I would suggest you simply review all the windshield installation instructions on fixed windshield cars built from 1946 thru 1972. I did over 10 years ago when discussing this. It will surprise you.
And then there's always this irrefutable photograph
Personally I believe Willys was more concerned with the possibility of the windshield falling on the hood when driven over rough roads with the windshield folded down then they were with the very slim probability of the glass getting blown in when the windshield was erect at 50 MPH.
But when you ask me which way Willys did it I always go with the back side.
But if you tow your jeep on the highways at or above 70 MPH it may be wiser to put the wedge bead in the front or fold the windshield down when towing.
Thanks Wes. I agree. I'm not trying to refute the irrefutable photo evidence. It's very clear the lock strip goes on the back side from the factory. Even my copy of SM-1002-R6 on page 251 shows the locking strip on the back side for replacing CJ3A windshield glass on jeeps sold to the public. So does Figure 106 on page 168 of TM9-1804B.
And I'm not trying to refute the glass pro that Jeff used. Just trying to understand it from a safety perspective. These jeeps are unique vehicles after all. Maybe lessons learned, technology, methods, or material changed in the last 50 years to explain it. Maybe it's only installer preference or the way he was trained.
Anyway, if the only real risk is losing a point or two from the jeep police in a judging contest, I may go ahead and live with my lock strip in the front.
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51
“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari
Hi Wes,
Yes, I read your post and understand it, including your opinion that you believe Willys was more concerned with the possibility of the windshield falling on the hood when driven over rough roads with the windshield folded down.
That makes good sense and I said I agree with it. It's too bad Willys didn't actually say that in any TM or then we'd all know for certain why they put the locking strip on the back side.
My concern was that even with my lock strip on the front (wrong) side of my windshield, can it be perfectly safe to drive that way. And now I believe it is. Every bit as safe as one with the lock strip on the back side. If the day ever comes when I need new glass I'll consider putting it back according to the TM. Until then, I'm going to drive it just like it is.
My comment about judging points was a joke. My jeep won't be seen in any judging contest, at least not on purpose.
Thanks again.
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51
“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari
Ron, to answer your questions, I bought my windshield glass from Walck's and it is clearly laminated glass, but there is no specific marking specifying that it is automotive safety glass. It was nicely cut, and fit up well in the frame. I used his gasket as well.
I have never experienced having a gasketed piece of glass come out of a jeep window frame. But I've cracked the windshield glass on a CJ driving through a field with the windscreen down, where the tie down had loosened up. Won't do that again.
I have seen gasketed plexiglass canopy windows pop out in North American Navion airplanes. The Navion's built from '46 to '51 came from the factory with gasketed side windows. Usually this happens in a decent when speed builds up. Most Navion's have had their canopy windows updated with internally fit and attached canopy glass, so you don't see many of the old gasketed originals anymore. Next time I see one I am going to take a closer look at the installation and see if a locking strip in employed - and more importantly - which side of the glass it is installed on!
Best, Jeff
1951 M38 restoration project - Flightline Jeep MC 23923 DoD 6-51
1954 M-100 Trailer USMC Dunbar Kapple s/n M-750759 DoD 1-54
1947 Willys CJ2A - Harvest Green
1954 Ford F-100 Parts chaser - blueprinted Y-Block
Southeast Florida
No need to hunt for a rubber gasketed Navion. Being an A&P, IA and Private Pilot I have worked and flown on them. Here's the applicable manual page for the windshield gasket seal bead from both the 1949 Navion Civvy manual and the 1954 military manual.
,
,
