Removing roof channel trim
 

Don't know what they're called but those strips that run along the channels in the roof under the rails. How do you get them off? I'm convinced rain is coming through.

Ta.

Send a pm to elroy 👍 he did his a while back 😎

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Tourer - once the rails have been removed with a leathered glove had put a finger into the hole where the bolts were and pull backwards.
As the strip clears the rear of the car, again with leather gloved hands pull the strip backwards.

The edges of the strip has sharp edges hence the gloves.
Do not bend the strip upwards to much as it may kink.
I cant recall if the plastic strip that runs left to right across the car at the top of the tail gate opening needs to be removed, warning if it does, it may be NLA

macafee2

How did you get on removing the strips?

macafee2

I didn't get to it before taking it to the garage for a service and fit new subframe, so they're going to have a go. I've told them no rush.

Thanks for asking!

They didn't do this in the end so I had a go.

After removing the rail (10mm socket) and the brackets (8mm socket) I very carefully prised up the trim starting at the rear using a plastic trim removal tool. As I moved forward I put another trim tool under the trim to keep it clear of the roof and moved it along. I didn't wear gloves. One of the clips came loose but I don't think it broke.

This is towards the rear
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6c9aeba5_b.jpg
This towards the front
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...f68625b1_b.jpg
I applied bitumen and fibreglass flat roof repair stuff with an artist paintbrush (all the way front to back) and left it overnight. Then it rained. It hadn't worked. So I applied a second lot and left it for a while. Bit more success this time.

I haven't replaced the trim yet as I may put a third coat on.

Update: it took three applications to fill in the gaps, and I added a fourth for good measure.

Why didn't I use silicone? It seems to shrink and unstick itself a bit too quickly, I don't think this stuff will.

Sealing problem
 

Silicone is not really suitable for this type of sealing. A good option is CT1 from Screwfix. This sealant sticks to most materials, even better than cement for fixing stone caps to brick gateposts.