97-02 vs 03-06 Windshield Frame Question

[Chris G]

Hey Everyone,

I've got an 03 Rubicon with a rusted windshield frame. About a week after I bought my Jeep, I came across one with the same year, same color for $500. Not realizing how hard it would be to find another, I passed looking for a better deal. What a mistake.

I now rarely see 03-06 windshield frames come across, but I see the older version all the time and at much better prices. I've looked on all of the used car part sites suggested on this forum and others, and it seems to make most sense to buy a 97-02 one locally and paint it — if that's an option. Does anyone have experience using the 97-02 version on a newer TJ? If so, what issues have you run into?

Thanks,

 

[Irun]

The only difference is how the trim mounts on the inside of the frame. To fit the later model trim you have to make slots in the older frame.

Here's more detail. See post#4 for pictures.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/early-tj-windshield-in-an-06.39137/#post-649909

 

[Chris G]

The only difference is how the trim mounts on the inside of the frame. To fit the later model trim you have to make slots in the older frame.

Here's more detail. See post#4 for pictures.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/early-tj-windshield-in-an-06.39137/#post-649909

Thanks for this. It's exactly what I needed!

 

[BuckeyeX]

Just swapped a 99 into my 06. If you can get the plastic door seals and sun visors its good to go as is.