Windjammers and Screens

What a windjammer does

With the top off or the rear section open, air swirls into the cabin and blows hair, loose items and dust around. A windjammer, also called a wind breaker or wind stopper, fills the gap behind the front seats and between the sport bar and the rear. A clear window gives rear visibility, and some designs include a zippered or roll-up opening to reach cargo behind the seat. Cab curtains do the same job for pickup-style cabs, enclosing the space behind the seats.

How to choose

Match the design to your vehicle and how you use it. The sample products attach to a center sport bar and the rear floor, or enclose the cab with a metal channel or other attachments. Choose a size and cutout style that suits your seating and cargo needs. Vehicles with different door counts and body styles use different panels.

• Standard windjammer: Attaches at the sport bar and floor to close the rear opening.
• Wrap-around styles: Cover a larger portion of the cabin edge.
• Zip-down versions: Let the rear window open for airflow when needed.

Fabric and specs to compare

Common fabrics include black diamond, black denim, spice and spice denim, plus khaki diamond on some models. Match the color to your existing soft top or choose a contrasting one. Check whether the listing mentions UV resistance, mildew resistance and reinforced stitching, since these affect how the panel holds up in sun and rain. Look at the rear window material: clear vinyl gives visibility but can scratch and haze, so wipe it with a soft cloth and a vinyl-safe cleaner, never paper towels.

Installation and use notes

Some units install with no drilling, using clips, straps or zippers, while others, like channel-mounted cab curtains, require drilling. Read the product description to see which applies. Follow the instructions so the panel sits snug and does not flap, which wears the fabric and makes noise.

Keep in mind that a windjammer can restrict rear visibility and limit how people get in and out of the rear seat, and it should not interfere with seat belts or the roll bar. Confirm fitment for your exact year, make, model and body style, such as 2-door or 4-door, and read the manufacturer's specifications. Store the panel dry and clean to avoid mildew when not in use.

Care, storage and common mistakes

Soft fabric panels last longer with a little attention. Rinse off dust and dirt with water and a soft brush, and wash with mild soap, avoiding strong detergents and pressure washers held close to stitching. Let panels dry fully before folding or storing them, because trapped moisture causes mildew. Apply a fabric protectant made for marine or convertible-top canvas on a regular schedule, if the maker recommends it.

Clear windows need extra care. Fold them gently without sharp creases, and keep them from rubbing against hard edges. Cold temperatures can make vinyl stiff, so avoid folding it in freezing weather. A plastic window cleaner and polish made for vinyl can remove light scratches and haze.

Common mistakes include forcing a panel into place without aligning the attachment points, which stresses seams, and leaving a windjammer fastened while the top is up and wet. Another is mismatching the panel with an older soft top of a different fabric, which can look uneven as the two age differently. If zippers stick, clean them and apply zipper lubricant rather than pulling hard.