Windshield for Jeep XJ
03-02-2018, 10:49 AM
#16
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Location: Eastern Long Island, NY
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
Anyone have a good priced source to order a windshield? I have to make my Jeep fit a new windshield because of the roll over. So far safelite and others either will not sell me just the windshield, or they want to charge me the installation whether they put it in or not. I tried to explain that it is currently not going to fit if I have them put it in, I have to use the windshield as a template to bend the Jeep to fit a windshield again. They just don't get it.
03-02-2018, 11:12 AM
#17
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
03-02-2018, 12:55 PM
#18
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Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Just had my 99 replaced at a local glass shop and have the same issue with the molding. Each top corner expands over the drip rail creating a space between the molding and the body allowing water to enter.
03-02-2018, 08:20 PM
#19
Seasoned Member
Windshields, windshield, windshields. That's what I do all day, everyday.
First, yes xj99, you will have a difficult time finding an OEM windshield for a xj. Haven't seen one in years, thus, like Ivory Soap, I'm 99.9 percent sure you are only going to find an aftermarket glass for your jeep xj. Understand that all windshields sold in the USA must meet DOT requirements for OEM replacement. The fit will be the same as OEM. I'm only speaking to the windshield itself. The molding is a completely different story.
You can find quality moldings from Precision and GGG. Yes, they are pricey compared to what many glass shops use. Quality costs money. Some lesser glass shops chose to use a universal molding that is close to the original design and then cut it to fit. Yes, it is cheaper, thus the finished product is cheaper to the consumer. I.e., how many trucks have you seen running around saying they will do any windshield for $125? They're everywhere here. What do you get for that $125? Probably a discounted windshield due to minor imperfections, a universal molding, and some bargain basement urethane.
Back to the molding issue, first and foremost, the molding on an xj is purely cosmetic. It does not prevent water from entering the passenger cabin. If you have a leak into the passenger cabin it is caused by a faulty urethane bed. The molding can actually be a hindrance to the health of your xj depending on how you use the vehicle and the manner in which you clean it. If the urethane bed is perfect and not leaking into the cab then the molding attached to the windshield and overlapping the cabin can and will collect dirt, thus mud under the molding which will, if left for a long period of time led to the rusting out of your pinchweld where the windshield is mounted. Alas, I'm going to far here.
Back to the appearance issue, you can modify any imperfections to the molding with a razor knife to assist it in laying down on the cab better. Again, it is cosmetic and will not affect the seal of the glass. Once you have the proper clearance trimmed, you can use a heat gun to help form the molding to it's new position. Not enough heat to blister your paint, but enough to make the rubber pliable. In addition, a little blue painters tape may help hold the rubber where you want it until it takes a new shape.
Obviously, you need to do this in a warm garage or even outside on a really nice day.
I'm not here to start a battle of words about different glass companies...just think about what you want the end result to be. The windshield is an integral part of the strength of your body in the event of a rollover or impact. Especially if you don't have a full roll cage. What is the lives of your family worth? $125?
I'm open to PM if anyone needs assistance with glass, molding, or clip kit part numbers. I'm not selling anything here to anybody so this advice may end up being worth exactly what your paying for it. lol Been in and around the glass business for forty years in August.
Happy Jeepin'
Texas TAZ
First, yes xj99, you will have a difficult time finding an OEM windshield for a xj. Haven't seen one in years, thus, like Ivory Soap, I'm 99.9 percent sure you are only going to find an aftermarket glass for your jeep xj. Understand that all windshields sold in the USA must meet DOT requirements for OEM replacement. The fit will be the same as OEM. I'm only speaking to the windshield itself. The molding is a completely different story.
You can find quality moldings from Precision and GGG. Yes, they are pricey compared to what many glass shops use. Quality costs money. Some lesser glass shops chose to use a universal molding that is close to the original design and then cut it to fit. Yes, it is cheaper, thus the finished product is cheaper to the consumer. I.e., how many trucks have you seen running around saying they will do any windshield for $125? They're everywhere here. What do you get for that $125? Probably a discounted windshield due to minor imperfections, a universal molding, and some bargain basement urethane.
