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Hardtop question

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by bbjeepin, Jun 21, 2005.

  1. Jun 21, 2005
    bbjeepin

    bbjeepin New Member

    NorCal
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
    Messages:
    2
    Yes I am new to the board and I know that this topic has been talked about before but I was wondering if any one has a link or two to sites that pertain to Meyers hardtops? I.E. what years will work together. The reason I am asking is that I am looking at getting a 75 hartop for my 79 cj5. What issues might I run into or is it a waist of time to even get the hardtop?
     
    bbjeepin, Jun 21, 2005
    #1
  2. Jun 21, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    3,437
    The big differences will be the angle of the windshield and door fit up in the upper corner by the windshield.

    After 1975, the windshield is angled back farther, and is about 4" more narrow at the top. It will take a good bit of custom jury-rigging and patchwork to get it to work on your 79.

    It will work better if you install a '70-75 windshield on your 79, and shim the windshield so it has the correct angle to match the top. Of course the hinges are different on the earlier ones, but you can adapt the later hinges to the earlier windshield frame...

    HTH
     
    lynn, Jun 21, 2005
    #2
  3. Jun 21, 2005
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    Welcome from Boston - the steel cabs are ok, though they will significantly affect the balance of your CJ. If you really want one, you can get one - there were metal cabs made for the post-75 CJs. There is a company that makes fiberglass cabs today, although they aren't cheap.

    All the 55-75 cabs are the same - the easiest way to make one of these fit is to change windshields, as Lynn suggested.

    Personally I don't think there's much advantage to a metal cab - I would not own a full cab again. They provide some security, and possibly all-weather comfort. Visibility is better, especially in the rain. Maintenance is easier. They aren't any quieter than a soft top, and they make your Jeep top heavy. Ask for other members opinions, maybe in the off-topic forum.
     
    timgr, Jun 21, 2005
    #3
  4. Jun 22, 2005
    bbjeepin

    bbjeepin New Member

    NorCal
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2005
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    Thanks for the reply. I ended up getting the top for one simple reason, It was FREE, and in good shape. I did notice that the windshield angle was different when I put the door up nest to the jeep. Opinion time which would be easier, changing the windshield or modifing the door? thanks agian for the info
     
    bbjeepin, Jun 22, 2005
    #4
  5. Jun 22, 2005
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    9,221
    Changing the windshield will result in gaps behind it with the door I'd think.

    But that's gonna have to be done anyway because the top is a different width as indicated above.
     
    sparky, Jun 22, 2005
    #5
  6. Jun 22, 2005
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    sparky, Jun 22, 2005
    #6
  7. Jun 22, 2005
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    23,596
    If you can change the angle of the existing windsheild, you'll then have to make filler strips to go between the windshield and the door (since the current windshield tapers toward the top). To fit the existing windshield angle, you'll have to shorten the roof (front to back), change the angle of the front edge of the doors, and make filler strips for between the doors and the windshield.

    Changing to the earlier windshield seems vastly easier...

    <edit> it would be good to add the later windsheild to the discussion on the tech page, if anyone has access to such and a camera.
     
    timgr, Jun 22, 2005
    #7
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