Driving with your windshield down
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 11
From: Olympia, WA
Years ago I was riding my scoot cross-country. Got to Montana and wanted to be cool so took the helmet off and wore goggles. Took about 15 minutes to get smacked in the face by a big ol' junebug or somethin. I put the helmet and face shield back on an' haven't ridden without it since.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: nunya, bidni
Originally Posted by Zombie Wrecker
I got a ticket years ago in high school cause my CJ's windshield was more cracked than not lol, i was 16 so folding it down seemed the logicle thing to do... needless to say after a week all i had accomplished was another ticket (turns out thats not ok in WA), bugs smashed all over in new places, a pissed off girl friend ( not my fault she did not bring sunglasses), alot of stupid comments from equally stupid people, but more importantly a huge smile...
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Arvada, CO
I ran with the windshield down from time to time with my TJ. You definitely get a lot more "cool jeep" comments - but overall it isn't worth it.
Maybe if you are driving really slow in the woods or on the beach, but in town - no fun. Also, on the JK - it looks funny.
Think of it as a feature that is a tribute to the jeeps of old. Do it once, see how it is and then put it back up. Leaving it down long term would be silly IMHO.
But take pictures and let us know how your week went if you do it.
Maybe if you are driving really slow in the woods or on the beach, but in town - no fun. Also, on the JK - it looks funny.
Think of it as a feature that is a tribute to the jeeps of old. Do it once, see how it is and then put it back up. Leaving it down long term would be silly IMHO.
But take pictures and let us know how your week went if you do it.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Little Rock, Arkansas
I ran with the windshield down a few times in my old YJ. After, the first time, I never could quite get all the bolts to line back up 100%. For this reason, I never attempted on my TJ, and certainly never will on my JK.
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
search this on youtube, I saw a good video one time on there. it's illegal in town but on sand dunes and offroading its legal. it takes some time to do and you have a chance of chipping paint but I've always wanted to do it! Let me know how it goes if you do end up doing it.
Not an entirely accurate assumption; Va State Code 46.2-1057 only requires that the vehicle have a windshield.
I'm a new Jeep owner and I wonder 'what's the point of owning a Jeep if I can't mod and drive this thing the way it's been made to used?
Once I can guarantee a couple of good days this summer (no rain) I'm going to take the hour or so to do this and then put it back up again.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
bad news bears. Unless you're really hungry for some bugs. Plus, let that one rock come up and clock you in the forehead... you're gonna wish that thing was up. But, hey, it's still a blast. Never said that I haven't done it. Just saying that I wouldn't recommend it. lol
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, Ca.
I've been told once you lower the windshield, you will never be able to get a good seal again. Anyone ever heard of that before?