where do I start, I already have the trim off and it looks like the glass is setting inside of a gasket. I can lift the corners a bit but thats it. The windshield was already cracked when I bought the car so thats not an issue. Also do I have to use a gasket when replacing the windshield as they are pretty pricey to get brand new? Is there any way around it?

_________________
Go for it, You live this life only once.

you need to seperate the glass from the gasket inside and out. In the glass trade they use a tool called a "bone" which is a hard plastic, nylon usually, stick with rounded, tapered ends. It is worked under the rubber to gently pry it away from the glass. You can also use a little glass cleaner to lubricate the gasket. Then you start at one corner and start working the gasket lip under the edge of the glass. Use a stiff wooden stick such as a paint stirrer if you can't locate a bone. Use a second one to hold what you have gained, much like working a bicycle tire onto a rim. One you're a third to halfway around it will get easier. To reinstall the glass you just reverse the process, again using glass cleaner or soapy water to lubricate the glass. You'll probably want someone to help you hold everything in place. Or, just take it to a glass shop where they'll do it for you quickly and with no fuss. If the gasket is in good condition there's nothing wrong with reusing it.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

My windshield needs to be replaced as well, and I'm planning on having a brand new gasket installed with sealer in hopes of avoiding leaks.

My question, for anyone who can answer, is since I'm planning on replacing the headliner at some point, does the windshield have to come out for that as well?

_________________
'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

If you have the 'cardboard' head liner...then no, you can fold the lip of the gasket back and fit the headliner under it with help from a buddy during installation...

If you have a fabric version, then yes if you want a nice clean looking installation...

-D.Idiot

Taking out the windshield will be made easier by first removing the round locking strip, if you have that style gasket. It's a rubber piece about the diameter of a standard pencil which is pressed into a groove on the outside surface of the gasket, just below the glass. The lip of the gasket DAKIGHT was telling you to pry off the glass is wedged tighter against the glass by this round locking strip, in theory, sealing it off from leaks. Find the joint where the two ends come together on this strip and begin digging it out of the groove.

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.

Yes, if it has the lockstrip, by all means remove it first. I don't know when the change was made but I didn't think the '74 still had it.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Yep, my son's '74 Dart Sport has the lock strip.
When you get the window and gasket removed, be sure
to take care of any rust issues that may have developed
beneath the gasket along the window channel. And make
sure whomever reinstalls everything knows what they are
doing and follows the proper sealing method based upon
your Factory Service Manual. Only reuse the existing
gasket if it is still soft and pliable. It's not worth the risk
of leaks and future rusting to avoid the minor cost of a
new one if it is needed.

Jerry

_________________
There's a difference between ignorance and stupidity.
Ignorance is not knowing any better.
Stupidity is knowing, yet doing it anyway.