[MaxD]

Yes, a wire cutter is best and some of the professional ones do make saving a windshield possible.

If you get a cheaper (wire and two handles) version, you can still do a good job. Make sure you do your best not to cut into the paint around the windshield - nothing major if you do, but do prep and repair so it never rusts.

Glass or lexan is your choice. Glass always seems clearer in viewing to me + factory motorsports cars all come with glass. I have lexan on my cars. It makes it easy to take windshield out if you are welding something or just need extra space in the car to do something.

If you have issues with regulatory bodies over coil springs, I can't even imaging the puckering if you showed up with a lexan window.