How to replace a golf buggy windscreen
Written by the Hawke Electric Vehicles Service Team
Quick answer
Replacing a golf buggy windscreen is usually a bolt-on job that takes around 30 to 60 minutes: you release the clips or bracket bolts that hold the old screen to the struts, lift it out, and fit the new screen the same way. The main thing to get right is buying a screen made for your model and roof struts, because fit varies. Light scratches can often be polished out instead of replacing the whole screen.
Tools needed
- Basic spanners or a socket set
- Screwdriver
- Soft cloths
- Masking tape
- A helper for a rigid screen
Parts needed
- Replacement windscreen made for your model
- New clips, grommets or bracket bolts if worn
- Plastic polish for light scratches
What this fixes
This procedure replaces a windscreen that is cracked, crazed, badly scratched or discoloured, and it covers both fixed and folding types. It also covers refitting a folding screen that has come loose or will not stay up. It does not cover a bent or damaged roof strut, which needs its own attention, and it will not help a screen that is only lightly scratched, where polishing is the better first move.
Tools and parts
Parts
- A replacement windscreen made for your model and roof struts
- New clips, grommets or bracket bolts if the old ones are worn or brittle
- Plastic polish, only if you are treating light scratches instead of replacing
You will need basic spanners or a socket set, a screwdriver, soft cloths, and masking tape to protect the struts. This is an easy job. The one thing that turns it into a difficult one is buying a screen that does not suit your struts, so measure the old screen and confirm the model before you order, and keep the old fixings as a pattern.
How to do it
1Decide whether to polish or replace
Run a fingernail across the worst mark. If it does not catch, the scratch is shallow and plastic polish may clear it, saving the replacement. If it catches, or the screen is cracked or crazed, replace it.
ExpectedA clear decision: a shallow haze to polish, or a caught scratch or crack that means replacement
2Support the screen and release the fixings
With a helper holding the screen, release the clips or undo the bracket bolts that hold it to the roof struts. Note the order and position of any washers, grommets and spacers as they come off.
ExpectedAll fixings released with the screen still supported, and the fixing layout noted for reassembly
3Lift out the old screen and check the struts
Lift the old screen clear and lay it on a soft surface. Look over the struts and mounting points for cracks, wear or missing grommets while they are exposed.
ExpectedThe old screen removed without forcing, and sound struts with any worn grommets identified for renewal
4Offer up and fit the new screen
Peel any protective film, position the new screen against the struts, and start every fixing by hand before tightening any of them. Nip plastic fixings up firmly but not hard, because overtightening cracks acrylic around the hole.
ExpectedThe new screen sitting square with every fixing started by hand, then tightened evenly and lightly
Check it worked
5Test fit, folding action and security
Check the screen sits square and does not foul the roof. On a folding screen, fold it down and back up to confirm it moves freely and holds in each position. Give it a gentle push to confirm it is secure.
ExpectedA square, secure screen that clears the roof and, if folding, moves freely and stays put in both positions
When to book an engineer
This is a job most owners can do, so an engineer is rarely needed for the screen itself. Book one if the roof struts or mounting points are cracked or bent, if a folding mechanism is seized or damaged, or if you would simply rather it was fitted for you as part of other work. A bent strut is the usual reason a new screen will not sit square, and it needs sorting first.
Common questions
Can I polish scratches out of my windscreen?
Light scratches that do not catch a fingernail can often be reduced or removed with a plastic polish made for acrylic or polycarbonate, worked in gently with a soft cloth. Deep scratches that catch the nail, crazing and cracks cannot be polished out and mean the screen needs replacing.
What is a golf buggy windscreen made of?
Most are acrylic or polycarbonate rather than glass, which is why they scratch more easily than a car screen but do not shatter. Polycarbonate is tougher and more impact resistant, while acrylic is clearer but more brittle. Both are fitted the same way with clips or brackets to the roof struts.
Will any windscreen fit my buggy?
No. Fit varies by model and by the roof struts, so buy a screen listed for your model. Measure the old screen and note how it mounts before ordering, and keep the old fixings as a pattern. A screen made for a different frame will not clip or bolt up squarely.
Why will my folding windscreen not stay up?
A folding screen that will not hold position usually has worn hinge grommets, a loose pivot bolt, or a tired friction mechanism. Check and renew the grommets and set the pivot tension as the fittings allow. If the hinge itself is damaged, the folding section or its mechanism needs replacing.
Did this fix it?
Every guide is written from manufacturer service documentation and workshop practice, then reviewed before publication. Read how we write and review our repair guides.