb
How far back do you think this applies. Was the CJ-5 body the same from creation to 74? My cousin has a '58 that needs some upgrades and I am curious about interchangeability.
Thanks,
Tom
1985 CJ7
4WheelDriveWeb
G
Re: \'76 or later windshield on \'74 CJ-5
One more thing on the windshield that Carl didn't cover. The 76-up windshield lays back farther than pre-76. That is the angle is such that the top of the windshield frame is farther from the front. That and the width are what make you change the top to the newer style. As far as the older CJ's, the tub from 55 to 75 is essentialy the same and interchangable with only minor differences. The front clip on '71 and older is three inches shorter than '72 and up. There are some differences in the frames which are minor also. I have noticed that there a lot of things in the catalogs which say the fit '76 and up which will fit the '72 to '75's (and maybe older). An example is battery trays. I think that a lot of the manufacturers don't bother to find out if their parts fit the older ones since there isn't as much demand.
One more thing on the windshield that Carl didn't cover. The 76-up windshield lays back farther than pre-76. That is the angle is such that the top of the windshield frame is farther from the front. That and the width are what make you change the top to the newer style. As far as the older CJ's, the tub from 55 to 75 is essentialy the same and interchangable with only minor differences. The front clip on '71 and older is three inches shorter than '72 and up. There are some differences in the frames which are minor also. I have noticed that there a lot of things in the catalogs which say the fit '76 and up which will fit the '72 to '75's (and maybe older). An example is battery trays. I think that a lot of the manufacturers don't bother to find out if their parts fit the older ones since there isn't as much demand.
G
G
Re: \'76 or later windshield on \'74 CJ-5
Skip (snowtow) is right, the windsheild is on a different angle. Thanks for pointing that out Skip.
I think you are right about the chassis too. Only minor differences in earlier CJ's.
Be prepared to spend 5 or 6 hundred dollars if you go with all new parts. I've only bought half what I need and spent $275 already. I still need hinges, linkages, glass and switches, washer pump, bottle and tubing, mirrors, etc. etc. As we have no used junk jeeps down here I had no choice but go new.
Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..
Skip (snowtow) is right, the windsheild is on a different angle. Thanks for pointing that out Skip.
I think you are right about the chassis too. Only minor differences in earlier CJ's.
Be prepared to spend 5 or 6 hundred dollars if you go with all new parts. I've only bought half what I need and spent $275 already. I still need hinges, linkages, glass and switches, washer pump, bottle and tubing, mirrors, etc. etc. As we have no used junk jeeps down here I had no choice but go new.
Carl, Tampa, FL, 74 CJ-5
If a Jeep can't take you there, Think twice about going..
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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