Rot behind dash under windshield

H0tSh0tsTJ

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Oct 30, 2022
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Rhode Island
Looking at an 04 TJ Sahara while checking the vehicle over this afternoon I noticed a patch of rot behind the dash under the windshield on the passenger side any guidance on where to pin point leak and advice on how to patch the rot would be appreciated

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You might be best looking for a rust free unit from salvage. In my experience its probably the most cost effective option. They offer repair kits and it can certainly be done.
 
That is the only spot of rot on the whole vehicle I’m definitely going to buy it was just wondering if anyone has repaired any rot in that location
 
Looks like your going to have to remove windshield (which normally breaks trying to get out), remove dash and cut out that rust ! It doesn't look like that big of spot but once you get dash out you'll see. I would fiberglass that spot after cutting out that rusted area.
It probably had a leaking window seal is my guess the way that rust spot looks.
 
Ok thank you now another question for the forum here. The tj I’m going to buy is a 2004 tj sahara 4.0 NV3550 with 126000 on it. The frame is absolutely pristine it was garage kept it’s who life has a new clutch and front end work done. What would you guys (and girls) say is a fair price to pay for it?
 
That is going to be tough to answer, these seem to be valued a bit different depending on the local area. I would think your area would have snow/salt/rust. If this is a clean frame that likely increases the value some but up from what, I can’t say. See what others have to say but if you are comfortable with the produce and condition jump on it before someone else does. Good luck
 
Looking at an 04 TJ Sahara while checking the vehicle over this afternoon I noticed a patch of rot behind the dash under the windshield on the passenger side any guidance on where to pin point leak and advice on how to patch the rot would be appreciated

In that picture, it looks like the rust is on the actual window frame.
If that's the case, should be easy to replace the whole window frame.
Hopefully you can reuse the glass.

You would have to fold the window forward to see the extent of the damage.
Hopefully, you don't find this.

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Fingers crossed that’s not the out come worst case scenario I swap the red frame off my 97 on the blue 04 for the time being (granted that one is good it’s been sitting for a few years if you can call 7 a few lol)
 
Youre probably looking at $2,000 to have the windshield frame removed, replaced, painted, and glass installed. If you are paying someone to do it.

Then the torx screws will all rust from breaking the paint seal.
 
She’s a winter rig don’t care if paint matches lol and I will most likely be doing the swap myself since I have another tj for a parts rig
 
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