Windshield side moldings: replace or delete? (1 Viewer)

[Super77]

What’s the function of the left and right side rubber molding that fit where the windshield meets the A-pillar? I’m talking about these:

They seem to cover the windshield surround rivets, but is that it? Cosmetic only? Or do they serve some functional purpose?

My passenger side one is missing and the driver side is mangled. Trying to figure out if it’s worth $60 for a new pair.

 

[juicemode]

I understand them to reduce cabin noise at highway speeds but I have no comment on to what extent the design accomplishes this.

 

[hoser]

They cover the exterior rivets and probably reduce cabin noise. With rivets exposed, I'd imagine they are more prone to leaking/rust. They are cheaper on partsouq.... for now.

 

[Rhetoric]

I would replace them. $60 is cheap to avoid water getting in. The A pillar is like a gutter to your fuse boxes if not sealed as designed.

 

[nissanh]

I never had either side of those since I owned it in 2016.. would I buy a pair.. no and that is the only piece missing in my stock LC 100. If you can close the rivet holes to prevent water intrusion, you can stop any future corrosion builtup in those channel by keeping it exposed to air to keep channels clean. Any road noise.. absolutely no!

 

[Rhetoric]

I never had either side of those since I owned it in 2016.. would I buy a pair.. no and that is the only piece missing in my stock LC 100. If you can close the rivet holes to prevent water intrusion, you can stop any future corrosion builtup in those channel by keeping it exposed to air to keep channels clean. Any road noise.. absolutely no!

Sure, you don't notice any road noise... but can you imagine how much quieter it would be with them?!?!

I can say from experience that even with the strips, if the rivets are not done properly there will be wind noise.

 

[SteveH]

Here's my take - my '98 4Runner did not have any rain gutters. Slop and dirt from the windshield would blow 'around the corner' and land on the side window, right in the line of sight of the outside rear view mirror. To me, these are ersatz 'rain gutters' that keep the side windows clear in bad weather.

The whole design of this fake rain gutter mess is pathetic and hard to service in the field. 200 series (as far as fiddly breakage-prone plastic bits) are even worse. Rain gutters are passe, but their function is not.

 

[nissanh]

Sure, you don't notice any road noise... but can you imagine how much quieter it would be with them?!?!

I can say from experience that even with the strips, if the rivets are not done properly there will be wind noise.

Now I feel like buying these!

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Sub’d. What’s the best riveting tool to use when you did your windshield molding rivets? Thanks.

 

[JAntosch]

Sub’d. What’s the best riveting tool to use when you did your windshield molding rivets? Thanks.

Cheap one from a box store of your choice works fine, use cardboard to protect the glass. A stack of nuts/washers with tape or heat shrink as a spacer is easier than grinding down the riveter nose to fit in the molding channel!