How to Remove Scratches From a UTV Windshield

This video shows you how to get rid of scratches in your side-by-side's windshield without using any type of chemicals or waxes.
To purchase a heat gun:
Porter Cable Heat Gun (what I'd buy if I didn't already have one. It's wayyyyyy nicer than the cheap Harbor Freight one I used): amzn.to/3eAYJfa
Or a slightly cheaper one that's still better than mine and gets good reviews: amzn.to/3u6sbQC
I am an Amazon associate and earn a very, very small commission on any sales made at the above links. The price is the same whether you use these links or not, but these links do help support my family. I will never recommend a tool that I wouldn't want to own. Thank you!

[@revjeffcarr7573]

You should have emphasized how quickly you need to keep the gun moving. I got 85 percent of my Yamaha Royal Star Midnight Venture "bug-cleaning scratches," melted away and then slowed the heater movement just a little because I was heating a narrow but pretty deep rock gouge that I had left for last. That spot took in a little extra heat and before it seemed any of the gouge was softening or moving, it suddenly grew into a 2 inch mound of bubbled poly-carbonate - right in the middle of my windshield. The local shop gave me a used windshield. The "wet sand and polish method" with 500\1200\2500 wet sanding and orbital disc polishing with Meguiar's PlastiX worked amazingly well, and there was no way to totally screw up the job in just a couple seconds of too much heat.

[@rogeramadon4064]

GOOD job - Thanks for sharing. I had heard of this method, but never saw anyone actually do it. I was worried about using a heat gun and actually doing damage to the polycarbonate windshield on my UTV.

[@FarmDad]

Just be sure to keep it moving and don't overdo it. 👍

[@rstyll]

Thank you! I have an old boat windshield (poly). Doesn't get dirty or scratched as often as your UTV, but I think it will work great for those many micro-scratches.

[@FarmDad]

Yes, micro scratches are what this works the best on!

[@jisake1]

I also use this method on faded polycarbonate fenders and parts on ATV’s. Brings the color back if faded. Just be patient and use a well lit area .

[@FarmDad]

Cool, I have never tried that. Thanks for the tip!

[@Hi.Tech.Redneck]

I’m going to try this on my Goldwing windshield . The swirls make it so impossible to see through at sunset , or in the rain . Thanks for the idea !

[@FarmDad]

Welcome! I imagine that's pretty dangerous riding with a windshield you can't see through!

[@christopher6635]

@@FarmDad I have the exact same issue, except it is my fault. I didn't know about how sensitive these poly windshields are, but after I take the scratches out, I will make sure to take care of it to the best of my ability. Thanks!

[@Scootphoria]

Did you get that done on the GL? Curious to your results.

[@Hi.Tech.Redneck]

@@Scootphoria yes it is on my GL . Came out great !

[@larrydenham7005]

And annoying

[@ericpeath2258]

Great video.. this saved me alot of hassle and from buying a new windshield! Straight to the point is key!!

[@FarmDad]

Glad it helped!

[@alicequintin1628]

I am delighted with the amazing results

[@FarmDad]

Fantastic to hear!

[@claytonalejo2687]

Hey man your videos are pretty cool. They help alot!

[@FarmDad]

Glad to hear it!

[@chasec7509]

I soak all mine with soapy water or windshield washer fluid and use a soft silicone squeegee to clean mine. I've had better luck keeping scratches out with it than using microfiber towels.

[@FarmDad]

Good tip, I'll have to try that.

[@robertdennis5394]

Thank you for the video, great tip on that windshield. I just found your channel and a new subscriber, looking forward to watch everything you add to your channel from here on in. Be watching you from the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada.🇨🇦

[@FarmDad]

Appreciate you! I have a puppy who is 1/2 newfoundland. I've always wanted to visit that area of the world.

[@markoden3921]

What's the heat you have to do it with??

[@tenncutt]

My buddy used to make thick plastic Cribbage boards and he would flame polish them with a propane torch

[@charmnGUY]

AR, support from California Stay humble

[@FarmDad]

I appreciate you!

[@LouisAdamsDiaz]

I got a brand new windshield and put a protective sealant on it and with just two brand new microfiber towels it scratched the hell out of it…. Gonna try this method tomorrow and if that doesn’t work I’m sending it back haha

[@NE_OffRoading]

results my good man?

[@LouisAdamsDiaz]

@@NE_OffRoading didn’t work haha unfortunately. I have ordered another one and bought a protective film to put over it.