Back to the molding issue, first and foremost, the molding on an xj is purely cosmetic. It does not prevent water from entering the passenger cabin. If you have a leak into the passenger cabin it is caused by a faulty urethane bed. The molding can actually be a hindrance to the health of your xj depending on how you use the vehicle and the manner in which you clean it. If the urethane bed is perfect and not leaking into the cab then the molding attached to the windshield and overlapping the cabin can and will collect dirt, thus mud under the molding which will, if left for a long period of time led to the rusting out of your pinchweld where the windshield is mounted. Alas, I'm going to far here.
Back to the appearance issue, you can modify any imperfections to the molding with a razor knife to assist it in laying down on the cab better. Again, it is cosmetic and will not affect the seal of the glass. Once you have the proper clearance trimmed, you can use a heat gun to help form the molding to it's new position. Not enough heat to blister your paint, but enough to make the rubber pliable. In addition, a little blue painters tape may help hold the rubber where you want it until it takes a new shape.
Obviously, you need to do this in a warm garage or even outside on a really nice day.
I'm not here to start a battle of words about different glass companies...just think about what you want the end result to be. The windshield is an integral part of the strength of your body in the event of a rollover or impact. Especially if you don't have a full roll cage. What is the lives of your family worth? $125?
I'm open to PM if anyone needs assistance with glass, molding, or clip kit part numbers. I'm not selling anything here to anybody so this advice may end up being worth exactly what your paying for it. lol Been in and around the glass business for forty years in August.
Happy Jeepin'
Texas TAZ
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jeeper1313 (06-25-2023)
03-03-2018, 09:35 AM
#20
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Liter "Power Tech Six"
Omix ADA cites measurements of their moulding per the below. The Omix ADA seal would seem to be a better fit versus the moulding used by SafeLite.
Omix ADA specs are:
The width of the seal is about 0.90" at the front
The rear channel is about 0.30" wide.
Here are pictures of the SafeLite Seal/Moulding installed. My measurement shows the Safelite seal is 1 inch + on all 4 sides.
As you can see, the safelite seal extends across the body line on the cowl and extends lower on the passenger vs driver's side. The safelite seal also pushes against the drip channel on the passenger side with a gap on the driver's side.... The waves across the roof are also bad and simply unacceptable. Am I right?
Omix ADA specs are:
The width of the seal is about 0.90" at the front
The rear channel is about 0.30" wide.
Here are pictures of the SafeLite Seal/Moulding installed. My measurement shows the Safelite seal is 1 inch + on all 4 sides.
As you can see, the safelite seal extends across the body line on the cowl and extends lower on the passenger vs driver's side. The safelite seal also pushes against the drip channel on the passenger side with a gap on the driver's side.... The waves across the roof are also bad and simply unacceptable. Am I right?
Last edited by XJ_95_in_GA; 03-03-2018 at 09:39 AM.
03-03-2018, 09:54 AM
#22
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Windshields, windshield, windshields. That's what I do all day, everyday.
First, yes xj99, you will have a difficult time finding an OEM windshield for a xj. Haven't seen one in years, thus, like Ivory Soap, I'm 99.9 percent sure you are only going to find an aftermarket glass for your jeep xj. Understand that all windshields sold in the USA must meet DOT requirements for OEM replacement. The fit will be the same as OEM. I'm only speaking to the windshield itself. The molding is a completely different story.
You can find quality moldings from Precision and GGG. Yes, they are pricey compared to what many glass shops use. Quality costs money. Some lesser glass shops chose to use a universal molding that is close to the original design and then cut it to fit. Yes, it is cheaper, thus the finished product is cheaper to the consumer. I.e., how many trucks have you seen running around saying they will do any windshield for $125? They're everywhere here. What do you get for that $125? Probably a discounted windshield due to minor imperfections, a universal molding, and some bargain basement urethane.
