Removal & Reinstallation of "Roof Panel Joint Finish Molding" -- Any Advice/Experience?

[Scrappycrow]

Y'all,

After a year and a half of ownership, I'm finally about to treat my Tahoe's exterior to some TLC. I'd like to take care of as many nooks and crannies as possible, so I'll be removing & reinstalling various pieces. As part of that, does anyone have any advice or experience with the "Roof Panel Joint Finish Molding" (the black strips along the top sides of the rear portion of the roof)? Will it matter for sealing if these are simply left off? These things are absurdly expensive, so I'd like to not damage them or any panel sealing.

Before anyone asks, yes, I understand (and have used multiple times) the "dental floss trick" for removing trim pieces held by double-stick/foam.

Thanks in advance,
Scrappy

 

[solli5pack]

I currently do not have any experience with them but I will soon since mine started peeling up. I think they're just glued in there.

 

[ReaperHWK]

Yes. When you buy a new one it comes with the adhesive. Best way is to remove the old one, clean all the residue off with alcohol mixture, and apply new one.

 

[Rocket Man]

They’re only for looks, they serve no purpose as far as sealing. They are used to cover the body seam thats welded and seam sealed along the roof line. They’re held on with 3M Hi Bond tape.

 

[mountie]

I currently do not have any experience with them but I will soon since mine started peeling up. I think they're just glued in there.
View attachment 457390

I used 4" black gaffers tape on the leading edge...... So far so good... ( you can't tell the gaffers tape is there.
( "Gaffers tape"...... The concert stage flat black 'anti-reflective' type duck tape..... Actually lasts a long time.

 

[Scrappycrow]

Thanks for the input, Y'all!

 

[petethepug]

Ironically just had a buddy refer me to this 3M product for boats. I used it to lock in a plastic anchor into a marble shower dam wall that a piece of 4x8 glass needed a frameless glass shower clip mounted on.

It’s only made in white but this particular version dries in 24-48 hrs and can be shaved or removed with a razor or friction. Some of the best for weather protection I’ve seen. Be careful, don’t buy the one that takes a week to dry.

3M Adhesive Sealant

Amazon.com

 

[mountie]

Ironically just had a buddy refer me to this 3M product for boats. I used it to lock in a plastic anchor into a marble shower dam wall that a piece of 4x8 glass needed a frameless glass shower clip mounted on.

View attachment 457657

It’s only made in white but this particular version dries in 24-48 hrs and can be shaved or removed with a razor or friction. Some of the best for weather protection I’ve seen. Be careful, don’t buy the one that takes a week to dry.

3M Adhesive Sealant

Amazon.com

View attachment 457658

The 4 inches of the rubber trim end, was so firm, it took a bit of effort to allow the adhesive to keep it flat.