Expert: Michael Kakuk - 1/14/2010

Question
I have a 2004 Toyota Matrix and one of the drip rails is damaged at the rear, just in front of the tailgate. My question is, how do the drip rails attach? Do they slide into a groove, is any adhesive necessary? It is sticking up about a inch, I am going to try heating it with a hair dryer, but may need to replace it. Basically I just need to know how they attach. Thanks

Answer
WALTER.....BY DRIP RAIL ARE YOU MEANING THE RUBBER ROOF STRIP? I AM ASSUMING THAT YOU ARE.

ON SOME TOYOTA MODELS THEY DID HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE ROOF MOLDINGS...SOMETIMES THE SHOP CAN USE A STRONG ADHESIVE TO KEEP DOWN...OTHERS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF A CLIP.

I WOULD SEE A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND CHECK TO SEE IF IT IS COVERED UNDER A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN.