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Anyone Make Their Own Safari Windshield?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Focker, Jul 11, 2016.

  1. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    It doesn't seem to difficult to fab up a DIY safari windshield... Has anyone done it or willing to try?
     
  2. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    I had looked into my own venting version, but I think they are more complex than they appear. I was looking at a vintage VW "splitty" van frame for the inner frame. Someone is reproducing the VW parts. The VW frame is a simple "C" cross section while the Willys cross section is "H" shaped to retain the perimeter sealing gasket.
    I believe the main outer frame is the same as the fixed regular frame, only with the upper hinge.
    For what its worth, the hinge on the Willys outer frame for the vented version seems to be the same as the Willys Wagon upper rear tailgate.
    I ended up with a poor condition outer frame, but it had an excellent inner frame, just less all the hardware and brackets. I'm still trying to find the brackets (Howard?)
    -Donny
     
  3. ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    :oops:
    What's a safari windshield?
     
  4. 47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    yeah.
     
  5. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Sometimes called a 'venting' windshield. The glass is in a frame with hinges on the side so it can tilt bottom out - like you see in the old MB and CJ2s.

    I have one in the shed - was supposed to go on the nieces rig, but since she isn't going to end up with it, I'm not sure what I'll do yet.
     
  6. 47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Oh ok. Thanks. Like mine but cj5 style
     
  7. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I'd think it would be hard to do for the price you can buy one.

    I have a NOS venting frame in my shop, needs glass and wipers. I do some crazy stuff, and suppose it's possible, but just the thought of fabricating one makes me tired.

    On a CJ5 they definitely lower the line-of-sight for a tall person.

    All my other antiques have venting windshields, most cars did until the 1940's.
    Wicked nice on a hot day, especially in a closed car. No need for a/c.

    Vent windshield.jpg Split Windshield_2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2016
  8. They are also good at breaking the vacuum of the dirt travelling around the front as you drive it in a dirty dust cloud that vacuum sucks the dirt directly inside.

    Where as the safari windshield breaks the vacuum and it doesn't pull the dirt in with window open
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2016
  9. Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    I looked into it way back when- matching the H section is gonna be a you-know-what of the female canine persuasion. :(

    I did source an aluminum extrusion that was the right size but bending the corners was way beyond my comfort level, plus there's still the outer seal lips that would need to be fabbed somehow.


    H.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2016
  10. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Thanks for posting pix Pete. Maybe "Safari" is more related to the VW terminology?

    You guys are probably right... More trouble than it's worth.
     
  11. Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    I really want one. Anyone have pictures of the latch that keeps it closed? Is it similar to a 2a?
     
  12. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor


    DSCN1313_zps53930f1d.jpg

    Vent windshield latch.jpg
     
  13. Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    Cool. Thanks for the pix.
     
  14. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    With a hardtop, or a soft top for sun protection, the vent is deluxe.
     
  15. Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I've got the pieces to build one up... Outer frame, inner frame, seal, hinges and latches. Just haven't had the "motivation" to since I also have an NOS venting frame and a previously installed unit in my shop. Actually considering selling the build pieces so someone could use them.
     
  16. Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I just heard a dinner bell ring, folks may start salivating.
     
    Twin2 likes this.
  17. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    Please tell me the parts are at your dad's? I like taking advantage of other people's lack of motivation. :sneak:
     
  18. aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    I have one I took apart to rebuild. I don't think they would be too hard to make. I don't think it would be exactly like the original but it would be functional. Parts for hinges are available and the outer frame is the same as the other outer frames expect for the hinge and maybe a few holes. I ordered a new seal from Peter Debella (sp?) a few years ago. At the time he had some NOS parts and you could get one for something like $750, no paint and no glass.

    I also talked to the guy in the Philippines (I think that is where he is from) who makes the tubs about him reproducing them. He said only in the US is there any sort of market. Most of the rest of the world wants the newer, fancier stuff and the vented w/s were tossed and made a fixed glass.
     
  19. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    I wouldn't hack up a good windshield, but a doner needing TLC... Yes. It would be functional of my own fabbing and obviously not meant to be "correct". I don't think I'd care about sealing out bad weather either?
     
  20. Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sorry... Bought in Woodinville, Wa and checked them as baggage on a return trip to Va...