Weather stripping at feet of roof rack

[Elbee]

Is this normal? Weather stripping coming from front window is curling up. Also the pad around the roof rack is curled up. The pad seems quite thin, was there adhesive at some point or the plastic foot that was missing held it down better?

Is this just caused by the plastic feet being gone and not holding everything down?

 

[Malleus]

Yes, age related degeneration. The panel trim (the front to back stuff) is clipped in; the clips are damaged and don't grip anymore. My LX570 has the same problem.

The parts are NLA. If you don't use your roof rack, I'd remove it. Unlike the 80s, it bolts on from the outside. You can still get the cover strips to cover the mounting bolts and Toyota put short bolts in the holes to seal them on the models that didn't get racks. Problem solved.

 

[Ayune]

Also, the only points for water intrusion is the rack bolt holes. In other words, everything up there that's plastic, including the long pieces that go from the windshield all the way to the rear hatch, can be removed & tossed out. There are 12 roof racks bolts and as long as those are sealed you're good.

 

[alane24]

Also, the only points for water intrusion is the rack bolt holes. In other words, everything up there that's plastic, including the long pieces that go from the windshield all the way to the rear hatch, can be removed & tossed out. There are 12 roof racks bolts and as long as those are sealed you're good.

So you’re saying that even with the long strip of weather stripping popping up water ingress cannot happen down the A pillar?

 

[Ayune]

So you’re saying that even with the long strip of weather stripping popping up water ingress cannot happen down the A pillar?

Correct, the roof is completely solid except for the rack mounting holes, sunroof, and third brake light. The long weather striping is just held on by plastic clips which are glued to the roof before painting.

 

[QsLC75]

@Ayune and @Malleus , Thank you for clearing up a question I had if I remove and sell my Dissent Roof Rack.

 

[alane24]

Correct, the roof is completely solid except for the rack mounting holes, sunroof, and third brake light. The long weather striping is just held on by plastic clips which are glued to the roof before painting.

My understanding is that water can also get into the A-pillar along the outer moulding that is riveted to the outside of the A-pillar if a shoddy window installer used screws instead of rivets—which almost always seems to happen.