Anyone fold down their windshield?

[jaymz]

I for one wish the folding windshield would be an OPTION for those who really want it and the rest of us could enjoy our JL's without the added wind noise.

Technically, it is an option. You can opt out of folding it down or not.

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[zouch]

i don't see how the windshield could actually get all the way back to where it could make contact with you.

Oh, I know that. I know, man. But I can't help it. I just have Nam flashbacks (or flashforwards, in that case?) of my windshield flying back in my face. I just don't like the idea.

 

[DanW]

i don't see how the windshield could actually get all the way back to where it could make contact with you.

That subframe under the windshield is stronger than any previous Jeep's windshied frame. It'd never happen. But we all have fears that can be irrational. Phobias work on many folks in strange ways.

I've run with mine down quite a bit. But the idea of catching a rock between the eyes certainly is on my mind. So I don't get anywhere near the back of other cars. I mainly drive country roads when mine is down.

 

[macintux]

i don't see how the windshield could actually get all the way back to where it could make contact with you.

I don't have my JL yet, but I do think I'll be a bit more nervous about this windshield than I am my LJ. On my LJ I strap it down with a loop I know isn't going to randomly come loose. The new design doesn't look nearly as idiot/vibration-proof.

So while it wouldn't hit me if it flew up, it's still not an experience I'd want at 60mph.

 

[DanW]

I don't have my JL yet, but I do think I'll be a bit more nervous about this windshield than I am my LJ. On my LJ I strap it down with a loop I know isn't going to randomly come loose. The new design doesn't look nearly as idiot/vibration-proof.

So while it wouldn't hit me if it flew up, it's still not an experience I'd want at 60mph.

With the factory tie down kit, once you figure it out, it is very tight and secure. But it certainly is an odd setup.

 

[macintux]

With the factory tie down kit, once you figure it out, it is very tight and secure. But it certainly is an odd setup.

I met Mark Allen, head of Jeep design, at the Jeep Fest in Toledo three years ago. I told him how annoyed I was with the new design, since I can use almost anything at all to tie down an older windshield. Bungee cord, strap, as I told him even my shoelaces in a pinch.

Oddly it was apparently the first criticism he'd heard of it, which probably says more about how few people do it than anything else.

Glad to hear it can be secure, will be something I test early on.

 

[DanW]

I met Mark Allen, head of Jeep design, at the Jeep Fest in Toledo three years ago. I told him how annoyed I was with the new design, since I can use almost anything at all to tie down an older windshield. Bungee cord, strap, as I told him even my shoelaces in a pinch.

Oddly it was apparently the first criticism he'd heard of it, which probably says more about how few people do it than anything else.

Glad to hear it can be secure, will be something I test early on.

The key is getting the bottom part correctly and securely inserted into the slots on the windshield frame. They'll still feel loose, but once you get the velcro tightened down they make for a solid hold with no buffeting or bouncing. I guess there may be some spring tension in the little rods that helps with this. But I've had it up to 55 or so mph and it stayed put perfectly.

But man, don't open your mouth! LOL! I have a pair of motor cycle glasses with foam around the eyepieces to protect my eyes. At normal town street pace, regular sunglasses do the trick.

On the hottest days, even 25mph blows enough wind at you to keep plenty cool. And people, especially other Jeepers, do a double take everywhere you go when they realize your windshield is folded. It's hilarious. When you park people come up and ask about it. You just don't see it everyday.

 

[Quadjeeper]

I don't fold often but I like the feature!

 

[macintux]

But man, don't open your mouth!

What I like to tell people: don't sing to the music you can't hear anyway.

I wrote about it a few years ago: https://opposite-lock.com/topic/27655/the-jeep-experience-part-4-full-frontal

 

[Ben1000]

I thought I'd do this more since buying my JLU... But to be honest, it doesn't change a lot for me due to the front frame still being there. Doesn't really feel any more 'open' to me, as I still have to look through a steel ring to see forwards.

I wish it was like the older Jeeps where there was no longer a front frame to see though. Having said that, I understand the safety and structural benefits of this sytem.

But I don't have much desire to drop the shield anymore.... Just my 2 cents..

Ben

 

[Punknhed]

i take my doors and top off, usually get rained on. Have yet to drop the windshield, probably never will. Was never a fan of being on a bike without windshield either.

 

[rickinAZ]

I've driven Wranglers for over a dozen years and can't recall EVER seeing a windshield folded down. Hopefully it doesn't add much to the cost of construction because it's a waste on 99.9% of us. Did Ford follow Jeep down that hole with the Bronco?

 

[rickinAZ]

everything in California that's fun is illegal.

You're clearly forgetting about marijuana.

Or...you've partaken and now you can't remember.

 

[JustDave]

Those who don't get the windshield down thing hasn't taken it off road and enjoyed the experience.
Try it just once and your convenience. Use your Jeep as a Jeep and you will get it!

I've used it many times in my CJ5 in the 80's. Never used it again in my adult years. I've eaten enough bugs & dirt back in my younger days to last me a lifetime. I have a Polaris Ranger that is easier yet to fold the windshield & I still don't like it.

 

[JLBoucher]

i don't see how the windshield could actually get all the way back to where it could make contact with you.

I'm talking more of the window itself exploding in my face because of the shock. Don't try to make logical, I just fear this and I know it doesn't make total sense.

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