[@williamarmstrong392]

This method is awesome. Thank you !!

[@FarmDad]

Glad to hear it.

[@no_handle_required]

I'm just impressed you called it a ute and not a "side by side". That drives me nuts.

[@FarmDad]

Haha. Appreciate that.

[@criticalthinking3709]

I bet this would work great on motorcycle helmet visors and plastic goggles!

[@FarmDad]

Yes sir

[@markoden3921]

​@@FarmDad what's the heat you use from the heat gun to clean the sxs windshield??

[@jenntek.101]

My storm door for the house will be getting this treatment soon.

[@FarmDad]

Oh cool. That's a new use!

[@Veteran_Aviator]

Try cleaning with lemon pledge rather than soapy water. These are the same material as a lot of airplane windows. Works like a charm and fills in micro scratches.

[@FarmDad]

Interesting, I have not heard this before. But I have to admit, if these are the same as airplane windows, it makes me a bit scared to fly! 😬😳😜

[@Veteran_Aviator]

@@FarmDad same material. I’m talking about smaller private airplanes: Cessna 172s to super Cubs. Non-pressurized general aviation airplanes. The windshields are pretty thick but the side windows are not.

[@countryjim100]

I was wondering do you use lemon pledge to clean airplane window I have a 177 cessna and trying to see what people use I tried plex all but it’s a little expensive

[@countryjim100]

@dliguori25 I will try that thank you for your help

[@BK-hl2lh]

Well I just tried it and didn't work unfortunately on my plexiglass windshield 😮‍💨

[@FarmDad]

Perhaps scratches too deep?

[@khatuna007]

I had scratched the plastic door with a sponge. Hope this method will help. Thank you

[@FarmDad]

It should. Thanks!

[@BrookeOland]

Thanks very much for this. I have a really bad issue with the home installed windscreen on my Kubota L39 backhoe. I messed it up scraping the ice off it. I'll going to get me a heat gun next week. Is that a Massey 35 in the background there? If so, what year? Continental or diesel? Thanks again. Really helpful little tips on your channel.

[@FarmDad]

It's a 1960 Massey Ferguson 35 with the Perkins diesel. I appreciate you. Good luck with your backhoe wind screen.

[@BrookeOland]

@@FarmDad I have a 1960 Massey 35 with Continental gas engine. Easier to start in the winter....in theory. Great little old tractors. This one does a lot of work for me.

[@FarmDad]

@@BrookeOland yes sir. Good tractors.

[@droneit3160]

I did a pretty good job for my first time trying it but I did hold it too long it a couple of spots but not too bad..howevernow i have a couple of white spots from it starting to melt....any ideas on how I could remove that please

[@FarmDad]

Afraid I haven't tried to remove any melted spots. I'm betting it's a lost cause, but you could try sanding it out and see what happens.

[@kilroyishere6190]

Spray dishsoap will also kill bugs..flies etc..I use Dawn..cause I love the irony..

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

I use rain x. Been using it for years, no scratches.

[@FarmDad]

That's cool. I wasn't sure how it would do on windshields like this.

[@toddandangelbrowning2920]

@@FarmDad I use it on a 2020 can am commander fold out windshield. It does good. I had never heard of the heat gun method for a windshield. I have another older 2010 commander that has a bad windshield. I’m gonna try the heat gun on that one it’s in pretty bad shape.

[@wiljokorpela8570]

Think this method would work on a skidsteer door? I think it’s polycarbonate

[@FarmDad]

I'd test a little corner and see, just to be certain about the material. But it most likely will.

[@FlyKool1976]

Would this technique or gentle use of a torch remove tiny scratches in an acrylic aircraft window?

[@ReconMarineX19]

Any luck with this technique on your plane?

[@donaldsaunders4736]

Thank you I just subscribed to your channel

[@FarmDad]

I appreciate you!

[@FLATearthGARY]

So what happens if it gets too hot, will it break or discolor it? Definitely want to try this on my RatRod custom windshield that’s plexiglass. Thx

[@FarmDad]

It'll start to melt, which means you could make it wavy over large areas or make it rough and no longer see-through exactly where it got too hot.

[@dylanarnsdorff5947]

Does this apply to windshields that come with an antiscratch coating?

[@FarmDad]

I think so. I think most say they are anti scratch, but don't hold me to this. 😬

[@rickdavid1795]

Good idea

[@FarmDad]

Thanks!

