Windshield glass

[Stich]

About to install a new windshield and seal in my Willys. I have conflicting answers on which side the lock seal goes on.There was no windshield when I got it so I have no reference.  So, I'll ask you professionals here. Inside or outside?
Thanks
Jack

[bwtufts]

Mines on the outside, but that's just how I put it in. I'm almost positive the stock windshield on my 51 had it on the outside too. Not sure what the "right" way is, but I can't think of any cars that have it on the inside. Just my .02!

[Ryan_M]

Stich - Let me know how you do. I tried to install mine a couple days ago and eventually gave up. I could not get the top of the gasketed windshield to fit in place on the top edge of the frame. There is that little channel there that runs just above the top edge of where the windshield goes and I could not get the glass to seat in there. I used the guide on this page but could not make it work. Curious how others have done it.

[rocketeer]

It goes on the outside.

http://www.cj3apage.com/how_to_replace_your_windshield_g.htm



Larry

[F Bill]

When Jonathan wrote up that page there were a couple things he did that I would not do. He laid the glass down on a bench and placed the frame over top of it... I would leave the frame mounted to the jeep, and use two people to set the windshield in place, then as you pull the well lubricated rope the rubber will slide over the lip of the frame without binding. You can use your hand to apply a little pressure, glass guys actually slap the glass with the palm of their hand but I would hesitate to recommend that....Soapy water or dish detergent will make things slide in place easier.

The other problem was he had a very difficult time installing the lock strip without the proper tool. Nowadays with the Internet and Amazon, you should be able to find an appropriate tool for spreading the groove the strip fits into. The right tool will make it a quick 5 minute job.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-47000-Windshield-Locking-Strip/dp/B000COA1CQ

If it really seems too difficult, take it to the glass shop, especially if they cut the glass for the opening. My last windshield cost about 150 installed IIRC. About $30 of that was the install, If I understood the guy right.

[Ryan_M]

I finally threw in the towel after several failed attempts at installing my new windshield seal. I took it to the local glass shop today and they too had trouble with it. They are convinced the seal I have is the either the wrong one or just a poorly made aftermarket item. It came from one of the usual Willys suppliers who I have a good track record with. I checked my order receipt to make sure I had the right part and I did. Anyone else had the same problem? Luckily we were able to use the original old seal combined with the new locking bead. Glass guys had that one installed in no time (locking bead on the outside, btw). Cost $35.

[bwtufts]

My dad and I tried for a couple of hours with ours as well and gave up. The local guy we took it to had it done in 5 min and was able to use the new seal we had bought...

[Bob W]

Although the modern accepted location of the locking strip is on the outside, that is not the way Willys installed the glass during the CJ-3A time period. Original glass has the locking strip on the inside.

[Ryan_M]

Although the modern accepted location of the locking strip is on the outside, that is not the way Willys installed the glass during the CJ-3A time period. Original glass has the locking strip on the inside.

I just went back through my "Before" project pics...and you are right, the locking strip was on the inside. Obviously I should have looked closer before I had the glass re-installed. Oh well. I suppose if ever I have another $35 burning a hole in my pocket I'll have them switch it around.

[bretto]

Stock was inside.
On modern installs there is no way to get to a locking strip from the inside so its on the outside.
Oh and it was a pain to get in. �Did it at home though and saved a buck as usual.

[athawk11]

Man, I hate to add to this debate. �I studied pretty hard while determining the installation rules for the retainer strip. �I read and viewed dozens of articles, posts, and photos....and never came to a consensus. �

So I asked this forum. �Rocketeer(Larry) posted that the strip belongs on the outside. �This was good enough for me. �Rarely, you will be on the right side of the debate when you are on the other side from Larry.

Others stated �that if there was an impact hard enough to dislodge the windsheild, better it flew out away from the passengers, then into the passengers.

I followed the instructions posted by Johnathan. (See above) � My only change was, I layed the frame on floor in my house, on top of a blanket. �I didn't want to scratch the new paint job. �The rope trick worked fine, but the retainer strip was a bear!! � � I would use a blunt screw driver and work one edge of the retainer into position, then go back and work the other edge into postion. �It took a good hour. �When done, I was exhausted...and sweating like a pig.

Tim

[Stich]

Had to give up on my install as well and have the glass shop do it. The trick was to install the rubber onto the frame first and then install the glass into the rubber. Go figure! I always installed rubber onto glass first when I put glass in VW's
I know next time.

[rocketeer]

Although the modern accepted location of the locking strip is on the outside, that is not the way Willys installed the glass during the CJ-3A time period. Original glass has the locking strip on the inside.

I went back more than 8 years thru my photos and found one of my original windshield (I sold it long ago). On that one the locking bead was indeed on the inside. Safety wise that wouldn't be the way you would do it today but apparently that's how Willys did it. So, to be original the bead would be inside, if you're concerned about going thru the WS in a front end collision, put it on the outside, better chance of pushing the glass outward. For those who don't know, all windshields today are installed in such a way that they can be kicked out should you be trapped inside after an accident.

Larry

[macrisel]

For those who don't know, all windshields today are installed in such a way that they can be kicked out should you be trapped inside after an accident.

Larry

It also makes it easier to kick out the front glass should you ever be involved in a gun battle during a high speed chase! �:-?

Sorry Larry, I couldn't resist..

[Jesse]

A real man takes a windshield to the face during an accident.


In Willys terms, they knew it was 'More economical' to be killed by a piece of glass then be sent to the hospital.

-From the Operation and Care Manual-

"The safety of your new willys motor vehicle is unequaled. However, in the event of an accident, proper placement of the safety strip on the inside of the windshield will insure that the glass strikes the operator on the head. This will provide maximum economy; saving you money and eliminating delays in hospital service"