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Cj5 Windshield Catch

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Fresbone, Oct 21, 2024.

  1. Oct 21, 2024
    Fresbone

    Fresbone Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Fresno, California
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    I reinstalled my windshield and the latch that holds the windshield up is loose. It is the original windshield, original gasket, and original latches, but a new dash panel. Comparing the old dash panel to the new dash panel, it looks like the drill holes for the hook plate on the dash are 1/8 lower from the top, which would take up some of the slack.

    My question is whether the problem may be with the hook and latch. Were these parts that loosened or deformed (and therefore need to be replaced), or do I just drill out a little more of the holes to lower the plates a bit?

    Right now, I have a piece of neoprene taking up the slack, and I’m still about a month from being driveable.

    IMG_3833.jpeg
     
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  2. Oct 21, 2024
    supertrooper

    supertrooper Member

    moreno valley, ca
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    The lower catch can be adjusted to lock down tighter. I would recommend the AA windshield latch kit to replace the stock latches. Mine kept stretching at the lower hook and that let the windshield move while diving. The AA latches have been rock solid and never come loose.

    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/add-716127/make/jeep/model/cj5
     
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  3. Oct 21, 2024
    PeteL

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

    Hills of NH
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    You probably need a new gasket between the w/s and the cowl.
     
  4. Oct 21, 2024
    T. M.

    T. M. Rubicon or bust!

    Boise, ID
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    In my readings I've found that some people can fix it with a windshield gasket, and some people have stretched out windshield latches.

    My windshield had quite alot of play, as I have at least a worn windshield gasket. I replaced the catches with AA catches, and they tightened down plenty and the windshield has no movement. I still need a gasket, but it works for me for now. I also like the AA's screw-in design. Makes it easier for me to drop and raise the windshield, and I usually drop the windshield any time there isn't rain.
     
  5. Oct 21, 2024
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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    What I did with mine
    It's ugly and can scratch the dashboard,
    but,
    I've run them this way for forty years and under soft tops, hard tops, and bikini's and the repair has been rock solid.
     
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  6. Oct 21, 2024
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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  7. Oct 21, 2024
    Fresbone

    Fresbone Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I actually like the look of that. I might try that out with a dressier knob. Do you think plasti-dip on the tip of the lever would keep the dash from getting scratched.
    IMG_3834.png
     
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  8. Oct 21, 2024
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Typically, aftermarket dashboards don’t have the slots in the correct location (too high or too low) , and often don’t have a second reinforcement layer needed to keep things tight. The factory dash slots have the travel range so you can usually get a snug adjustment compressing the windshield base gasket.
    -Donny
     
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  9. Oct 21, 2024
    PeteL

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

    Hills of NH
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    Hell no.
     
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  10. Oct 21, 2024
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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    No, but you could mount a small piece of nylon, ABS, plastic or other high wear buffer under the lever, on the dash.
    [​IMG]
    Aluminum may work as well.
     
  11. Oct 21, 2024
    jeepdaddy2000

    jeepdaddy2000 Active Member

    Eagle Point oregon
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    I think a wing nut would allow for more torque than a knob.
    I lost the one on the other side and replaced it with a simple eye bolt, which allows me to put a screwdriver in it to tighten.

    [​IMG]
     
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  12. Oct 21, 2024
    Fresbone

    Fresbone Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Would there be something visually wrong if that is the case? The old gasket looks good - no tears/cracks or areas of obvious wear.
     
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  13. Oct 21, 2024
    PeteL

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

    Hills of NH
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    In my experience, the gasket shrinkage combined with any wear in the hinges causes the w/s to use up all the adjustment in the the latches and still rattle.

    Sandwiching some shimming in the hinges with some thin rubber padding helped - but in the end a quality new cowl gasket was the best fix. Plus it will keep out rain.
     
    Last edited: Oct 21, 2024
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  14. Oct 21, 2024
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    You could shim up the cowl gasket too. I expect old inner tube would work fine. Maybe bicycle inner tube; not expensive new even.
     
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  15. Oct 21, 2024
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor

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    I found this position (third serrated spot down from top) worked for tightness. I have a new windshield to cowl seal.
    Does you dash panel have the “barb” that the clasp engages?
     
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  16. Oct 21, 2024
    Fresbone

    Fresbone Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Yes, I have the barb, and that is the position it sits in.
    I have some 2" neoprene strip material in 1/8 and 1-4 that I can set under the seal to see if that works.
     
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  17. Oct 21, 2024
    PeteL

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

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    That was what I meant, kinda. I sandwiched some rubber material in each hinge area.
     
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  18. Oct 21, 2024
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    I had problems with my latches popping loose, so I made these. Not pretty, but functional.
    20241021_182235.jpg
     
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  19. Oct 22, 2024
    Fresbone

    Fresbone Member 2025 Sponsor 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    A guy I work with suggested abrasion tape, which is a polyurethane material used on the forward edge of airplane wings. Maybe a postage stamp size piece if that would keep the paint from getting scratched.
     
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  20. Oct 22, 2024
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    That is what I did on my 3B. The glass tub apparently had a marital argument with the stock windshield. I used a adhesive back strip adhered to the cowl gasket. McMaster-Carr item.
     
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