Let’s talk windshield frames

[AK-RWC]

I went to get my Flowmasters replaced with a set of MagnaFlow (I had a baffle come loose and the rattle was driving me nuts). They looked at my 401 while it was in there. They neglected to latch the hood, and my safety catch has never really worked.



Good hoods are easier to come by than windshield frames. My understanding is that only Crown and Omix-ADA are making frames, although I found a no-rib MD Juan frame on eBay. Are they all thinner sheetmetal? Which is the best choice?

I remember reading that Key Parts was developing a CJ frame, but it never got out of prototyping after the first batch had issues.

I broke down and called CB to see if they had any clean OEM frames, and they did not. The guy said they use Crown frames, which “tend” to have fewer problems than Omix-ADA.

I also called Willys-Overland to see what they use for their Repli-Tub kit, and he said that all the frames are made by MD Juan and all are thin. But I’ve also confirmed people who purchased Crown frames that were stamped “made in Taiwan.”

What is the consensus on replacement windshield frames?

 

[Rosco1974]

I have used Crown. Thinner. Fit was descent. Pinch seams were not as good.

 

[Want a scrambler]

I went to get my Flowmasters replaced with a set of MagnaFlow (I had a baffle come loose and the rattle was driving me nuts). They looked at my 401 while it was in there. They neglected to latch the hood, and my safety catch has never really worked.

View attachment 85733
View attachment 85734
Good hoods are easier to come by than windshield frames. My understanding is that only Crown and Omix-ADA are making frames, although I found a no-rib MD Juan frame on eBay. Are they all thinner sheetmetal? Which is the best choice?

I remember reading that Key Parts was developing a CJ frame, but it never got out of prototyping after the first batch had issues.

I broke down and called CB to see if they had any clean OEM frames, and they did not. The guy said they use Crown frames, which “tend” to have fewer problems than Omix-ADA.

I also called Willys-Overland to see what they use for their Repli-Tub kit, and he said that all the frames are made by MD Juan and all are thin. But I’ve also confirmed people who purchased Crown frames that were stamped “made in Taiwan.”

What is the consensus on replacement windshield frames?

How about fiberglass

 

[wm69]

How about fiberglass

I would advise against it. I put one on one of my '7s' The nutserts broke loose when installing the windshield hinges, and the wiper pivot area is weak and allows the wiper pivots to shift a little, which makes them bind up from time to time.

Stick with steel.

 

[Craner8]

Is it repairable? Is it an original frame? Toy box Jeeps in Daytona or JeepSalvage in Statesboro Ga may have something.

 

[DeLuke]

The last good original factory windshield frame (1-ribber) I got was from J&W out in California. Plus, they shipped it very professionally in a nice padded wooden box.
https://www.jwjeep.com/

They know their stuff and probably have as much salvage as anyone, especially on the west coast for you. Yours has 2 ribs so is either a factory YJ or replacement windshield already. If you don't mind the 2-rib version, J&W probably has a YJ (if not a CJ) which would fit and be factory quality.

I have an older replacement 1-rib windshield I would sell. The metal is thinner but the quality and fit look good. Shipping to AK would be the issue. I just threw away that J&W box in June after a year and a half.

 

[Want a scrambler]

I would advise against it. I put one on one of my '7s' The nutserts broke loose when installing the windshield hinges, and the wiper pivot area is weak and allows the wiper pivots to shift a little, which makes them bind up from time to time.

Stick with steel.

Ok thanks for that