Re-sealing factory roof rack holes

I had a OEM roof rack on my 2020 DCSB. I took it off so that I could go back to using the drip moldings that were originally on the truck with the intention of eventually getting a more traditional Thule or Yakima rack.

My questions is, does anyone have experience with going to the dealer to have the holes sealed or to have the factory bolt hole tape re-applied? I was able to get the drip moldings but the parts dept. said they didn’t have a part # for the tape that covers the holes. I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews on sealing the holes with silicone and would prefer a more permanent, worry-free option. I have VHB over the holes currently and it started peeling pretty easily after a wash.

 

On an older vehicle I filled the holes with RTV after I took the roof rack off, cleaned the channel with alcohol, applied single sided vhb tape over the hole, and replaced the drip molding.
For 2 years I never had a leak then I sold the vehicle.

 

I didn’t know there was single sided VHB. Might need to look into that. The double sided tends to absorb a lot of water

 

I'm not sure if it was official 3m VHB tape, I got it off a job site, it was some waterproof sealing tape that seemed very similar to VHB tape.

Edit: It was something like this

$27 3M Extreme Sealing Tape 4411N, Translucent, 1 1/2 in x 5 yd, 40 mil

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Extreme-S...612737758&sprefix=3m++sealing,aps,185&sr=8-10

The important thing is to clean the area with rubbing alcohol so the tape can get a good bond.

On my current Tacoma I have double sided VHB holding the molding in place on both ends with zero issues over the last 6 months. And I have used double sided VHB to hold down roof moldings on multiple vehicles with almost no issues.

 

SS bolts with a little teflon tape?

 

If it were me, I'd install a metric setscrew with teflon tape. Then put a small piece of masking tape over the head of the setscrew. Then smear seam sealer over it to seal. This would allow easy access to the threads if needed in the future.

 

Looking into this now. Thought of this. But it would need anti-sieze. Would not be good for the set screw to seize. Allen would probably be better than flathead.

I forget what plugged it from factory. I think gooey adhesive residue that gums up. I don't know if underneath that it had any plastic plug inserts or not, to pry out.

I've had good luck before using two layers of cut/trimmed aluminum foil tape (HVAC ducting) and will probably try that route again