[2manycars]

The reason cars have had tempered side glass for the last 50 years is that it is easier and cheaper to make tempered CURVED glass than laminate curved glass. About 1965, cars began to use curved side glass, probably to improve interior space without a huge roof area. Also, in the mid 80's, side glass was made much thinner, to save weight, (and probably money), and laminate glass is usually 1/4 inch. Tempered glass is fine, but so is laminate glass, so long as it is not so old that it is de-laminating. Both are better than plate glass, which most models of the model A had in side and rear glass. The model T had plate glass everywhere, and while I have restored a few with original plate glass, I am amazed it lasted 80 years without breaking. I have also replaced a few model A windshields that had plate glass installed at some point. The fact that someone replaced safety plate with plate glass amazes me.