[1740]

Hola Amigo's


Well here it is, I have Discovered 2 truths here living in Washington.

1. Everything is rusty or
2. Everything that isnt rusting will eventually Rust.


My windshield Frame has had it around the wipers and is in need or a swap.

My questions are, Steel or fiberglass?
I have been told fiberglass isnt very strong but wont rust
plus the higher cost

but the original steel one lasted 20 years and is cheaper by almost 100 bucks.

Any thoughts or testamonials or brands to look for/avoid? Or Replacements that have alot of fitment problems etc?

Thanks In Advance
Sean

 

[LEVE]

1. Fiberglass will warp and twist if not supported.
2. My next windshield frame will be fiberglass,
3. It will rest against some rubber stops on the roll cage,
4. That will prevent warping.
5. Most aftermarket steel windshield frames have a fit/finish problem,
6. They'll do the job,
7. But they're made from thin metal...
8. My JCWhitney windshield frame's been working for 7 years,
9. With no problems...
10. One tip... when you do the replacement spend a few extra bucks,
11. Also refurbish the windshield wiper mechanics,
12. You'll be doing yourself a favor

 

[CJ7Taz]

I'm a great believer n fiberglass, I've been using it for more than 30 years. My Jeep has an AJ's fiberglass body, fiberglass half doors and I made the divider panel to go with the halftop from fiberglass.

That said, I don't think you will be happy with the fiberglass windshield frame. I had one and sent it back after I opened the box. That was many years ago and I don't remember all of the problems but the major one is the thickness of the frame where the windshield fits. For strength, fiberglass has to be thick and to support the windshield seal, it has to be thick in the seal area. As far as I know, nobody has made a seal to fit the thicker fiberglass frame. If you try to use a standard seal, it is going to have to flare out over the added thickness. There will also be a problem getting the wiper pivots to fit through the thicker frame.

I also will be in need of a windshield frame this summer. If you find a seal made to fit the 'glass frame, let me know. If it weren't for that problem, Id also use fiberglass but as it is, I'm looking for a stainless unit or will use steel and find a way to mount the strip for the softtop without leaving open holes into the frame.

 

[Jim_Lou]

For stainless contact [email protected]

Just keep in mind that you're dealing with a third-world country. English isn't their primary language, and they respond to e-mails on Island Time. They did deliver as promised, though.

 

[JeepnGreg]

theres also a few manufactureers in the USA that make aluminum bodies, a buddy i go to school with is restoring a CJ7 with an alum. body from Maktins (same people he got the frame from) they dont make bodies often , but other manufacturers do make them full time and the price is pretty close to fiberglass, and it looks cool

 

[lindy80cj7]

Alum. is no answer for a salty enviroment. It won't rust... it just corrodes into dust. Why do you think they don't use salt on runways?

 

[517]

I have a fibreglass CJ7 windsheild frame from 4WD hardware. I installed it last winter. It was a perfect fit and finish. No problems encountered with installing the glass and seal. I have driven on the highway with it without a top on at 65 mph and there is no problem, although some bracing from above might be advisable. I would say this is a quality product that required only a light sanding with a scotchbright pad to prime and paint. I would definately recommend it. You will be very impressed with the quality of manufacture.

 

[CJ7Taz]

We tried that once Jim. You even emailed them a letter of introduction for me. I emailed 2 or 3 times and never got any answer. Either they weren't interested or we had a bad email address and our messages are out there in electronic never-never land. I might give it another shot. If they can get me one by May I'd be happy.

 

[Jim_Lou]

Yep. That seems to be typical. Their web site is:

http://www.mdjuan.com.ph/

Try going their and connecting with them that way. It could be that the address I gave you went to a person who isn't doing that job any more. Their site has been done over since the last time I looked, so they must still be actively marketing their stuff.

 

[IN2DEEP]

I was thinking of buying a steel frame, then pouring a quart of POR-15 inside the frame before painting or installing. Also, I was thinking some spray in foam insulation may be the answer to keeping the heat on the windshield and out of the upper part of the frame (that should help with the rust).

But I'm still chasing other issues.... so the frame can wait til spring....

 

[CJ7Taz]

Thanks Jim. At the bottom of the page, it says "Please address all inquiries to our Dealers" with Dealers being clickable and gives a list of 3 in the States and one in Canada. Maybe I can get one now, all I had before was the email address for the main company.

Didn't you have some rather minor fit problems with yours?

Sorry to temporally hijack your thread Jeepgrunt.

In reply to:

Also, I was thinking some spray in foam insulation may be the answer to keeping the heat on the windshield and out of the upper part of the frame (that should help with the rust).

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that will wind up trapping the moisture between the foam and the frame.

 

[HOGHEAD]

I just took one off a 81 CJ-5 with spray in

foam in it ,,, There was'nt any steel left to speak off just foam ,,, My new one (steel) has been sprayed with rust-o-leum primer ,,, inside before the top coat was put on ,,,,

 

[Guest]

first off I am not a fan of fiberglass.

there are many ways to keep rust free body. A good pressure washer and bending over to clean under once in a while helps probably more than anything. Eastwood has alot of good products for rust proofing including a self healing spray on wax that can be sprayed inside the frame.

If your set on glass make sure you get good quality built stuff. if its cheap its probably cheap for a reason. fiberglass parts i have seen a few parts from this company that looked very straight and well built. no wave and reiforced well.

 

[Jim_Lou]

Taz, you didn't steal his thread, you expanded it from two choices to three.

There were fit problems in several places. The hardtop doesn't fit properly yet. I don't know exactly what's wrong there, but the windshield frame is not the problem. I doubt that you would have a serious problem with one of theirs, and it's certainly sturdy enough.

About their dealers, The Archer Brothers advertised stainless steel bodies in the early 80s. I called them in the mid 80s to try to get one, and they jerked me around for a couple of YEARS with stories of how the rep from the Phillippines would be there in a couple of months and . . .

They didn't cost me any money other than long distance phone calls, but weren't very businesslike. It might have been the fault of the one guy I dealt with. I wish I could remember his name. After 20 years. Rrriiiiight!