When installing a DW1175, 1292, or 1370 (Ford Econoline Van) without a 2nd man (solo), I discovered that by dry-setting the windshield to be installed and centering it perfectly, then adding a third setting block dead center under the windshield and marking it with tape on the glass, makes this difficult, one-man set, a walk in the park.

Set the "marked" windshield aside and strip body as usual. Next, after you have completed the necessary steps up to and including laying your V-bead (and "welding" the bead joints), above each existing block and against the vehicle's body, place depth spacers (of stiff foam, not more than 3/16" or not more than 1/2 the height of your bead) between the setting blocks and the bead.

The added center block and body directly above it will get a pad (thinner than the spacers) cut into a 1" square and scored down one side so that it folds easily in-half. Fold the pad so that it forms a ninety-degree angle and place its corner into the corner formed by the center block and the body of the vehicle. Dab two spacers and square pad with a small amount of urethane to help hold them to the vehicles body and the center block.

Next, set the windshields on the center block, according to your tape marks. The top of the windshields will be somewhere over the hood of the vehicle (depending on your height... in my case just 5'8"). Holding the windshield with one hand step yourself up onto a stool, or other raised platform. Maintaining your balance, transfer your fingertips to the flap-edge of the bonded molding (being careful as not to touch the primered edge of the windshield).

Slowly, hinge the w/s up and into the "hole". The spacers on the sides keep the bottom edge of the windshield from over-pressing the bead and / or pushing it out of the way. The ninety-degree pad protects the windshield from being damaged as you hinge it into the "hole".

Finish the set as you normally would......a "2-man set gone solo"