Wiring inside windshield frame

[SkylinesSuck]

I already added an auto dimming mirror and I'm thinking about moving my detachable GMRS radio faceplate to the windshield frame above the rear view mirror. I'm wondering if I can drill a couple holes in the windshield frame and run the wiring inside it. It would be the mirror power wiring and two CAT5 network cables, plus maybe a USB-C wire for a future phone mount, so no small amount of wiring. Has anybody ever done this? Are there any blocks in there or is it all hollow? Any downsides I'm not thinking of?

 

[NskLJ]

Do you have trim panels, wiring will go behind them I know.

 

[cpwolf]

That’s 5 wires and 2 Cat5, that’s pretty thick. I’m curious others experience on this one.

It feels pretty hollow, I was thinking of trying this and have seen some run to above the mirror.

You are talking just pulling The black plastic, and drilling for an exit? On the bottom edge you can come up through from underneath pretty easy.

 

[NskLJ]

That’s 5 wires and 2 Cat5, that’s pretty thick. I’m curious others experience on this one.

It feels pretty hollow, I was thinking of trying this and have seen some run to above the mirror.

You are talking just pulling The black plastic, and drilling for an exit? On the bottom edge you can come up through from underneath pretty easy.

View attachment 353018

I think if you pull the panel and look at it you can do a little trimming and the wires will come out the bottom and behind the dash. I had run a harness for winch controls up there but ended up moving them to the dash. There is quite a bit if room back there . I think if you pull the panels run the wires and tape them down so as not to move while reinstalling the panels you will be fine.

 

[SkylinesSuck]

I have the older style that doesn't have the same A-pillar covers. Still, there is probably enough room behind those but it's the running along the top and corners that would still be visible.

 

[NskLJ]

I would put it in a small loom (wire covering) and screw it to the frame. To run cat 5 cables you would need a big hole to run it inside the frame unless you plan on installing the ends yourself which can be done.

 

[J.Pierce]

I haven't done it yet, but I plan to drill a hole above my rear-view mirror and use a small fish tape to pull some multi conductor cable through, and grommet the hole(s).
I think the cable I have is probably a little smaller in diameter than CAT5.
I can't see any reason not to do it that way.
But, at this point it's only a theory, unless it works.

 

[SkylinesSuck]

Exactly my plan. Just wondering if there's anything inside that would block it.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I think the only thing in there that could block the path of the wire would be a current, or maybe former, mouse nest.

I guess a couple dead meeses in there might also make this more of challenge.

 

[Vtx531]

If I remember - The windshield pillars are one of the only parts on a TJ made of high strength steel (for crash safety purposes). Maybe not a good idea to weld on them or drill holes - Just something to be aware of if you care about that sort of thing.

 

[MountaineerTom]

I think @tworley ran some wires for his compass/outside temp mirror through the windshield frame. He’ll know for sure.

 

[NskLJ]

I haven't done it yet, but I plan to drill a hole above my rear-view mirror and use a small fish tape to pull some multi conductor cable through, and grommet the hole(s).
I think the cable I have is probably a little smaller in diameter than CAT5.
I can't see any reason not to do it that way.
But, at this point it's only a theory, unless it works.

You should be able get a cable through

 

[tworley]

I think @tworley ran some wires for his compass/outside temp mirror through the windshield frame. He’ll know for sure.

I drilled one top center and fished 4 wires through to the bottom right corner. I did not hit or run into anything.

 

[Moglocker]

I already added an auto dimming mirror and I'm thinking about moving my detachable GMRS radio faceplate to the windshield frame above the rear view mirror. I'm wondering if I can drill a couple holes in the windshield frame and run the wiring inside it. It would be the mirror power wiring and two CAT5 network cables, plus maybe a USB-C wire for a future phone mount, so no small amount of wiring. Has anybody ever done this? Are there any blocks in there or is it all hollow? Any downsides I'm not thinking of?

I bought the 3 piece 03-up panels and a set of visors and with a dremel and some time,I can hide all wires now

 

[SkylinesSuck]

Lots of great info, thanks guys!

@Moglocker how did you attach the newer style covers? Dremel holes for them to clip in to?

 

[Moglocker]

Lots of great info, thanks guys!

@Moglocker how did you attach the newer style covers? Dremel holes for them to clip in to?

Yep,not bad hold them up,eyeball em and dremel cutoff wheel ,touch up paint