Does anyone actually fold the windscreen down? I don't get it...

[stil2low]

I tried taking my wipers off the other day and couldn't get them to budge. Removing the plastic cover and nut were not a problem. Its like they are rusted on already after just one WI winter yet I didn't see any sign of corrosion after removing the nut?

In all the videos I've seen on the JL they just pop off after removing the nut, looks like I may have to pursue this "removal tool" if i ever intend to flip mine down again......................

They are on a slight tapered spline so a little convincing is needed sometimes, more so the first time off
Pull up on the wiper arm and use the handle end of a screw driver or rubber mallet to hit the post and it will pop right off

Mine come off super easy now after a few times on and off. Love the ease of the new windshield

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[Rahneld]

I tried taking my wipers off the other day and couldn't get them to budge. Removing the plastic cover and nut were not a problem. Its like they are rusted on already after just one WI winter yet I didn't see any sign of corrosion after removing the nut?

In all the videos I've seen on the JL they just pop off after removing the nut, looks like I may have to pursue this "removal tool" if i ever intend to flip mine down again......................

Kevin, I don't think I could have gotten mine off on the first day of ownership. IMO its as much about pulling the wipers straight off (envision being up on the hood, nut loose, feet against the windshield for leverage) as it is the elements/seasons.

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[Tfom]

I've taken it off. It's just too more bolts to completely remove it for wheeling. Much better for photography, being a photographer....

Never thought of this... Thank you

 

[Tfom]

What just happened here? This isn't how the internet works! You're supposed to dismiss their views and tell them how they're wrong. Try this instead: "If you were a real photographer you would use your feet to zoom rather than the wheels of your Jeep"

Apologies. I will ask what gear he shoots with and then let him know if he doesn't shoot with this it isn't a "real" camera.

 

[noreserve]

I popped my windshield down for the first time yesterday while in the garage. I only did it because I get annoyed by stupid things, and the current stupid thing that was going to annoy me was an ExpressToll sticker I needed in the lower left corner of my windshield. As in my TJ, dropping the windshield on the JL allows me better access to place the sticker a quarter inch lower more easily. I know, it's dumb, but I figure if I can I should.

At any rate, my wiper arms were also much more difficult to pull off than I had anticipated. It seemed me that they are just pressed in that tightly. I wrapped some cordage around both sides of the wiper arm so I could get a better pull on it. While pulling on the cordage with one hand I tapped the wiper arm with my other hand. When it let go it came off easy and I had no damage to anything. Putting the wiper arms back on was very easy. I suspect this is one of those things that will run in with wear so I haven't yet bought a wiper arm pulling tool. Might be worth seeing if your local parts store has one they can lend you or if they have a cheapy that you can buy because I think (hope?) you'll only need it for that first time. My TJ the arms came on and off without any struggle at all (and no tools required, I think that was a better design).

I was in the same boat - didn't anticipate the wipers being difficult to remove. The owner's manual doesn't offer any suggestions. I didn't want to force them and break or bend anything. I did a bit of searching and found the trick - don't take the nut all the way off. Loosen it a good ways and then use channel lock pliers to squeeze the wiper arm up toward the nut. The nut provides leverage and something to pull against. You might want to use a cloth or plastic tips on the plier teeth. That worked like a charm for me. Also, putting the arm in the upright position will help in pulling them off and positioning and putting back on.

 

[Swagger]

Took my wiper arms off today. No corrosion on the spline/arm portion, but the nut on one arm had considerably more corrosion on it than the other one, and it took much more force to break it loose. Those who wish to fold the windshield eventually may want to inspect or loosen or grease the nuts to ensure they don't freeze on the bolt. My Jeep is 1 1/2 years old in Michigan, so salt could be a factor, but was surprised to see that amount of corrosion so soon.

 

[_olllllllo_]

You should verify state law. Most states REQUIRE a windshield. I'm pretty sure the owners manual also states that the windshield should never be folded down for use on public roads.

I have driven around in Arizona and as long as you and your occupants are wearing sunglasses you are good to go. Passed 4 cops in one day and didn't have a lick of trouble. Of course, this is Arizona where ATVs are allowed to drive on the streets and have license plates. There is still a very Wild West feel out here and why I love living here. Plus we have tons of off-roading areas on public land.

As for putting the windshield down I can't wait to get back to Grand Teton NP and Yellowstone NP so I can get images of Bison through the opening provided by my windshield being folded down.

 

[_olllllllo_]

I only put it down when I want to let the kids play with the Gatling gun.. really helps in road rage situations

Good choice ... I mean they are much more lenient on first time child offenders. You could also run up and slap an offensive bumper sticker on their smoldering vehicle and tell the officers you were offended and feared for your life. I am sure they would note that your feelings were hurt by the bumper sticker and that you obviously couldn't be blamed for your actions. I bet you would get some free counseling and free Government aid to help you through such a tough time.

I assume you have the attached can to collect the brass. They can fall down the emergency brake lever slot if you aren't careful and then you have to loosen the center console to get it. I know, first world problems.

 

[_olllllllo_]

I tried taking my wipers off the other day and couldn't get them to budge. Removing the plastic cover and nut were not a problem. Its like they are rusted on already after just one WI winter yet I didn't see any sign of corrosion after removing the nut?

In all the videos I've seen on the JL they just pop off after removing the nut, looks like I may have to pursue this "removal tool" if i ever intend to flip mine down again......................

Even in dry Arizona they can be tricky to get off. I like to put the wiper up and then use a light rocking motion to get them to budge. The hardest part for me is getting the plastic covers off.

 

[WreckEm711]

We'll likely only fold it down for beach driving, but the biggest thing we want to fold it down for is drive in movies! We love going to them but there's nothing more aggravating to me than a bug splat or bird crap in the corner of my vision.

 

[twisty]

I did it once on my old CJ while off roading and was completely amazed at how much air flowed to cool me off. Of course you expect a bit but I was literally blown away by it.

The CJ had no AC and of course the JL does, and so did my TJ so there wasnt that much of a reason to drop down the windshield. Still it is pretty neat and I might do it some day, right after I take the freedom top off and doors. lol

BTW, the reason the windshield was made to flip down was for shipping but I've seen plenty of pics of WWII guys driving with the windshield down. Likely both for cooling themselves off and for better visibility. For me it also had the feeling of being on a motorcycle and you had more of a feeling of being part of the surroundings instead of watching tv or something.

 

[_olllllllo_]

Apologies. I will ask what gear he shoots with and then let him know if he doesn't shoot with this it isn't a "real" camera.

Look at that new fangled, modern camera you use. That isn't a camera. You need glass plates and a tripod to be a real photographer.

 

[Notorious]

If the windshield isn’t there to take the hit, what does?

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