Back to the molding issue, first and foremost, the molding on an xj is purely cosmetic. It does not prevent water from entering the passenger cabin. If you have a leak into the passenger cabin it is caused by a faulty urethane bed. The molding can actually be a hindrance to the health of your xj depending on how you use the vehicle and the manner in which you clean it. If the urethane bed is perfect and not leaking into the cab then the molding attached to the windshield and overlapping the cabin can and will collect dirt, thus mud under the molding which will, if left for a long period of time led to the rusting out of your pinchweld where the windshield is mounted. Alas, I'm going to far here.
Back to the appearance issue, you can modify any imperfections to the molding with a razor knife to assist it in laying down on the cab better. Again, it is cosmetic and will not affect the seal of the glass. Once you have the proper clearance trimmed, you can use a heat gun to help form the molding to it's new position. Not enough heat to blister your paint, but enough to make the rubber pliable. In addition, a little blue painters tape may help hold the rubber where you want it until it takes a new shape.
Obviously, you need to do this in a warm garage or even outside on a really nice day.
I'm not here to start a battle of words about different glass companies...just think about what you want the end result to be. The windshield is an integral part of the strength of your body in the event of a rollover or impact. Especially if you don't have a full roll cage. What is the lives of your family worth? $125?
I'm open to PM if anyone needs assistance with glass, molding, or clip kit part numbers. I'm not selling anything here to anybody so this advice may end up being worth exactly what your paying for it. lol Been in and around the glass business for forty years in August.
Happy Jeepin'
Texas TAZ
First, yes xj99, you will have a difficult time finding an OEM windshield for a xj. Haven't seen one in years, thus, like Ivory Soap, I'm 99.9 percent sure you are only going to find an aftermarket glass for your jeep xj. Understand that all windshields sold in the USA must meet DOT requirements for OEM replacement. The fit will be the same as OEM. I'm only speaking to the windshield itself. The molding is a completely different story.
You can find quality moldings from Precision and GGG. Yes, they are pricey compared to what many glass shops use. Quality costs money. Some lesser glass shops chose to use a universal molding that is close to the original design and then cut it to fit. Yes, it is cheaper, thus the finished product is cheaper to the consumer. I.e., how many trucks have you seen running around saying they will do any windshield for $125? They're everywhere here. What do you get for that $125? Probably a discounted windshield due to minor imperfections, a universal molding, and some bargain basement urethane.
Back to the molding issue, first and foremost, the molding on an xj is purely cosmetic. It does not prevent water from entering the passenger cabin. If you have a leak into the passenger cabin it is caused by a faulty urethane bed. The molding can actually be a hindrance to the health of your xj depending on how you use the vehicle and the manner in which you clean it. If the urethane bed is perfect and not leaking into the cab then the molding attached to the windshield and overlapping the cabin can and will collect dirt, thus mud under the molding which will, if left for a long period of time led to the rusting out of your pinchweld where the windshield is mounted. Alas, I'm going to far here.
Back to the appearance issue, you can modify any imperfections to the molding with a razor knife to assist it in laying down on the cab better. Again, it is cosmetic and will not affect the seal of the glass. Once you have the proper clearance trimmed, you can use a heat gun to help form the molding to it's new position. Not enough heat to blister your paint, but enough to make the rubber pliable. In addition, a little blue painters tape may help hold the rubber where you want it until it takes a new shape.
Obviously, you need to do this in a warm garage or even outside on a really nice day.
I'm not here to start a battle of words about different glass companies...just think about what you want the end result to be. The windshield is an integral part of the strength of your body in the event of a rollover or impact. Especially if you don't have a full roll cage. What is the lives of your family worth? $125?
I'm open to PM if anyone needs assistance with glass, molding, or clip kit part numbers. I'm not selling anything here to anybody so this advice may end up being worth exactly what your paying for it. lol Been in and around the glass business for forty years in August.
Happy Jeepin'
Texas TAZ
I found out when I rolled mine in slow motion, The windshield popped out in one piece because it was already completely detached from the urethane. There was no bond at all.
03-05-2018, 12:53 PM
#23
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
From RockAuto
Windshield $155.79
Truck Freight $333.99
Total $489.78
Probably not.
