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Never knew this about fold down windshield!?

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Just a disclaimer here. I will probably never fold down my windshield. I think it's cool that it's a heritage carry-over, but the reality is that the difficulty in doing so, and that frame/rollbar are still present, just doesn't warrant the effort on my part.

Now back on topic... I just saw a picture today for the first time of one folded down on a Jeep that has ACC. Never knew there was a huge box that stays put and that you get a factory cover that must be put in place to protect the sensors?! No offense if you have this, but it just looks plain dumb. Even without that box, from a distance it still looks like the windshield is still in place! Also the way it sits on hood with frame curved up looks like it would block some serious trail view!

The reality is that a modern Jeep, or any other vehicle, are just not meant to do this anymore. Looks super cool on CJ's though! [sorry if I sound like a hater]

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I had put down my windshield once and drove around the parking lot in the neighborhood but the wind was too much just by driving 25 mph, imagine going faster. I guess it is only meant to be used in the trails but, I agree with you, that it should completely be removed since it will constantly bounce if not strapped down.
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Wabujitsu

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I had put down my windshield once and drove around the parking lot in the neighborhood but the wind was too much just by driving 25 mph, imagine going faster. I guess it is only meant to be used in the trails but, I agree with you, that it should completely be removed since it will constantly bounce if not strapped down.
The fold down windshield is a legacy WWII thing, allowing you to shoot your weapon forward, and also to lower its profile for shipment.
 

RenegadeBI

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Take into consideration that the weight of the windshield will dent the hood.

Some people have reported and destroyed their hood. It's not a good idea to drive with the windshield down. Maybe while parked and want the open air experience.
Nonsense!
 

RenegadeBI

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I had put down my windshield once and drove around the parking lot in the neighborhood but the wind was too much just by driving 25 mph, imagine going faster. I guess it is only meant to be used in the trails but, I agree with you, that it should completely be removed since it will constantly bounce if not strapped down.
Strap it down.
 

RenegadeBI

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I folded down the wimdshield on my '46 CJ2A once. Once! Took it for a short drive running around 25-mph. I needed goggles instead of sunglasses.
I used to run my CJ2 and Scrambler all the time (not on thruways) with the windshield down and drive my JT the same way occasionally. The difference is that on the earlier models the cowl is lower (especially on the CJ2!) and the windshields lay flat.
 

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RenegadeBI

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With the roll structure, and the curved windshield, the look isn’t good with it down. Tried it, wont do it again. Last Jeep that looked correct with a folded windshield was the TJ.

Other reasons the windshield folded down on the original MB/GPW and later military versions, were for ease of camouflage, reducing glass reflection to to the enemy, and the ability to fire weapons from the seated position.
Well that last reason is enough for me!
 

AndySpill

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The fold down windshield is a legacy WWII thing, allowing you to shoot your weapon forward, and also to lower its profile for shipment.
I didn't know, or at least hadn't considered the ability to shoot forward until now, considering only the ability to more easily ship the vehicle in a crate.

...I must go on amazon on shop for goggles/helmet. This new unrealized purpose could have significant "traffic control" and "fellow motorist attitude adjustment" benefits I hadn't considered. ;)
 

GabeBoyTheGreat

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the biggest practicality of folding down a windshield is so that your view isn't obstructed by dirt and mud landing on a windshield.

as for the other point, i can't imagine the view on the JL is any worse than my tj with the front half cage.

in any case, i'd rather fold down my windshield than have adaptive cruise control. i wonder if it can be removed from my willys without causing the computer to panic. having that square there is dumb.
Let me know if you figure out how to remove it. I hate the loss of visibility due to that stupid box that I will never use.
 

Alan_Hepburn

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MayThe4x4BWU

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Also some features are just legacy items and considered part of “the brand”. Removing original features is just diluting the concept of the Jeep. Maybe only a very small percentage of buyers care and fold down windshields, removable tops and doors will go away over time.
It will happen faster if someone famous ends up getting themselves killed because of something related to those features.

I mean, look at how the rotary dial shifter thing, that contributed to that one actors death, changed how we can or can't leave doors open and/or seat belts unfastened when shifting out of parked.

I don't think anyone would give that one thought if it was happening to regular people until enough of us get hurt or die to trigger some NHSTA metric 🙃
 

JeepXLC

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Let me know if you figure out how to remove it. I hate the loss of visibility due to that stupid box that I will never use.
i have almost 3k miles on my jeep now, and every day i hate this feature a little more. if the obstructions was contained behind the rear view mirror i could easily ignore it, but it blocks so much of your vision with that corner that hangs down for no reason.

anyway, the two main obstacles that i can foresee is that

1) i assume you'd have to disable the ACC from within the system, and currently there are no tuners or tazer options that have this feature(that i'm aware of). and talking a properly equipped and qualified dealer service tech into doing seems far fetched.

2) you'd also need to replace the windshield or your vision would still be blocked by the black paint around that stupid box that blocks everything above eye level at the 1 to 2 oclock positions.
 

basiblaster

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Only because manufacturers get fined hundreds of millions because of mpg

The Wrangler has gotten heavier every generation, into the bloated mess that is the JL.
my friend, the JL is lighter than the JK
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