You've made the decision you want some sort of protection on your side-by-side from the dust and wind and maybe even rain and determined a windshield is your best option. That's not a bad choice.
However, as we've found out from firsthand experience, not all windshields are created equal. Some are definitely better than others when it comes to protecting the driver and passenger in a side-by-side. We've also found that some windshields make the dust situation in the cab worse than not having one. That's a story for another day.
Having said all that, you might think we're going to do a product comparison on windshields. Not so much. Rather, we're going to show how easy it is to install a windshield, one we think offers great protection from the elements for driver and passenger.
We chose to install a windshield from Logan, UT-based Ryfab Industries. Not only is the windshield installation easy, but relatively quick (less than an hour if you even have basic mechanical skills), and all you need are basic hand tools. You can install the windshield by yourself, but having a buddy help will make installation a little easier and quicker.
We followed Ryfab owners Gail Ryan and Justin Bingham as they installed a windshield on a RZR 900. There are very slight variations if installing this windshield on an RZR 800 and RZR 570 compared to the 900, but we'll note those changes along the way.
Let's get to it.
Tools Needed For Windshield Install
- Half-inch box end wrench
- 5/16-inch Allen wrench
- 7/16-inch wrench or socket
- 5/32-inch Allen wrench
- T 27 Torx
- 2 small flathead screwdrivers
- 9/16-inch wrench
- Crescent wrench
- 3/8-inch wrench
Steps For Windshield Install
1) Remove fasteners from both sides of the fender using two flathead screwdrivers. There are two fasteners on each side on the RZR 800 and RZR 570, but only one on each side on the RZR 900.
2) Remove Torx screws from the bottom fender mounts (on the 900 XP) with the T 27 Torx.
3) Install front brackets on either side of the vehicle, with Torx head cap screw (on bottom) and 1.5-inch Allen head cap screw on top. Washers are installed on back side (top) and quarter-inch nut on 900 and then repeat on other side. On the 800 and 570 do this on all four spots. Use an Allen wrench and 7/16 wrench to tighten top cap screw wrist tight. This will allow you to adjust the positioning of the fender bracket later during install.
4) Install stainless steel pins with stainless steel nuts, putting the pin and one nut on top of bracket, parallel to the hole. The second nut is installed on the bottom of the bracket.
Tip: Prior to this next step, use a tie down strap to hold the vehicle's cage together because the cage tends to spring out when the Allen bolts are removed. This way you don’t have to "fight" the cage. Tighten the strap snug. This next step can be done without the strap, but it's just easier with it.
5) Remove Allen head cap screws (the ones just above the front tire) from front roll cage. There are two on each side.
6) Discard Allen head cap screws but not the lock nuts. You won't use the Allen screws, as they will be replaced with different ones. You will reuse the lock nuts.
7) Install left and right brackets. Using the supplied 3/8 x 2-inch bolts, run bolts through the driver side left bracket and attach nuts on outside. Use 9/16-inch wrench to tighten but don't tighten all the way. That comes later. Repeat this for the passenger side. It's a good idea to align both brackets with a straight edge before tightening.
8) Lay windshield on a flat surface and install the rubber seal on bottom of the windshield. Start from one end and work your way to the other side. Make sure the seal is on tight. Hold the seal from the starting side while you are putting it on so it stays in place and firm. Do this until you're about halfway or so to help keep it in place. Trim the end to fit.
Info: Glass comes with RZR windshield but not for the Commander. You'll need to purchase the glass from a local glass company if you own a Commander.
9) Take strap off the cage and set the windshield up in place. The holes along the top corner of the windshield frame should line up with and fit on the stainless steel pins previously installed.
10) Take four carriage bolts and 5/16-inch locknuts and put in place on bottom of the windshield frame and tighten wrist tight.
11) Tighten front mounts with 3/8-inch bolts. Torque to factory specs. These are the bolts previously installed in step No. 7.
12) Take two C brackets and install on the top of the roll cage along the top roll bar. Install in between the bracket and roll bar with locator pin facing up. Insert the bolt from back side out and snug it up. Make sure the locator pin is lined up with the with the slotted hole in the windshield before you tightened everything up.
13) Before tightening up the clamps, adjust the clamps so they don’t rub when the windshield is sitting on the pin. Tighten the 2 1/4 by 5 1/16-inch bolt flush with the outside of the C clamp.
14) Clean the top of windshield. Then take the D-shaped rubber seal, remove the red backing, center to the top of the windshield between slotted holes and the bend and apply seal to the windshield.
15) Adjust the front brackets to the hole so they don’t rub. Keep the hole towards the front so they line up.
16) Place the rubber grommet on each pin with the big side of the grommet facing down. Then put the windshield down on top and press until grommet covers top nut.
17) Wiper kit is optional. If you're not going to install the wiper kit (available for an additional $65), then insert the 5/8-inch button head into the top center hole in the windshield to seal it. If installing the wiper kit, install the Velcro strap in position using the quarter-inch cap screw. Insert through the quarter-inch hole on the top passenger side of the windshield. Run the screw through the Velcro, then through the hold and tighten with the nylon nut.
18) Next, take wiper handle and remove the nut and knurled nut. On the knurled nut, pay attention to the way it comes off because there is a step machined into it which faces the windshield. Remove shaft with the two nuts and washer. Take outside nut off, leave rubber washer and first nut on. Install from inside the windshield out with the rubber washer on the inside of windshield and the threads protruding through outside/center top.
19) Slide wiper handle through shaft from inside of windshield using permanent (not furnished) Loctite. Put a drop on inside of threads on knurled nut. Be sure to pay attention to the direction of the knurled nut, ensuring that the step is facing the windshield.
20) Hold on to the handle with one hand while tightening the knurled nut and lock nut with the channel locks. Do not overtighten.
21) Take wiper arm and put Loctite on inside of wiper arm. Line the handle up with the arm (pay attention to not bend the small clip on the wiper arm). Push it over the knurled nut to where clip sits on machined step. You might need to pop with bottom of hand or rubber mallet to make it seat completely.
22) Take wiper blade and install on arm. Arm is adjustable from back side. The wiper comes preset but is adjustable.
23) Velcro strap holds in place when not in use.
24) You can lock the windshield in down or up position with clips.
(Ryfab and Coatings has been in business for 10 years and has been selling UTV parts since late 2008/early 2009. The company, which sells racks, front and rear windshields and cargo boxes for Polaris RZR vehicles and a front windshield for the Can-Am Commander and Arctic Cat Wildcat, also works with structural steel, fabrication and powdercoating. Additionally, Ryfab offers a tonneau cover for the Wildcat. For more information, contact 435-753-2655 or www.ryfabcargobox.com.)
