![\"What](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Depositphotos_198320110_s-2019-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMaking your own windshield will save you money. And it\u2019s not that hard. All you need to do is buy a sheet of the right material (glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic), cut it to shape and affix it to your side by side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may not be able to make some of the advanced designs that store-bought windshields come in such as flip-up, flip-down, and vented windshields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But with basic tools, you can easily make a full or half UTV windshield. Using a clear hinge, you can even make a foldable windshield. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Material Can I Use for UTV Windshield?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Depositphotos_198363496_s-2019-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nUTV windshields come in three types of materials: acrylic, polycarbonate, and glass. Let\u2019s look at each material in more detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acrylic <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acrylic is the cheapest material for a UTV windshield. Common brand names for acrylic sheets include Plexiglas, Lucite, Perspex and PMMA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acrylic is a type of plastic that\u2019s ten times as strong as glass, has high resistance to scratches, and has the best clarity of any windshield material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, we do not recommend using acrylic to DIY a windshield sheet. Even though it\u2019s stronger than glass, it still cracks easily when hit by debris. And in case of a big impact or a roll over, it shatters in a way that can harm the occupants of the vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also scratches easier than glass and coated polycarbonate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coated Polycarbonate <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polycarbonate is the most popular, and the best, material for making UTV windshields. Specifically, coated polycarbonate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can get an ordinary polycarbonate sheet and DIY a windshield out of it. But uncoated polycarbonate scratches easily, which can quickly reduce visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coated polycarbonate sheets such as Lexan MR10 and Makrolon AR2 have excellent scratch resistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest advantage of polycarbonate is its strength. Polycarbonate is 25 times stronger than acrylic and 250 times stronger than glass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a reason why some bulletproof screens are made from polycarbonate sheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A coated polycarbonate windshield is perfect for a utility UTV. It can withstand scraps from branches and bushes, and can withstand the impact of small rocks and debris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And since it\u2019s clearer than even glass, you\u2019ll have excellent visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The last option is glass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a glass windshield is strong, it\u2019s not as strong as acrylic or polycarbonate. It\u2019s good enough for most farming environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glass is also highly scratch resistant. It\u2019ll look good for a long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, there are two downsides of glass to be aware of. One, it\u2019s a pricey option. If you are on a budget, use polycarbonate or acrylic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two, it\u2019s heavy. It also requires a rigid metal frame (unlike polycarbonate that you mount with straps) that adds more weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If weight is a major concern for you, stick to polycarbonate or acrylic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do I Make a DIY Windshield for a UTV? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Depositphotos_198339306_s-2019-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnce you decide which material you are going to use, buy a sheet of it. Usually, a \u00bc inch sheet of polycarbonate is adequate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s thick enough to resist impact, but not too thick that it\u2019s heavy and difficult to work with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A standard 2\u2019 by 4\u2019 sheet is adequate to make a full windshield for most ATVs. You\u2019ll also need to buy four windshield mounting straps, as well as a length of edge trimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for tools, you\u2019ll need a contour gauge and a circular saw or jigsaw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The first step is to create a template for the bottom edge of the windshield. You\u2019ll need to cut the polycarbonate sheet to match the curves and angles on the hood of the UTV. The easiest way to create this template is using a contour gauge. <\/li>
- A contour gauge allows you to accurately trace the outline of the UTV hood onto a piece of cardboard. You can then use the cardboard template to trim the bottom edge of the polycarbonate sheet. <\/li>
- Once you\u2019ve cut the bottom edge, fit the sheet of polycarbonate on the UTV to make sure it sits perfectly on the hood. Check if you need to trim the top edge a bit to get a nice fit <\/li>
- Next, check the horizontal fit of the sheet. Mark the points at the top and bottom of the sheet where you need to cut it. Take the sheet down and trim it where you marked it. <\/li>
- Mount it again and check that it fits perfectly all round. <\/li>
- With the sheet still mounted, mark the positions where you\u2019ll secure the straps, two for each side of the windshield. <\/li>
- Take the sheet down and cut a pair of 2-inch slots on each side of the sheet. The velcro straps will go through these slots. <\/li>
- The last step before you install the windshield is to add edge trimming at the top and bottom of the windshield. These keep out elements, and provide a layer of protection between the windshield and the ATV roll cage and hood. <\/li>
- Finally, mount the windshield and secure it with the straps. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Note that this guide is for a polycarbonate windshield, which is what most UTV owners get. Mounting a glass windshield is more complicated since you need to design a metal frame for it first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need more help making a polycarbonate windshield for your UTV, watch how this DIYer has done it in the video below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nUTV windshields come in three types of materials: acrylic, polycarbonate, and glass. Let\u2019s look at each material in more detail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acrylic <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acrylic is the cheapest material for a UTV windshield. Common brand names for acrylic sheets include Plexiglas, Lucite, Perspex and PMMA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acrylic is a type of plastic that\u2019s ten times as strong as glass, has high resistance to scratches, and has the best clarity of any windshield material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, we do not recommend using acrylic to DIY a windshield sheet. Even though it\u2019s stronger than glass, it still cracks easily when