Plastic Roof Strips

[chuck0]

My '99 Intrigue has (2) plastic roof strips that run from top of windshield to top of rear window on left & rt side of roof. One strip is coming loose with debris getting caught underneath the strip. Strip is the same color as the roof.
My question is: can the strip be pried out, clean the strip and snap or glue it back in place? What is the function of this strip? Does it cover up a roof seam?
Thanks in advance for your comments.

[Crazace]

Same issue on my 2000. Fell off in the car wash yesterday. What should I use to reattach it, looks like it is held down with two sided tape.

[Tobey]

I always assumed they covered up tracks for roof rack rails to slip into...

They are held down with foam tape. Gently pry them out (preferably with something plastic so you don't scratch the paint underneath), but be careful not to bend them because they have a metal core and will retain the bent shape! Clean up the residue with something like goo-gone and then reapply adhesive.

I recommend using foam trim panel tape again, because there's a large gap underneath that a liquid adhesive probably wouldn't be able to fill.

[chuck0]

Tobey, thanks for the reply. Your input will be very helpful.

[oldblu65]

Chuck and crazace , sent you both a PM on this !

[remark123]

Those MOLDINGS are there to cover up the flanges of the roof and side-frame and the associated welds. Years ago, GM used to use a silicone bronze joint to join the two parts together thinking that the customers would object to the non-flush joint, but the Japanese proved that you didn't need to finish the joint, just cover it up. This was a real cost saver for GM and the other manufacturers, it (silicon-bronze joint) was a very costly and operator sensitive area. I used to see a lot of cars in the plants that had to be reworked over and over to get it right. Plus, the vapors and grinding dust were very hazardous materials that had to be dealt with. Just thought that you would like to know the history of the joint...
Mark

[Crazace]

Just one of mine ripped off on the auto dry in the car wash. I ended up buying 3M double heavy duty (red package) double sided tape for about $5. I scrubbed and clean the strip and the roof for a good hour then taped it down. It seems to be holding up pretty well. Hopefully it doesn't fly off on my road trip I'm doing this week lol.

[chuck0]

mark, thanks for the history.

[Crazace]

My roof strip has been on for a week with no problems. Drove 1100 miles in day threw rain an everything. Its looking like the other side is gonna need fixed soon though, had to push it back down the other morning.