First: Happy New Year to all -

Second: I am having trouble finding the answer I am looking for on dedicated LR forums so thanks for any input -


My question/issue:

With a roof rack on and off over the years the plastic trim on the rain gutters is breaking down. I searched to no avail here and the internet and haven't seen one verification of someone removing permanently the plastic or "finisher".

Most threads I have found show leaking seams or seam repair but do not address just leaving the plastic bits off...I understand how the seam works and am willing to seal the bare rain gutter which needs to be done anyway. I have no leaks and with how damaged these plastic bits are don't see them providing much protection anyway.

Have already addressed the "water ingress to headliner tech bulletin" so am familiar with the rails - again, no leaks just look like 'crap' and are breaking. I see they are generally NLA other than the bits I don't need...




Any input is welcome and again Happy New Year.

Thanks -
Erik

I removed mine to apply seam sealer, it just pulls off, but you may need to remove the end bits the front end is held in place by the very expensive corner and you cant get that off with out removed=ing the 'A' piller plastic, if you dont fancy that then start at the back I removed my 'A' pillor cover by drilling a small hole in the 3 plugs inside the door fram then pulling the plug and removing the spreader bit

then I simply pulled it out with a small jemmy



the carfully remove the 'A' pillor cover if the clips stay on the corner piece, the pull off the side cover,

did you end up putting the rail trim back on or just leave it off for good. I understand you put the 'A' pillar back just wondering about the rest of the rain gutter (Drip Rail as they formally call it) plastic bits. I know the front corners help it drain into the 'A' pillar but I am not seeing a need for the rest of it from the sides to the back...

Thanks for responding!

I put it all back on as I removed it to apply seam sealer, and it was in good condition but you could replace yours with rubber from
https://themetalhouse.co.uk/

check the website as they do car edge rubber

https://themetalhouse.co.uk/product-category/edge-trims/rubber-extrusions/rubber-u-channel-trims/

The side pieces are only there as a styling feature & to hide the variable quality finish of painting / welding.
They might have a minor impact on how rain drips off the edge of the gutter.

Pawl said:

The side pieces are only there as a styling feature & to hide the variable quality finish of painting / welding.
They might have a minor impact on how rain drips off the edge of the gutter.

Click to expand...

Yes, I feel like the back and sides are there for styling and some protection of the seams...maybe? I am in South Texas so rain isn't really a thing, just the front and the way water can collect along the rails/a pillar has me a bit concerned...no leaks ever in those areas and like to keep it that way.

I may just remove it all an seal it tastefully. Then paint it (again tastefully) and let it ride...just saw an old toyota with no plastic trim and it looked fine...I run steel wheels and my truck has a bit of a utilitarian look to it - i'll keep the thread posted on my progress...

Just wanted one person in the internet to show some photos and report any issues with the plastic trim removed and that seems to impossible to find.

Thanks Gents for the responses! I had the setting wrong and wasn't notified of your responses...so again, thanks!

Erik

Pawl said:

The side pieces are only there as a styling feature & to hide the variable quality finish of painting / welding.
They might have a minor impact on how rain drips off the edge of the gutter.

Click to expand...

Yes, I feel like the back and sides are there for styling and some protection of the seams...maybe? I am in South Texas so rain isn't really a thing, just the front and the way water can collect along the rails/a pillar has me a bit concerned...no leaks ever in those areas and like to keep it that way.

I may just remove it all an seal it tastefully. Then paint it (again tastefully) and let it ride...just saw an old toyota with no plastic trim and it looked fine...I run steel wheels and my truck has a bit of a utilitarian look to it - i'll keep the thread posted on my progress...

Just wanted one person in the internet to show some photos and report any issues with the plastic trim removed and that seems to impossible to find.

Thanks Gents for the responses! I had the setting wrong and wasn't notified of your responses...so again, thanks!

Erik

sorry about the double post...sent me an error message and then posted twice..