Does anybody know if it's illegal to change these over to the rubber gasket. I have heard that it is, but wondering if anybody else has. If it is, why?  Dean 6/30/01

Yes it is illegal. Just because it might seem like an easier or more familiar way to do it doesn't justify you getting personally sued, even if you're just an employee! We've had good success using DW926 & 26mm universal molding all the way around. Much much easier than the wkt926prp. Sean

75% of these we have done have less than an 1/8 " of urethane holding the top of the w/s. Most factory installs promote rust by retaining water at the top. We use an 853 and a wcr 853 w/strip. We install with urethane and urethane primer like the late W850's. If you have ever tried a non factory wbl 853 you know why we use wcr's as the factory 853 wbl's haven't been available for years.

I can't see how this install differs from a 848/850 with thane. If the 925/926 fit the opening it would be a different story. Also what do you do when you get one that has been slapped in with a rubber with no sealer at all, convert it back?  BG

I used to before I found out it was... It will not pass the roll over standard set by the fmvs for that year...besides to change it over you had to notch the corners to make the glass fit properly. Then after that I used to glue the glass and gasket to the pinchweld to seal it up... But since i was made aware why a dw926 is used I just glue it in...But if you have taken some of these out from the factory its doesn't look very safe...some of the urethane just barley touched the glass to seal water out.... FXS

The answer to your question is yes it is illegal. By switching from the dw853 to the dw925/26 you are changing the structural integrity of the vehicle which each year has to meet ever changing federal guidelines. By switching the 926 to a 853 you are weakening the roof integrity. wsguy747

I don't know if it is illegal but not a prudent idea. Back in the 80's when we were young and foolish we used to buy 853 gaskets by the boatload to convert these suckers. But I would never do it again!  Clyde

It is a violation of federal law to remove a safety device from a car. Changing over to a rubber gasket will weaken the vehicle in a roll-over. Don't do it !!!  L I Glass Guy