Drip Rail Starting to Detach

[JamesSam]

It has been raining where I am in VA like a mother the last couple weeks. One day recently after the rain and a good forecast of 2 sunny days I gave the truck a proper wash to have a drive. When I jumped on the side step to wax the roof I noticed sun shining through behind the drip rail molding... see image...Is this because I need new molding retainer or should I seal it up with something? Or do I just need to tighten up the screws?

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[Bennyt]

I'd start by tightening the screws. Since you are only snugging up a bit you should be able to get an open-ended wrench in. Other than cosmetics, I don't think you'll notice a difference.

If you decide to take off, you'll need to pull the chrome/ SS trim off the actual drip rail and then you can use a socket.

I bought new driprails and they didn't come with any sealant, so I used some 3M tape to seal/ adhere along with the screws.

 

[Camar068]

yes get a small wrench set and tighten them. When I went to remove them, I didn't have what I needed and had to borrow my small set from work. I forget the size. No you can't get a socket on them....at least mine anyway lol.

 

[PrairieDrifter]

I was able to get a socket on most of mine. They had some type of seal on them from factory. I just used a little bit of outdoor silicone on the bottoms of em and screwed em back on.

You will leak water like that, it really does help that it's sealed underneath.

 

[JamesSam]

Yes... the "screws" have a nut type head. The spaces that are seperating from the cab look like there is some type of soft material that has dissipated from age/elements.
From what I have seen maybe this used to be the material the retainer under the molding used to be made of?

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Those little thin ignition wrenches might be good for this.

 

[Grit dog]

A regular open end works on them.
If they’re not stripped out, just snug them up for now. Very gently.
Not hard to remove them and you could put a new seal in there. I’d use some double sided trim tape and make sure you stick em back in the right spot the first time. Lol
Actually, leave the backing on the truck side except cut and fold out a small tag of the backing at each screw hole. Then get all the screws started without it all sticking to the truck. Then peel out the backing before tightening the screws.

 

[JamesSam]

I'd start by tightening the screws. Since you are only snugging up a bit you should be able to get an open-ended wrench in. Other than cosmetics, I don't think you'll notice a difference.

If you decide to take off, you'll need to pull the chrome/ SS trim off the actual drip rail and then you can use a socket.

I bought new driprails and they didn't come with any sealant, so I used some 3M tape to seal/ adhere along with the screws.

A regular open end works on them.
If they’re not stripped out, just snug them up for now. Very gently.
Not hard to remove them and you could put a new seal in there. I’d use some double sided trim tape and make sure you stick em back in the right spot the first time. Lol
Actually, leave the backing on the truck side except cut and fold out a small tag of the backing at each screw hole. Then get all the screws started without it all sticking to the truck. Then peel out the backing before tightening the screws.

So the right thing to do would be remove the chrome trim, take out all the screws, put the 3M tape in with each screw that goes back in, put the chrome trim back on, and then seal the spaces with some type of caulk or seam sealer...correct?

 

[Radiohead]

Yes. Sort of.
And hope none of the screw holes decides to 'screw' with you.

This is one job where a light touch brings all the smiles.

The 3M tape is the sealer in your presentation

 

[JamesSam]

Yes. Sort of.
And hope none of the screw holes decides to 'screw' with you.

This is one job where a light touch brings all the smiles.

The 3M tape is the sealer in your presentation

Radiohead, Is there a specific 3M tape you would recommend?

 

[JamesSam]

Radiohead, Is there a specific 3M tape you would recommend?

I have seen stuff that is not the 3M brand at the car parts places and other stuff at hardware stores buy 3M and other brands. What has worked best for you? My truck is black and I have seen this color by a few brands..

 

[Radiohead]

I'm not sure which particular part number, hope someone else has that info. I figure as long as it's not a cellular type of double sided tape it should be ok. Even a thin rubber strip, pre holed and juiced up with a light smear of rtv would seem better than anything with a less solid construction. Mine are looking really hard and I haven't gotten around to it yet, so I'm watching the thread like I suspect many are.

 

[Grit dog]

The tape should be relatively thin. Like for well, mounting automotive trim.
And not wider than the flange on the gutters.
OE was/is black although not double sided tape as mine came off 90% stuck to the trim and definitely not bonded to the truck.
Idk if I mentioned it earlier, I did not stick mine back on after painting the truck. There was enough original on them to keep it from being metal to metal.
So I painted the screws and put a small dab of rtv in each location before screwing them back in.
Honestly if they’re in good shape, the screws may not even be needed if you use double sided tape.

3M. Not the place to save $5 on no name tape. Amazon next day at your door