Black molding strips on roof

I had my windshield replaced, i just noticed a couple weeks after when cleaning snow off my roof that one of the black strip moldings that go from the windshield to the back of the roof is missing, I called the windshield replacement company and they said they do not have it there and are not responsible for the piece, they would have affixed it free of charge but assume no responsibility for replacement.
My question is should I replace it or does it do nothing to protect anything, and is for asthetics only. It looks as though it has no use but to make the seam look better where the factory attaches the roof?

 

That piece is removed to attach the factory roof rack on the cab of the truck. I just did this last weekend. There are a few spots that are taped and painted which cover the threaded holes for attaching the roof rack. Without the molding, the tape will probably deteriorate over time. Id reckon you'll be ok for a while, but I would replace it.

 

Ok, I assume then they removed this piece for easier windshield replacement as the timing seems to be right. Also when you put a roof rack on is this piece discarded? The truck is a 2008 access cab.

 

Not sure about an access cab. The front of this trim piece tucks in behind the windshield molding, however slightly. I don't see why it would have been touched to replace the windshield. Removing it is a task in that it is held on with 2-sided tape at the rear window and across the top of the roof, and metal clips toward the front of the cab.

Here's a link to the roof rack install instructions for the Tacoma Dual Cab. You can see how they remove this strip.

 

I held on to my roof trim pieces just in case. Though I don't foresee removing the factory roof rack. You never know when you may need something. I promise I'm not a horder.

 

Isn't the roof rack mounts only available on the double cabs?

 

Good point. I believe so, but to be honest, I'm not sure. In that case, it's probably just cosmetics.

 

I am sure it is an access cab, that is what they call the cab with the small rear suicide doors that only open after the front door is openned first correct?

 

Yep. There's no pre-drilled holes in your roof. And no option for an OEM roof rack. So you should be find without the molding. Still curious why it would have been removed, or how it was removed if they didn't do it.

 

Yeah, I did not know if I should press the issue if they had not touched it. I assumed because the truck was there recently that is was their fault. I would also have to prove that fact I guess. I just will not go there again or say good things about them is all. Maybe those things fall off regularly lol.

 

Yep, I think having them come off on their own is fairly common. My truck is a 2015 and one is already coming loose

 

They either took it off and just denied it since you claimed to have noticed it weeks later (can't prove they did it) or it flew off, which seems to happen once in a while, maybe they did remove to do your windshield and then didn't press it back down all the way and it flew off? Who knows.

people regularly sell/give the double cab ones away on here if you need one since roof racks are super easy to install, but on an access cab it's going to be harder to source one since people don't regularly put holes in the roof for a rack. Dealer cost is like $80

 

I think I will just leave it, seems like no big deal and I am not concerned about looking good lol. 4x4 works, it runs good, wanders and pulls every which way like a mutha since the 30000 to 50000 km mark but it works....if 2 alignment places can not figure it out cheaply then its fine, just a little unsafe for the ones not ready or used to it when they drive it lol.
It is a little hard on fuel but other than that it seems like a good truck so far at 135000 km and the only major work I needed to do was a rear axle seal.