Rubber strip on roof missing

So just the other day I noticed that I am missing the strip of rubber on the passenger side that runs near the edge of the roof from the windshield to the back. As far as I can tell, the rubber has no purpose beyond aesthetics. I’m guessing it just fills a mounting point for a roof rack. Can anyone confirm?

I’m not sure how I lost it. My best guess is a tree branch got it. I’m not sure it’s worth replacing since I’m guessing the price point is higher than its value to me.

 

Have you been to any car wash places? I've heard the dryer's can blow those off

 

If you mean the weather stripping going from the front of the cab to the back, you’re probably going to want that. I think there is a thread around(could be in the FS section) with people giving them away after installing their roof racks.

 

Yes.

 

It looks like weather stripping, but it doesn’t fill a gap that could allow water in. It fills a channel in the roof. I assumed it was weather stripping until I saw what was underneath.

 

Unfortunately this seems like a common problem for Tacomas. The only reason for the trim is for aesthetics to cover up where the roof is welded to the door frame and to cover the mounting points for a roof rack. I wouldn't panic as it's not like it's going to let water in if it's missing. Definitely replace it at some point though, again just for the sake of aesthetics lol.

 

Man I got worried and just checked.

I still have mine ... haha

 

There are at least 3 pieces of tape in each roof channel covering the bolt holes used for mounting a roof rack. That’s all, tape sealing the holes. If the tape goes, you’ll have little rain spouts dumping water above your head and elsewhere in the truck. The weather stripping protects the tape from the sun, etc., I would replace it.

 

I have to keep snapping mine down over the pessenger rear. No car washes, I do it myself. I'll likely end up having a roof rack that'll hold them down anyway. (Yakima towers.)

 

any recommendations for securing the leading edge of the trim? I'm putting mine back after removing the OEM racks but it looks like there were small plastic mounts/clips in the front of each channel that sheared off. it doesn't look possible to replace the mounts but maybe a good adhesive would work? the rest of the rubber strip seems secure, just the very front end won't stay down.

 

The last time i went through a car wash mine blew off.

I fixed the problem by not washing my truck in auto washes.

I think a few dabs of windshield urethane would do the trick to hold them down, but good luck removing them later if needed