03-05-2018, 05:43 PM
#24
Seasoned Member
XJ95, that is a sad and poor quality installation and I'm sorry it happened to you. I wish you were close to the Texas panhandle and I would fix it for you. The only way to fix that molding is have someone to remove the glass and reset it with a new molding.
Hey Bugout, you brought up a point I long forgot. Early windshields were not set with urethane at all but with a butyl rubber round tape. This type of set was used mostly on early models with the clip on chrome or black trim around the windshield. Later models went to the urethane set with the rubber fitted molding around the perimeter.
I won't set any glass with butyl rubber if it's the sole source of retention for the glass. Some back and quarter glasses still use butyl as a sealing agent but are retained to the structure with bolts thru the pinchweld and nutted on the inside of the cabin.
Hope this helps and thanks for the reminder of the old day glass sets. lol Please don't set any windshields with butyl rubber.
Happy Jeepin'
Texas Taz
Hey Bugout, you brought up a point I long forgot. Early windshields were not set with urethane at all but with a butyl rubber round tape. This type of set was used mostly on early models with the clip on chrome or black trim around the windshield. Later models went to the urethane set with the rubber fitted molding around the perimeter.
I won't set any glass with butyl rubber if it's the sole source of retention for the glass. Some back and quarter glasses still use butyl as a sealing agent but are retained to the structure with bolts thru the pinchweld and nutted on the inside of the cabin.
Hope this helps and thanks for the reminder of the old day glass sets. lol Please don't set any windshields with butyl rubber.
Happy Jeepin'
Texas Taz
03-05-2018, 06:01 PM
#25
Seasoned Member
Wholesale pricing to me;
windshield PGW brand $29,
Precision Molding $20.96,
or GGG moulding is $29.25,
Dow Chemical Beta seal express urethane $8.53 per tube, 2 required for install.
Maybe I do need to start an on-line glass supply business. LOL not really, I'm to old and cranky.
Happy Jeepin'
03-06-2018, 04:11 AM
#26
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thats really sad.
Wholesale pricing to me;
windshield PGW brand $29,
Precision Molding $20.96,
or GGG moulding is $29.25,
Dow Chemical Beta seal express urethane $8.53 per tube, 2 required for install.
Maybe I do need to start an on-line glass supply business. LOL not really, I'm to old and cranky.
Happy Jeepin'
Wholesale pricing to me;
windshield PGW brand $29,
Precision Molding $20.96,
or GGG moulding is $29.25,
Dow Chemical Beta seal express urethane $8.53 per tube, 2 required for install.
Maybe I do need to start an on-line glass supply business. LOL not really, I'm to old and cranky.
Happy Jeepin'
I have a resale license do you think your supplier would ship me one if I paid them retail price for it? lol
03-06-2018, 08:24 AM
#27
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
I wonder what changed.
03-06-2018, 08:38 AM
#28
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Year: 97
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But I really don't think the shipping alone should cost almost twice what the product costs. I could have a whole engine shipped "truck freight" for less or the same as that.
03-06-2018, 08:46 AM
#29
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Windshield
Just find a local shop, and ask to buy just the glass. I sold quite a few to guys who wanted to make their own design, like guy who would "Chop" a few inches out of the roof line. I'd make a few bucks on it and sell it to them. Most times they would call me to install it in a few days.
I'm sure a local small business owner would be glad to help you.
KenR
I'm sure a local small business owner would be glad to help you.
KenR
03-06-2018, 09:00 AM
#30
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Year: 97
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Just find a local shop, and ask to buy just the glass. I sold quite a few to guys who wanted to make their own design, like guy who would "Chop" a few inches out of the roof line. I'd make a few bucks on it and sell it to them. Most times they would call me to install it in a few days.
I'm sure a local small business owner would be glad to help you.
KenR
I'm sure a local small business owner would be glad to help you.
KenR
I'll go pull one out of a junk yard Jeep first, But this is a pain because of how they are designed and glued in there. It takes a cutter to get them out in one piece. Even the string saw method is kind of hard on these because of how the gasket is made, too easy to chip the edge and start a crack.
I'm trying to find a whole different Jeep, but in the meantime I am paying license and insurance on something I can't even drive local until I do.