fold-down windshield conversion

i always thought it was cool that jeeps could fold-down their windshield.  If i had one, id probably never do it, but its just cool that i could.  Well, as it turns out, there is a kit sold by Trailtough (containing all orig. suzuki parts) that allows you to convert your samurai windshield so it too can fold down!  Well, i thought this was cool, so naturally i had to get it! The install is pretty easy, the only drilling required is to put a small bracket in your hood; the rest uses holes factory holes. The kit claims it needs no hardware, and for the most part is correct.  I needed two additional 5mm screws, and i replaced a few others while i was doing the conversion.
Here's a pic of all the parts.  It may look a little overwhelming (especially since it doesnt come with any instructions) but once you get into it, its actually quite easy.
First up is the most obvious.  You got to put the hinges on the windshield!
First you remove the plastic covers, and then remove the plates holding the windshield on.  Then install the hinge in their place using the same screws
Next up is to remove the two support bars that extend from the stock roll-bar to the windshield.
Youll also need to unscrew the bars that run above the door, as they also go into the windshield.  When the windshield is down, there is nothing supporting these, so i am going to either tie these into the rollcage that will be built, or just remove them altogether.
Next is to remove the brackets that go from the side of the dash to the windshield.
In their place you install the clasps that lock the windshield in the Up position.  These are compatible with the hard top; theres no need to remove them to run a hard-top for winter use.
After that, all thats left to do is to remove the bars that scure the front of the hardtop, and replace them with 'legs' that have a rubber bumper on the end of them.
In the center of the windshield are two holes with nuts welded onto the inside of them. Here you take a small bar and screw it to the windshield frame. These two screws were the only thing i needed to buy to properly install the kit.
All thats left now is to install the bracket on the hood that holds the windshield from bouncing while on the trail.  I folded down the windshield, got a good idea as to where it had to go, and then drilled the two holes and bolted it to the hood.  There is a strap included in the kit to secure it to this point.
Thats all there is to it!  its fairly simple to do, and should take too long, unless you have problem removing the screws that secure everything in place.  i wrecked about 6 trying to remove them, (several of them were locktite'd in) so i had to go out to the hardware store and replace em.

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