[@dandeangeli9860]

Most helpful thanks

[@FarmDad]

Welcome!

[@deatley33]

Great idea never thought of that

[@FarmDad]

Thanks!

[@user-dk8xd8vj5m]

This helped allot!

[@FarmDad]

Awesome 👍

[@footinstirrup4948]

was this windshield acrylic or polycarbonate? I don't remember hearing you mention it in the video? thanks

[@FarmDad]

Poly

[@H.B.Fishing.]

Nano fiber towels are the best.

[@FarmDad]

Cool. I haven't heard of them. Sounds like an upgrade over microfiber.

[@rick3446]

Awesome thank you

[@FarmDad]

Most welcome!

[@petropete3122]

Nice. Tks for sharing

[@FarmDad]

Welcome!

[@cjkirk30s]

nice vid man thanks

[@UNCLEDUSTY1]

will this work on sun damaged windshields

[@FarmDad]

I think I've seen it done to sun damaged headlight lenses, so possibly.

[@falconflooring2797]

Heating up plastic, or anything for that fact changes the composition of the material. The material then becomes brittle. Making it more fragile then it originally was.

[@FarmDad]

I imagine you are correct! 👍However, I'm less concerned about breaking one of these than I am about not being able to see through it.

[@falconflooring2797]

@@FarmDad Once you heat it up and it shatters over time, you will be able to see just fine lol. Kidding, hopefully that doesn’t happen and what you have done works long term. Especially with the prices of those types of windshields.

[@michaelwilliams4980]

Will this mess up the hardness of the windscreen?

[@FarmDad]

No, once it cools it's as hard as it ever was.

[@everythingfootball8603]

Will work on my golf cart?

[@FarmDad]

I think those windshields are made of same material. Maybe try a small area in the corner first.

[@pbrock11]

that windswhield must be a foot thick. my windshield would be blown roman candles, creating a fuel explosing that becomes a mushgroom cloud over the spot garage used to be..

[@FarmDad]

😳😬 Pretty sure it's normal thickness. Maybe try keeping the heat farther away?

[@DonaldCpringle]

i tried this and it cracked and warped the plexiglass before it could melt in the scratches

[@FarmDad]

Sounds like too much heat or wrong material. I definitely haven't seen this crack. Sorry you had a bad experience.

[@karensmith2077]

What temperature are you using?

[@FarmDad]

Mine doesn't have a temp control.

[@johnscoolvideos7199]

Your so cool I want to be just like you when I grow up 😜

[@FarmDad]

Hey, thanks! That's a huge compliment!

[@LiberatedMind1]

Gonna try this on my computer side panel, it's acrylic.

[@FarmDad]

Interesting, let us know how it goes.

[@donnawilliams5421]

I tried this, just didn’t work for me. I wish it had

[@bradjohnson6260]

Doing this heats the windshield and drys it out makes it more fragile, just polish it and do it right

[@FarmDad]

Definitely not more fragile after doing this.

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Do not have any poly shields, might try this on some plastic headlights though ! Thanks Dad !

[@FarmDad]

Should work!

[@ryanfreebird1982]

Wow

[@FarmDad]

I think it's pretty cool too

[@sputnik4216]

Can't understand why anybody'd care about a scratchy windshield in the first place in that general environment .. it's to be expected, just goes with the territory.

[@aidenandzenaohea9529]

The glare, same as a vehicle windshield with the sun glare

[@jamesmusgrave30]

Anybody try this with a plexiglass windshield?

[@dustinmerritt8652]

Basically everything I did to my new windshield was captured in the first minute.... And that's how I stumbled upon this video. Dammit.

[@FarmDad]

It's a bummer, I know. Been there and made that mistake.

[@davea5150]

I tried this and it's crap too...

[@FarmDad]

Sorry you didn't get the results I did.

[@getphuked2]

GZZZZ, WHAT THE HELL ARE Y'ALL PAYING ALL THAT MONEY/LABOR ON?!?!? If it scratches that easily.

[@beak1784]

Never worked at all

[@rmat9023]

got to be a faster way, this probably took hours, like trying to fill up a swimming pool with a garden hose. :C

[@FarmDad]

Took about 1 hour to do this windshield.

[@rmat9023]

@@FarmDad that's still a long time. maybe you can take it off and put in an oven? or like get a torch and heat it faster?

[@B-rad303]

When I get a windshield I'm just gonna have it clear bra'd