do i have to remove the windshield on my 71 to get the dash off?

What I would do is back of the bolts, cut the heads off and remove the dash.
Cut the dash holes into slots by trimming the front material away, install replacement short bolts by a few threads.
Hang the dash on the side bolts and rotate it onto the front bolts and tighten, remember the dash is now slotted.
When I did mine recently my windshield was out so didn't go this route but definitely considered the slot idea to ease future removals, didn't go that way as mine is now restored and I don't envision ever having to remove it again........................famous last words.
Am I close James???