Manual Windows

[Ozarkpaddler]

Haven't thought about them in years since we always seem to have auto in every vehicle we've bought the last few decades. I was looking at JK's and a few really nice ones that are reasonably priced have mechanical windows. I need trailering hook up, ac, and some good tires and everything else is just gravy. Nice, but not essential. Heck, I remember when I was too poor to afford the ac!

Anyway, mechanical windows never bothered me in the '70's-'90's, but I guess I got spoiled the last few decades? I think I'd be just fine and dandy with old fashioned mechanical windows? Anyone get the mechanical ones and regret their decision?

Thanks!

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[RussJeep1]

Anyone get the mechanical ones and regret their decision?

Thanks!

My last vehicle with manual windows was from the 90s. I remember it being a bit inconvenient to pay tolls, which in large part today has been alleviated by electronic tolling facilities.

Perhaps the other chief gripe I had with them, along with manual door locks, was the difficulty reaching over to the passenger's side front door to crank down the window if I needed to engage in conversation with someone standing outside the vehicle on the passenger's side, or opening this door to let them in.

Perhaps one of my more frustrating elements of the Wrangler I love is how things that come standard on practical all other vehicles today get up-charged on the Wrangler. But I think in part this is FCAs way of making money, while falling back on the sales pitch of remaining true to Wrangler's original bare bones design.

I get it, and yet it's a somewhat unique idea in the automobile world. I think it may have something to do with the iconic status of the brand and its use in military conflict, particularly WW II, and its contribution in helping the US emerge "victorious" in a campaign in which its introduction was the severe blow of Pearl Harbor--but I widely digress.

Victorious is in quotes out of respect for the families who've lost loved ones in the armed forces, and who appreciate the best military campaign is the one that never has to occur.

 

[gumbyhoss]

All 4 of the Wranglers I previously owned were base model 2dr with manual windows (2 had half doors and zipper windows)

Short answer: Yes.

Slightly longer answer:

Reason 1: In my last JK I had two stops with security gates so I HAD to roll the windows down 4x/day. That was it for me. I had fun with the zipper windows when I was a kid, but for a daily driving adult, give me power.

Reason 2: Resale. Had a lot of potential buyers walk away due to no power locks and windows. Had 20 year old kids come by to see it that had never seen a vehicle without power doors/windows. No joke, a kid asked me how you unlock the doors. I told him with your hands. He didn't buy the JK.

 

[ThirtyOne]

Compared to the zipper windows the manual windows are awesome!

For a 2-door JK I wouldn't have a problem with crank windows. Hard to pay $30,000+ for one like you would on a JL.

 

[four low]

Manual windows and locks in a 2 dr are fine for me, I can reach over and roll the opposite window up/down ; I prefer the simplicity, and am not exhausted by the effort to roll windows down.
However, for a 4 door, power windows and locks are a "must" because there are no key locks on the rear doors. You have to open front door, reach behind seat to pull up rear passenger lock.
Got kids, dogs, gear to put in the back ? Major inconvenience. Also need PW to control ventilation in the back for dogs, or young passengers. Rain too
Last but not least, Security in a 4dr much better with power locks, keyless remote.

 

[macintux]

Last but not least, Security in a 4dr much better with power locks, keyless remote.

....assuming a hard top.

I'd rather people open my doors than slash my top.

 

[Ozarkpaddler]

All 4 of the Wranglers I previously owned were base model 2dr with manual windows (2 had half doors and zipper windows)

Had 20 year old kids come by to see it that had never seen a vehicle without power doors/windows. No joke, a kid asked me how you unlock the doors. I told him with your hands. He didn't but the JK.

That's FUNNY (LOL)!

 

[COBill]

....assuming a hard top.

I'd rather people open my doors than slash my top.

These are criminals; I've seen people whose Jeeps were broken into and they just usually slash the top regardless, it's just either faster or more satisfying.

 

[macintux]

Then I suppose I'll have to confuse them by running topless! Do that all summer anyway.

 

[Jeepsterfreak]

I'm most likely leaning toward a Sport or Sport S Unlimited.

So far here is the difference I've found when comparing standard features.

1. Power windows
2. Power remote locks
3. Power/heated side view mirrors
4. Alloy wheels
5. Automatic headlights
6. A/C on 2 door
7. Illuminated vanity mirrors
8. Available option availability such as dual top, premium soft top, tech group, remote start, safety group, etc.

Did I miss anything?

Now do I spend the extra money for a Sport S or just build a base Sport with freedom top, auto, tow, LSD/D44, mats for $36,305 msrp vs $39,505 msrp. That's the $3,200 question.

I honestly think manual windows would be fine. I'm more concerned about manual locks and having to carry a huge key fob for no reason (for push start) as bigger inconvenience.

Heated side mirrors are a necessity in cold icy climates.

 

[Firebrick]

I’ll give you a reason to think about not getting them. I really wanted them after having power windows in my last jk. I got a 2 door Willy’s with manual windows and the window crank hits me right in the knee when driving. It’s awful and I’m looking for a remedy. Also I miss power locks even more. Of course when I had a cj I didn’t know any different but my next jeep will have power locks and windows. Probably will even get the ones where you don’t have to take the key out of your pocket. Sometimes technology is nice. The only thing I really like about the manual windows is that it makes the door lighter when you take it off but supposedly the jl doors are lighter anyways.

 

[macintux]

Something I've been wondering about is whether there are door removal steps that you could cheat on if you had manual windows.

In my TJ, I leave the nuts off so I can trivially remove the doors. The process looks much more involved for the JL, but if you don't have power anything on the doors, perhaps you could simplify by leaving some of the attachments undone.

 

[chcg12]

Yes as there is no electrical connector to unfasten. The JK nuts are the same way and it appears the JL will be the same. Now the new door stops will they need to be unscrewed,,,

 

[macintux]

Yes as there is no electrical connector to unfasten. The JK nuts are the same way and it appears the JL will be the same. Now the new door stops will they need to be unscrewed,,,

Thanks. To some extent this is a contrived concern, because I leave my doors off all summer long, but it's still nice to be able to do it easily.

I suspect my other hack is going to be adding a footman loop back into the windshield frame and hood. I like being able to quickly wrap a small bungie cord or Dera-tie around the loops; the new tie-down for the windshield looks finicky and problematic if you don't have the factory-provided straps with you.

 

[chcg12]

i have a built jku now and am going back to the 2dr. I run topless mid may-Mid october. One of the reasons i would like to go with manual windows, but for a variety of reasons i may go the rubicon route, and manual windows/locks are na.

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