Windshield Frame

[Spagman]

Hello,

Does anyone know what the structural differences are between the soft top and hard top versions of the front windshield frame besides the corner brackets that accept the roof mounts?
I know the defroster vents are different between the two and the hard top frame has threaded holes for mounting the turret ring, but is there any strength difference between the basic frames?

I am doing a soft top to hard top conversion and looking into the option of modifying a soft top frame rather than purchasing a hard top frame. The roof mounting brackets are available in either bolt on or weld on versions, but I want to make sure the basic structure of the soft top frame is equal in strength to the hard top equivalent.

Appreciate your help answering my questions.

Thanks.

 

[cruzinz28]

I have a set of the bolt on windshield brackets if you want to go that route. Just shoot me a PM if you're interested.

I converted my truck from a soft top to hardtop and back to sell it. The frames in my opinion are structuraly the same. Considering the hardtop rests across the entire top of the windshield; I don't see why putting riv-nuts in the windshield and bolting on the brackets would be less stable then a molded frame.

 

[Crapgame]

There is a backer plate with threaded inserts that pop rivets to the windshield frame, that the turret Weapons Support leg brackets bolt to. Greg 86HMW makes a direct copy of them.

 

[Spagman]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Kascar has a set of weld on brackets for the roof mounts, so I was thinking of taking that route. I believe the alloy used in the humvee is 6000 series, but I need to confirm that before I can weld.
I see NOS soft top windshield frames listed for very reasonable prices compared to what folks are asking for an M10xx series hard top windshield frame. The primary thing I am trying to determine is if the aluminum used to make the soft top frame is just as thick as what they use on the hardtop version.

Thanks again for your input.

 

[Frost0071]

I used the weld one ones from Kaskar they work fine but it was a pain to get them aligned.
And yes the windshield frame is 6000 aluminum I tested it.

 

[86humv]

Bolt on ears are much easier.
I have aluminum ones available next week.

 

[Spagman]

Bolt on ears are much easier.
I have aluminum ones available next week.

Thanks for the input guys. If I decide to go with the bolt on brackets I will PM you 86humv.
Appreciate everyone's input on this.

 

[Daves86]

I used the weld one ones from Kaskar they work fine but it was a pain to get them aligned.
And yes the windshield frame is 6000 aluminum I tested it.

Do you have a picture of the finished Frame? Looking at doing this upgrade and trying to do my homework.

 

[Daves86]

Bolt on ears are much easier.
I have aluminum ones available next week.

Would be interested in seeing how these look installed and curious how much you are asking for them. Pics speak volumes to this old Ex-Enlisted guy.

 

[Frost0071]

That's what mine looks like at the moment.


I still need to clean the welds a little bit better

 

[86humv]

With mine...you lay roof on and add front brackets { outer ones } with all hardware to get location...mark 3 hole from each bracket....take off hardware, and drill holes on inner layer only and add rivnuts.

 

[Daves86]

Thanks for the pics! Always better to visualize! Greatly appreciated!