Windshield...

[epriev]

Not a replacement topic...

Is the ability to fold down the windshield a pointless feature in modern Jeeps?

Have you folded down your windshield?

Why would you fold it down?

Show pictures if you have.

 

[bobfriesenhahn]

Not a replacement topic...

Is the ability to fold down the windshield a pointless feature in modern Jeeps?

Have you folded down your windshield?

Why would you fold it down?

Show pictures if you have.

The main reason to fold it down is to be able to crawl through brush, low trees, under rock ledges, or just to see much better.

The windshield on the JL/JT looks stupid when it is folded down, and it does not get completely flat like on older jeeps. Delicate parts are exposed. The front part of the roll cage is still present. This makes it not any better for traveling through brush and low trees, and in fact there is more danger to get thousands of dollars (factory parts and dealer labor) of damage.

I did fold down the windshield once on my CJ-5. It went back up immediately because I would not drive a long distance without a top and a good way to safely store the removed top at the destination.

 

[DirtHeadDavis]

The main reason to fold it down is to be able to crawl through brush, low trees, under rock ledges, or just to see much better.

The windshield on the JL/JT looks stupid when it is folded down, and it does not get completely flat like on older jeeps. Delicate parts are exposed. The front part of the roll cage is still present. This makes it not any better for traveling through brush and low trees, and in fact there is more danger to get thousands of dollars (factory parts and dealer labor) of damage.

I did fold down the windshield once on my CJ-5. It went back up immediately because I would not drive a long distance without a top and a good way to safely store the removed top at the destination.

Actually Bob it was to allow the original Willys MB to fit into cheaper, more readily available shipping crates and lay casualties along the hood on cots while keeping them accessible to the Jeep's occupants during WWII.

The fact they still fold down to this day is pretty pointless and pretty much just a party trick or nod to the past at most.

 

[bobfriesenhahn]

Actually Bob it was to allow the original Willys MB to fit into cheaper, more readily available shipping crates and lay casualties along the hood on cots while keeping them accessible to the Jeep's occupants during WWII.

This is interesting. Is it why many 4WD vehicles from other countries (as well as the International Harvester Scout) also provided windshields which fold down? Was it all due to WWII?

In the old days safety was not much of a concern so there was no roll bar, and if there were any seat belts it was to keep the driver from bouncing out. This means that the only impediment to driving under low branches and vines was the windshield.

Another factor was that windshields would accumulate dead bugs and mud, making it difficult to see. There was no good way to keep the windshield clean.

As you say, with the windshield down, it is easier to carry long objects.

Cars originally did not even come with a windshield and the driver and passenger wore goggles. As cars got faster, and laminated glass was invented, windshields became practical and necessary.

Unfortunately, the 'Internet" is very good at remembering/repeating some things, and not knowing anything at all about other things. This leads to a distorted memory. I remember seeing amazing vehicles in old National Geographic articles (e.g.from the '20s and '30s), which had interesting features such as caterpillar tracks, and no windshield, or possibly a folding windshield.

Bob

 

[WJCO]

Is the ability to fold down the windshield a pointless feature in modern Jeeps?

Yes.

Thread closed.

 

[NPC 6060⁸42]

This is interesting. Is it why many 4WD vehicles from other countries (as well as the International Harvester Scout) also provided windshields which fold down? Was it all due to WWII?

In the old days safety was not much of a concern so there was no roll bar, and if there were any seat belts it was to keep the driver from bouncing out. This means that the only impediment to driving under low branches and vines was the windshield.

Another factor was that windshields would accumulate dead bugs and mud, making it difficult to see. There was no good way to keep the windshield clean.

As you say, with the windshield down, it is easier to carry long objects.

Cars originally did not even come with a windshield and the driver and passenger wore goggles. As cars got faster, and laminated glass was invented, windshields became practical and necessary.

Unfortunately, the 'Internet" is very good at remembering/repeating some things, and not knowing anything at all about other things. This leads to a distorted memory. I remember seeing amazing vehicles in old National Geographic articles (e.g.from the '20s and '30s), which had interesting features such as caterpillar tracks, and no windshield, or possibly a folding windshield.

Bob

 

[jeeeep]

Yes.

Thread closed.

Not since the CJ7 have i put the windshield down and it was only because I was trying to impress a girl.
I wouldn't mind if they sealed the windshield, it would cut wind noise.
If it were up to me, the windshield would not fold down, it would be windproofed, and would contain channels to run wiring through

 

[WJCO]

Have you folded down your windshield?

Why would you fold it down?

Show pictures if you have.

Only once and only because it was required for install of a shade.

 

[Ddays]

Only once and only because it was required for install of a shade.

View attachment 432131

yes - it's bad enough on JK's, but even more ridiculous on JL's. Who TF would ever drive around like that? All your damn ducks would fall off

 

[wayoflife]

The worst part about folding the windshield down on a modern Wrangler or Gladiator is that it's concave in shape. As in, the corners of it sit high off the hood and it actually impedes what you're able see. It is totally pointless and a true hinderance on the trail.