hit by debris. And in case of a big impact or a roll over, it shatters in a way that can harm the occupants of the vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also scratches easier than glass and coated polycarbonate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coated Polycarbonate <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polycarbonate is the most popular, and the best, material for making UTV windshields. Specifically, coated polycarbonate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can get an ordinary polycarbonate sheet and DIY a windshield out of it. But uncoated polycarbonate scratches easily, which can quickly reduce visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coated polycarbonate sheets such as Lexan MR10 and Makrolon AR2 have excellent scratch resistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest advantage of polycarbonate is its strength. Polycarbonate is 25 times stronger than acrylic and 250 times stronger than glass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a reason why some bulletproof screens are made from polycarbonate sheets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A coated polycarbonate windshield is perfect for a utility UTV. It can withstand scraps from branches and bushes, and can withstand the impact of small rocks and debris. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And since it\u2019s clearer than even glass, you\u2019ll have excellent visibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The last option is glass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While a glass windshield is strong, it\u2019s not as strong as acrylic or polycarbonate. It\u2019s good enough for most farming environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glass is also highly scratch resistant. It\u2019ll look good for a long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, there are two downsides of glass to be aware of. One, it\u2019s a pricey option. If you are on a budget, use polycarbonate or acrylic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two, it\u2019s heavy. It also requires a rigid metal frame (unlike polycarbonate that you mount with straps) that adds more weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If weight is a major concern for you, stick to polycarbonate or acrylic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do I Make a DIY Windshield for a UTV? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnce you decide which material you are going to use, buy a sheet of it. Usually, a \u00bc inch sheet of polycarbonate is adequate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s thick enough to resist impact, but not too thick that it\u2019s heavy and difficult to work with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A standard 2\u2019 by 4\u2019 sheet is adequate to make a full windshield for most ATVs. You\u2019ll also need to buy four windshield mounting straps, as well as a length of edge trimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for tools, you\u2019ll need a contour gauge and a circular saw or jigsaw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The first step is to create a template for the bottom edge of the windshield. You\u2019ll need to cut the polycarbonate sheet to match the curves and angles on the hood of the UTV. The easiest way to create this template is using a contour gauge. <\/li>
- A contour gauge allows you to accurately trace the outline of the UTV hood onto a piece of cardboard. You can then use the cardboard template to trim the bottom edge of the polycarbonate sheet. <\/li>
- Once you\u2019ve cut the bottom edge, fit the sheet of polycarbonate on the UTV to make sure it sits perfectly on the hood. Check if you need to trim the top edge a bit to get a nice fit <\/li>
- Next, check the horizontal fit of the sheet. Mark the points at the top and bottom of the sheet where you need to cut it. Take the sheet down and trim it where you marked it. <\/li>
- Mount it again and check that it fits perfectly all round. <\/li>
- With the sheet still mounted, mark the positions where you\u2019ll secure the straps, two for each side of the windshield. <\/li>
- Take the sheet down and cut a pair of 2-inch slots on each side of the sheet. The velcro straps will go through these slots. <\/li>
- The last step before you install the windshield is to add edge trimming at the top and bottom of the windshield. These keep out elements, and provide a layer of protection between the windshield and the ATV roll cage and hood. <\/li>
- Finally, mount the windshield and secure it with the straps. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Note that this guide is for a polycarbonate windshield, which is what most UTV owners get. Mounting a glass windshield is more complicated since you need to design a metal frame for it first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need more help making a polycarbonate windshield for your UTV, watch how this DIYer has done it in the video below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnce you decide which material you are going to use, buy a sheet of it. Usually, a \u00bc inch sheet of polycarbonate is adequate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s thick enough to resist impact, but not too thick that it\u2019s heavy and difficult to work with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A standard 2\u2019 by 4\u2019 sheet is adequate to make a full windshield for most ATVs. You\u2019ll also need to buy four windshield mounting straps, as well as a length of edge trimming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for tools, you\u2019ll need a contour gauge and a circular saw or jigsaw. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The first step is to create a template for the bottom edge of the windshield. You\u2019ll need to cut the polycarbonate sheet to match the curves and angles on the hood of the UTV. The easiest way to create this template is using a contour gauge. <\/li>
- A contour gauge allows you to accurately trace the outline of the UTV hood onto a piece of cardboard. You can then use the cardboard template to trim the bottom edge of the polycarbonate sheet. <\/li>
- Once you\u2019ve cut the bottom edge, fit the sheet of polycarbonate on the UTV to make sure it sits perfectly on the hood. Check if you need to trim the top edge a bit to get a nice fit <\/li>
- Next, check the horizontal fit of the sheet. Mark the points at the top and bottom of the sheet where you need to cut it. Take the sheet down and trim it where you marked it. <\/li>
- Mount it again and check that it fits perfectly all round. <\/li>
- With the sheet still mounted, mark the positions where you\u2019ll secure the straps, two for each side of the windshield. <\/li>
- Take the sheet down and cut a pair of 2-inch slots on each side of the sheet. The velcro straps will go through these slots. <\/li>
- The last step before you install the windshield is to add edge trimming at the top and bottom of the windshield. These keep out elements, and provide a layer of protection between the windshield and the ATV roll cage and hood. <\/li>
- Finally, mount the windshield and secure it with the straps. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Note that this guide is for a polycarbonate windshield, which is what most UTV owners get. Mounting a glass windshield is more complicated since you need to design a metal frame for it first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need more help making a polycarbonate windshield for your UTV, watch how this DIYer has done it in the video below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n