Sans Windshield
#13
JK Jedi
Originally Posted by carolinajk
great thread and cool pics ! really shows that the roll bars arent designed for serious duty . ive seen pics of jeep rollovers and was shocked at the damage . while better than nothing , they are certainly lacking . one day im gonna install a serious cage in mine that looks factory but with more protection . good job
#14
JK Jedi
Originally Posted by Dynamo
Decided to try a couple of new looks for the Jeep today. First is what I call "The Baldy", with the connecting bars to the windshield removed. It's not a bad look; I would happily rock this all the time, but I worry about the stability of the windshield without the supporting bars. You immediately notice the rear view mirror wobbling much more than usual. Also, clearly there are safety issues, especially when off-roading.
It's still an interesting look though, and really lends the Jeep a military appearance.
Then I decided to go the whole hog and take the windshield down for the first time ever. It took about twenty minutes altogether. I was surprised at how much I like the look once I was finished. Sure, it's dorky, but from certain angles it looks kinda cool.
The drive home was interesting. I broke the rules, and got up to about forty miles per hour. The wind really hits your face at that speed and if it wasn't for my sunglasses I'd be squinting like crazy. Visibility is crappy; you loose a bit of spacial awareness around the front of the vehicle. I found it a bit hard to aim the Jeep and stay in my lane. I guess I'm just used to the tapered front of the JK having driven it for five years straight. I strapped the windshield down good, so it didn't wobble much, but the hood is weak and probably would stand the weight of the window and frame on a regular basis.
It was an interesting experience, but I honestly wouldn't recommend it unless you're super bored and have an afternoon to kill like I had. Or maybe you have a legitimate reason for dropping the windshield. I can't think of many reasons to...except for hunting maybe? I certainly won't be doing it again. But I'm glad to have tried it. The next iteration of the Jeep might not have the feature, so this might be my last chance to do it, unless I buy an older model.
It's still an interesting look though, and really lends the Jeep a military appearance.
Then I decided to go the whole hog and take the windshield down for the first time ever. It took about twenty minutes altogether. I was surprised at how much I like the look once I was finished. Sure, it's dorky, but from certain angles it looks kinda cool.
The drive home was interesting. I broke the rules, and got up to about forty miles per hour. The wind really hits your face at that speed and if it wasn't for my sunglasses I'd be squinting like crazy. Visibility is crappy; you loose a bit of spacial awareness around the front of the vehicle. I found it a bit hard to aim the Jeep and stay in my lane. I guess I'm just used to the tapered front of the JK having driven it for five years straight. I strapped the windshield down good, so it didn't wobble much, but the hood is weak and probably would stand the weight of the window and frame on a regular basis.
It was an interesting experience, but I honestly wouldn't recommend it unless you're super bored and have an afternoon to kill like I had. Or maybe you have a legitimate reason for dropping the windshield. I can't think of many reasons to...except for hunting maybe? I certainly won't be doing it again. But I'm glad to have tried it. The next iteration of the Jeep might not have the feature, so this might be my last chance to do it, unless I buy an older model.
#15
JK Freak
Thread Starter
My roll cage took one hell of a hit and I walked away with only a SINGLE scratch! That cage saved my life!
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#16
JK Super Freak
Originally Posted by Dynamo
Wise man. Was a pain in the arse putting it all back together again today.
I hope the new version of the Jeep comes in Sahara Tan, because it's definitely the colour I want to get next.
My dealership had to have it brought in for me from South Carolina. They told me it was the only 2012 Sahara Tan Sport with 3.73 gears within 500 miles of Tampa. Both were my requirements if I was going to trade in my 2008 Rescue Green. I love it and I really don't see many around.