I have a 2004 TJ with a rusted out windshield frame. Bought a replacement frame from a parted out 2000, with the seals. I know there's differences with the trim pieces, etc. My question is does anyone know why the late model frames rust faster, and would the difference in the cowl seal have anything to do with it? Should I use the earlier seal? It has less ribbing, but maybe the extra ribbing on the later model seal just holds water?
Windshield/Cowl Seal Question
- Thread starter Tyler McColl
- Start date
Mopar just got cheaper and cheaper as it churned out the last few years of TJs. Same issues with wiring harnesses and PCMs.
1997 is the best year IMHO but I'd drive a 98 or 99.
-Mac
1997 is the best year IMHO but I'd drive a 98 or 99.
-Mac
TJRick
TJ Enthusiast
I agree with the first part of your response.
And I agree that 1997 - 1999 were the very best years of the TJ. But I am curious as to why you think 1997 was the single best year?
One, it's the year I own and I'm biased. =)
There were a couple of one off things on the 97 like the climate control panel that I think were simpler.
-Mac
TJRick
TJ Enthusiast
What kind of one-off things?
I have a 1998 model, and it has the same "slider" style climate control panel as the 1997.
I don't care for the later style (1999+) rotary knobs, either.
The 99+ panels sure are cheaper to replace than the sliders though. My buddy has been rigging his panel to work for the last couple of years in his 98 because he doesn't want to spend the money for a new panel, and the cost/effort to convert to the newer style is more than he wants to take on.
TJRick
TJ Enthusiast
Sure they are cheaper to replace. The sliders were only used for two years. The rotary dials were used for eight.
What is wrong with his panel that he has "rig" to make work?
I honestly have no idea. He has a problem, he makes it work for a while, then another problem, makes it work again, etc. I haven't messed with it myself. I believe his current issue is a vacuum leak of unknown origin, somewhere behind the dash. I seem to remember he's also had an issue with a broken connector on a vacuum harness or something.
As I said, I've not messed with it myself, but he brings it up nearly every time we talk when there's a problem with it.
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