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[SOLVED] 1st World Problem, Roof Rails popping off during Blow-dry stage of car wash.

Discussion in 'General Tacoma Talk' started by GilaTrails, Jan 5, 2025.

  1. Jan 5, 2025 at 11:30 AM
    #1
    GilaTrails

    GilaTrails [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm usually not a car wash kinda guy, but decided to treat my 2018 TRDOR to a carwash package. First time through my Drivers side Roof Rail popped out when the last stage did a blow dry. I have been opening my window to hold it down, very hard to do by the way. Now both sides are popping out.

    I will probably never get a roof rack, but unsure how to "glue" these puppies down.

    Atleast my roof rail covers go from front to back. :) The clip upfront seems to do it's job, but the wind catches the strip half way back, then pulls it out of the front clip shown in 2nd picture.roofrail1.jpg roofrail2.jpg
     
  2. Jan 5, 2025 at 11:36 AM
    #2
    FastEddy59

    FastEddy59 TTC #0061

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    My drivers side comes loose. Think I’ll just clean & silicone it. Can’t see any difference between mine & a new one.
     
  3. Jan 5, 2025 at 11:50 AM
    #3
    GilaTrails

    GilaTrails [OP] Well-Known Member

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    AAh, see I had just thought of only crazy Glue. Like Silicone glue or Caulking?
     
  4. Jan 5, 2025 at 11:55 AM
    #4
    FastEddy59

    FastEddy59 TTC #0061

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    I’m going ask my detail guy. There’s gotta be others with this problem. I even had a trim guy look at it & he said nothings wrong. :notsure:
     
  5. Jan 5, 2025 at 11:59 AM
    #5
    fxntime

    fxntime Well-Known Member

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    Don't use silicone, how does it normally stay in the stamped clip area? It's obvious it's just friction retention the rest of the length.

    3M [and similar] make MUCH better products for this then plain old silicone.
     
  6. Jan 5, 2025 at 12:02 PM
    #6
    GilaTrails

    GilaTrails [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Since 2018, it normally stays put in the clip. Wasn't till I treated it to a blow dry at the car wash did I start having problems. I think it's the 140 mph cross breeze that yanks on it. Problem with silicone?
     
  7. Jan 5, 2025 at 12:12 PM
    #7
    Road_Warrior

    Road_Warrior There is nothing on my horizon except everything

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    I used Marine grade black silicon on mine after I removed my roof rack and had to reinstall the moulding. Worked like a champ.

    This type of thing…

    IMG_0932.jpg
     
  8. Jan 6, 2025 at 8:16 PM
    #8
    HisDad

    HisDad Well-Known Member

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    I had this happen on my '19 Tacoma SR5. I used 3M double sided trim tape. It's a PITA to get the backing off, but sticks really well. I cleaned the body and trim strip the applied the tape to the body and pressed the trim strip on. It's held fine for several washes.
     
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  9. Jan 7, 2025 at 11:42 AM
    #9
    GilaTrails

    GilaTrails [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just got the 3M Marine Sealant Silicone in mail. I'll send an update when tested. Thanks for the responses.
     
  10. Jan 8, 2025 at 7:54 AM
    #10
    dneal

    dneal Well-Known Member

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    Had a similar problem with the window molding on the wife's Subaru after a windshield replacement. I used 3M Windshield sealant (Windo-Weld).

    Screenshot 2025-01-08 at 9.51.18 AM.png
     
  11. Jan 13, 2025 at 1:12 PM
    #11
    mjillson

    mjillson Well-Known Member

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    I went through the touchless wash today and heard a big pop during the blow dry stage... Anyone have any issues with the flex on the roof? I see a few small dents on the roof now and I am not sure if they were there before or were caused by this.
     
  12. Feb 23, 2025 at 4:04 PM
    #12
    GilaTrails

    GilaTrails [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Just a final update. I used Road_warriors suggestion above to successfully get the roof strips to stay in place.

    3M Marine Sealant Silicone, Hoo- Rah !
     
  13. Mar 9, 2025 at 6:40 PM
    #13
    HisDad

    HisDad Well-Known Member

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    Had this happen to the Left side this afternoon. Previously, the right side popped off and I used 3M double sided tape. I got a roll of that at Autozone, but for some reason it won't stick to the rubber roof rail. I still have some left, so I'll try again and if that doesn't work I'll get some of this.

     
  14. Mar 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM
    #14
    GilaTrails

    GilaTrails [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Good to know. I've taken it through twice now with total success using the Marine Sealant.

    3M Marine Grade Silicone Sealant, 08019,
     
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  15. Mar 17, 2025 at 6:47 AM
    #15
    JohnnyGraphic

    JohnnyGraphic Well-Known Member

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    It surprised me when it popped off the Tacoma! I was washing it using a pressure washer. I was surprised how floppy it is. I would've thought Toyota would've used a better method to secure it and a stiffer piece of trim.

    Another suggestion (I haven't tried it) is to use Alien Tape(?) for those who don't want to use a somewhat permanent silicone glue. It's pretty thick double-sided tape that has that gooey feeling, but won't stick permanently and won't leave any residue.
     
  16. Mar 21, 2025 at 7:49 PM
    #16
    HisDad

    HisDad Well-Known Member

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    When I used the 3M tape on the driver's side it seemed that Toyota cheaped out on the amount of glue they used. I wasn't all that happy with the 3M tape when I put it on, but I went to the same car wash where the trim piece popped off and the tape held.

    I'll see how well it holds over the next few washes.

     
  17. Mar 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
    #17
    TacoWave

    TacoWave Well-Known Member

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    I had the same problem with my ‘17 (both sides). I ordered new moldings online from a Toyota dealership, they came with updated metal clips. The old clips were a PITA to remove.
     
  18. Mar 21, 2025 at 8:09 PM
    #18
    chucklefunkk

    chucklefunkk Well-Known Member

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    I believe all they sell now is the updated version. Metal clips and redesigned moldings. Local dealership said the originals are obsolete.
     
  19. Mar 21, 2025 at 8:50 PM
    #19
    JohnnyGraphic

    JohnnyGraphic Well-Known Member

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    Good thing they updated those. They were SO flimsy.

    OP-Glad you found a cheap and easy fix for your 1st World Problem! They should all be this easy!
     
  20. Mar 21, 2025 at 9:45 PM
    #20
    chucklefunkk

    chucklefunkk Well-Known Member

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    When I picked up the new style from the parts counter the parts guy mentioned they recommend a fat bead of sealant in addition to the clips and tape.
     

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