My Willys 3A and 3B Community
TECH FAQ SECTIONS => BODY and trim => Topic started by: Tchara on August 31, 2022, 08:37:15 AM
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Hi all!
I purchased a set of windshield latches from Walck's, and they don't seem to be the correct latches. I double checked the product page, and it refers to the CJ3a. But as you can see by the pics, the latches are to long, and won;t latch. The bottom part of the latch seems to be to far out too. The windshield sits about a 1/4 inch in on the cowl. Is this the correct placement of the windshield. The windshield hinges are adjusted as far back as allowed.
Has anyone else experienced this problem where the latches don't seem to be the correct fit?
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That does look odd. Did you add the holes in the side straps?
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Here are a couple of pictures of the latches on my '51.
The hook part that fastens to the dash is adjustable, but it looks like you need to move it further than what is available.
It almost looks as though the latch should be in the upper hole......better call Walck's..
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Hi guys
Yes, I drilled the holes in the latch. My plan was to take the latch apart, and shorten the middle links, or use a pin to hold the windshield down. I bought the several months ago, and just now getting around to mounting the windshield, so not sure Walck's can help me. I thought perhaps ordering from another vendor, and see if they fit.
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Here's a couple of photos of the latches off my '64 3B when I was playing around with zinc plating, maybe they will help.
(http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/500/20200624_212725.jpg)
(http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/500/20200624_1928261.jpg)
(http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/500/20200624_2129241.jpg)
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The latch differences continue as imported parts claim "fit" but the parts DO NOT WORK. They seem to have copied "one model", maybe a MB, about 3/8" longer, and then add others to the "fits list", even my DJ3A was listed... but NOPE!
I see differences in the "contour" of the windshield frame mount, differences in the length of the "hinge/pivot arms", and even a difference in the "catch end" of the latch. The dash mounted plates and "hooks" are a "match". I tried to capture the comparison on a 1" X 1" grid in pics attached. Caveat Emptor!
If anybody knows where I can get SS or CHROME latches for the DJ3A/CJJA windshield, please let me know. Thanks!
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Steve,
That's amazing. This looks like another example for your rant posted about parking lenses.
I've sent parts back. If I can't see the item and compare, especially if it's a questionable "guaranteed to fit your jeep" part, I'll pass. I can only imagine our vendors are being told it fits, they assume it will work and then the customer doesn't complain. Yes, I've had vendors respond to me with, "Well this is the first time I've heard of a problem!"
To the original poster, Tchara, this is a few years down the road. How did you fix this?
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Hey Rus. Thanks for your comments. I didn't even go into about the poor quality of the parts. Twisted at top pivot making bolts a nightmare to try to get started, and then the top and third hole wasn't even visible for a screw there. Having pics of two other DJs with chrome latches, I was curious how they had them to "fit". Zoomed in, I see neither had the top screw installed. I'm guessing they must have relocated holes for the plate location to align with the "hook" part to work. I'm not ready to do that for the "bling factor". Pic of one of the DJs with the chrome latch is attached... Pic may be duplicated as I can't tell in preview if the paste attempt worked. Sorry if both showed up.