Back in the day when Willys Jeeps roamed the battlefields, the lowered windshield allowed for putting injured soldiers up there and transporting them back to a safe point. Also it was used to cut down on glare that could throw off the soldiers position when moving towards enemies.

Today the windshield is folded down for that "cool" factor out on the trail. It also keeps the tradition going.

 

When wheeling with a full cage it also makes it so your windshield frame wont crush if you happen to roll.

 

If your wheeling without the top on, folding the windshield down allows the air movement to greatly keep the dust from your wheels from coming into the vehicle. Additionally, the visibility is very good.

Having said that, I would never attempt to lower the newer Jeep's windshield; way too much trouble...

 

Also prevents your windshield from cracking because of debris.

Though a cracked windshield may be better than a cracked skull.

 

You can stack more of them in the same space. The Willys did not have a roll cage. Windshield down made them smaller. Stack them up for transport.

 

Mine is now mount on quick pins that I just pull out before hitting the trail. with a full cage it makes for much better viability out the front and side and not worried about throwing glass all over the place if i get tangled up with a tree or rock

 

I folded mine down for the first time to use it in a parade, and I had it down for the full day before the parade, and much of the day after the parade. What an experience! I wore ski goggles to protect my eyes, but the only other way to get this full-air experience is to ride a motorcycle...

 

Mine is now mount on quick pins that I just pull out before hitting the trail. with a full cage it makes for much better viability out the front and side and not worried about throwing glass all over the place if i get tangled up with a tree or rock

What are these quick pins you speak of?

 

I took an air chisel to drive the hinge pins out then replaced them with 2 bolts that have a hole drilled in them for a hitch pin. But the only time my rig has the window frame on is while its sitting. Been taking it off when I trailer it out some where much better towing with the cage fully open.

 

Windshield down

This is my 4th Jeep. A Jeep is just not a Jeep if you can't lay the windshield down. I lay mine down all the time when I'm on the ranch or where the road is going to be real dusty.
Like one guy already said, it keeps the dust out of the cab area plus you can see better and the wind on your face is just cooler.
Handy while hunting too.
I have a full roll cage in my TJ and I made a bikini top that laces onto the cage, now you have shade and the windshield is down with the cool breeze.

 

opcorn:

never actually done it myself, but seems interesting

 

With the exception of the "fun factor" there hasn't been a need for the windshield to fold on civilian Jeeps.

Like folks have mentioned, there were various reasons for the military Jeeps' windows to need to be folded. Everything from patient transport to weapons platform to loading them on rail cars and in aircraft.

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Love those pictures. :awesome:

 

I've done it on my jk a few times. It's fun up until about 35mph. Then it's just too much wind. Wearing safety glasses helps but I will probably leave mine up for a while

 

My buddies and I put the windshield down all the time. I floor it while my buddy stands in the passenger seat. As I get close to a lake (or any body of water) I slam on the breaks and my buddy flys forward, over the hood, and into the water. Same method can be used by police officers to jump from car to car TJ Hooker style....when my kids are late for school I do it really the possibilities are endless......lol

 

... what are the practical uses for a folded down windshield??...

It was so the man standing in the back could swing the Browning 50 cal.
Didn't you ever see 'The Rat Patrol'?

 

I have heard that folding the front windshield down on a JK does "bad" things to the paint. Is there any truth to this?

 

You can fold them down and wear goggles while driving on road in my State. You can put the windshield down and shoot from it if you can legally hunt from a vehicle in your State. If you are a photographer, a down windshield is a blessing.

 

If you are a photographer, a down windshield is a blessing.

Never thought of that one!

 

I grew up in towns where the main industry is growing cherries and apples on the steep hillsides. Until they got too expensive, surplus Jeeps were the perfect orchard utility vehicle. Put the windshield down to drive around under the trees, flip it up when you hit the county road. Utility rack bolted or welded on the passenger side to carry ladders or irrigation pipe.

Nowadays, we use quads for that. (Some guys refer to them as Tactical Orchard Assault Vehicles. TOAVS.) One outfit even uses a fleet of chopped-down old Chevy Luvs, (which they get for practically free.) But I did see a shiny new-looking JK fitted out as a TOAV this summer... at the shopping center. Some orchard must be doing pretty well this year.