Windshield Frame/Hardtop Top Fastening Screws

Just thinking ahead for my '67 CJ-5 restoration project....

I've got a hardtop that came with it when I bought it that will be restored along with the rest of the vehicle. The windshield frame is going to be replaced with a new one. My question is, how should I go about fastening the hardtop lid to the top of the new windshield frame? There were about 7 or so screws that had to have their heads ground off to release the top from the windshield frame. I was hoping that a new windshield frame came with inset nuts or something, but I see that they don't. Are these just sheet metal scews? If so, I suppose that means I could just drill small holes in the windshield frame and then screw the top on. Did I just answer my own question? :? R)

 

yep, you did
as I recall, you would install the top, make sure it's all the way down on the frame then drill the holes
the original screws may have had a sealing washer of some type attached to them

 

I actually installed nut inserts that are held in place with pop rivets on the inside of the windshield frame. I then use bolts from the front of the top. This may not be original, but it works good for me.

 

Thanks guys. I wasn't sure if using sheet metal screws would be able to hold it on well enough. So far as sealing against water to avoid rust, I suppose I could just use some sort of rtv or something similar if I can't find those washers. I hate the idea of drilling into a completely new windshield frame, but if it has to be done, so be it.

I noticed that my door openings had some sort of thin foam insulator to keep the door and top from rubbing against each other...is that available for purchase? If so, I could use some of that on the inside of the top to protect and seal the windshield frame even further. Anyone know where I could find that stuff?

Zoomer, I like your idea.... How'd you pop-rivet them in? I'll have to look at my old frame when I get home, so I might figure it out then I was thinking the top of the frame was channeled so that you couldn't get inside. I could be wrong.

 

the nut serts are installed like pop rivets, (crimped) using the special tool
that would be the way to go, good idea

 

I used the weel nuts crimped in on the windsheild frame, put camper seal tape on the inside of the hard top. Used 1/4-20 button head allen head bolts 1" long with a fender washer and rubber washer under it. The allen head bolts are stainless steel so no rust.


Andrew
Rio Rancho New Mexico USA
1970CJ6 134,t90.d18, OD Hardtop Ex border patrol

 

Crimped in nutserts would maybe be better than what I have. IIRC, mine look like this:



http://www.mcmaster.com/ctlg/DisplC...A350&t1=PN&ScreenWidth=1280&McMMainWidth=1068

I mounted them on the inside of the windshield frame with the shaft going into the frame. Used pop rivets in the little holes. I don't remember what size I used, but could find out if need be.

 

I guess I was lucky when my screws came out "reasonably well" considering I had to presoak them with PB Blaster the week prior. Even then, I started to strip out heads until I bought a commercial grade screwdriver from Craftsman tools. I was thinking along the lines of using a threadsert or blind nut with Stainless allen heads.

 

Thanks for all the ideas guys! It'll be a while before I get to it but now I know the routes I can take. Thanks again!