Just as a side note,
I've heard on the list that the company PPG
has a very high quality windshield
I'm guessing this means clarity & being chip resistant?
JC...
ps: what a mess it would be to smash it...after all....it's not a pumpkin !!!
:o)

In a message dated 1/27/2005 10:48:35 AM Pacific Standard Time,
rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM writes:
Dont smash it !   Windshield replacement is lousy in the archives.It is
really easy to do, and is the easiest window to replace in the vanagon.To
remove the windshield ,use about 5 screwdrivers and start in a corner.It is
like removing a bicycle tire.Work the inner rubber lip with a few closley
placed screwdrivers till you establish a "beach head"of lip that has been
freed from the metal flange.Then use your fingers and work your way around
the seal.Remove the window and NOW smash it if you must. Clean your gasket
if it dosent have dry rot.Liberally coat this with vasolene and set it in
the sun for a couple of hours or even a day.The vasolene will literally
soak into the rubber and rejuvinate it!Like brand new again, and I mean
that.Next, install the new window into the gasket.Now ,(very importiant)
install that new chrome locking strip that you got from go westy into this
assembly.Dont even think of installing a locking strip after the window is
installed!!! Even experts cant do it without messing up that fine
chrome.Now put vasolene into the remaning groove that will eventually hold
the window assembly to the van.This acts as a lubricant and will recycle
itself by absorbing into the rubber after the window is installed.Now, put
a 1/8 inch(approx) diameter cord in this remaining groove.All the way
around.About 15 feet! Overlap the ends by about 1 foot. Now the moment of
truth. With a helper,press and position the window assembly against the
window opening.One lucky installer must now go inside the van.Grab the cord
and slowly pull each end around the frame and pull the rubber lip
inside,and over the metal flange.Smiles all around!!!You succeeded.Wait a
couple of days for the vasolene to absorb deeper,then use a window gasket
sealing compound for insurance.Just squeezzzze the tube.Got It?Go get em
tiger!