>Does anyone have experience replacing them and could give me a few tips?
What brand of glass or does it matter? Does the gasket need to be replaced?
 How much should this cost me?

Dave,
Just had my windshield replaced this morning. It only cost me $200 for
tinted and installation. Comes with lifetime warranty!(replaced if cracks
do to install)  The seal was again NOT replaced. This is the original "85
seal. I asked my local glass shop about the seal...and he said that they
have had more problems when putting in NEW seals. The old seals have molded
to the opening.

Anyway, for $200 it was worth it! I watched them do it, and if you have
never done this before, I would be afraid of breaking the glass. I did have
them install new chrome molding that goes into the window seal. I got a
good price from my local VW dealer for only alittle over $6.00!

Good Luck

--Bill
'85 GL  170,000mi.  and going...and going