Easier to replace windshield with dash out?

[RandyBird]

Hi,
I'm planning to replace the windshield of my '65 restoration at some point, but am about to remove the dash.
Is it a lot easier to replace the windshield with the dash out, or does it make much difference?
Thanks,
Randy

[jtschug]

It might be a little bit easier. You have to remove the wipers and cowl panel to get the dash out, and you also have to do that to change the windshield, so you save that 15 minute task. However, the windshield can be removed relatively easily without removing the dash. I recently had a windshield replaced. A couple guys came to my house and the swap took maybe an hour. Two people (at least one of which knows what they are doing) and the big suction cup handles are the real life saver.

[Rt.146]

The windshield does contribute somewhat to a car's structural integrity, I don't know if the "drive up windshield repair" are as good as a shop's work, though having a windshield blow out at speed is not something to look forward about.

[Rusty57]

In these older cars the windshield is not bonded to the body like we see in today's car.

The windshield is set into a rubber molded weatherstrip part and actually moves around as the car flexes.

As a side note, I have had good results with bonded windshields being installed by a "drive to your place" service. As noted in an earlier post, it is all a function of the competency of the installer regardless of the type of installation.