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72 softtop

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by walterv, Dec 19, 2006.

  1. Dec 19, 2006
    walterv

    walterv Member

    Yakima Wa.
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2004
    Messages:
    201
    I Need a softtop for a 72 cj5. Was going to put one on from a 75 cj but the windshield looks to be leaning back about three in more on the 72. Is this factory or was it swapped?

    Any suggestions on where to order a new 72 softtop from?

    Thanks Walt
     
    walterv, Dec 19, 2006
    #1
  2. Dec 19, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
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    9,221
    Windshields are the same 55-75 unless it's been swapped out.

    If it has an external wiper motor it's original. Internal is '76 on.
     
    sparky, Dec 19, 2006
    #2
  3. Dec 19, 2006
    CEEJAY5

    CEEJAY5 Jeep Addict

    Columbia, SC
    Joined:
    May 30, 2006
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    116
    If I was going to order one for my 72, it would be a Bestop Supertop.
     
    CEEJAY5, Dec 19, 2006
    #3
  4. Dec 19, 2006
    garbageman

    garbageman Member

    Lexington, SC
    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2006
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    417
    Supertop - just put one on a few weeks back. Search the web and the forums here on the tricks and tips for installing. Bend the doors and a few others will make it fit like a glove. Search EBAY - there was a guy in NC that had them new for like $575.00.
     
    garbageman, Dec 19, 2006
    #4
  5. Dec 19, 2006
    JeepTherapy

    JeepTherapy Sponsor

    Negaunee, Michigan
    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2006
    Messages:
    695
    you have a pic of your jeep? the 76 up frame is a bolt on to the older jeep. Would suck bad to get a brand new top and have the wrong one. The frame on the newer jeeps tapers in toward the top. It also leans about 3" further back. Not sure you can tell from the angle in this picture, but the black one has the 76+ and the green one is 75-.

    [​IMG]
     
    JeepTherapy, Dec 19, 2006
    #5
  6. Dec 19, 2006
    walterv

    walterv Member

    Yakima Wa.
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2004
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    201
    ok, here are a couple of pics, both are intermediates. The black one is my 75 and the red one is my son's 72. There is a definate differance between the two. The 72 leans back about three inches more than the 75. Comments? ideas?
     
    walterv, Dec 19, 2006
    #6
  7. Dec 20, 2006
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Do both have the wiper motor on the outside (hood side) of the windshield?

    Assuming they do - worn v. new gasket. Loose v. tight hinges. Missing screw on the '72 won't help either.

    Just to reiterate - the '72 and '75 windshields are identical from the factory, except for paint color. A '72 will be black and a '75 will be body color. The top application is also the same.

    In 1976 lots of things changed, including the windshield. The '76 windshield leans back more, and it also has a different shape (trapezoid, not rectangle glass shape).
     
    timgr, Dec 20, 2006
    #7
  8. Dec 20, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    Deja-vu? GMTA? R)

    Doesn't matter, you can tell by looking at those pics they're both "early" style not '76+ WS frames. Hinge isn't visible on the outside of the frame. They're black (I know they can be painted) but they just have that "look" that's early. The hinge is a dead giveaway from this angle though.

    So new/worn gasket etc. gets my vote. They're the same. It'll swap.
     
    sparky, Dec 20, 2006
    #8
  9. Dec 20, 2006
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Don't know GMTA.

    I read your post and thought it was pithy and pointed. However, I also thought the question had not been answered, so I asked it again.
     
    timgr, Dec 20, 2006
    #9
  10. Dec 20, 2006
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Great Minds Think Alike. ;)
     
    sparky, Dec 20, 2006
    #10
  11. Dec 22, 2006
    walterv

    walterv Member

    Yakima Wa.
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2004
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    201
    They are both early style. After looking at them side by side along with a few other clues, here's what I think happened. The creases on the hood match the top of the windshield and looking close to the hinge mounts I can see where the lighter metal is buckled. Me thinks the hood came loose and clobbered the top of the windshield hard enought to lean it back the three inches or so. I know, pics would be nice, but I never think of the camera until I'm already in the shop.
    Thanks for the comments and ideas though. What a wealth of knowledge when you put it all togeather.
    MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone
     
    walterv, Dec 22, 2006
    #11
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