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Is that the original rubber window seal? If so, I suspect the issue is that the rubber has dried out over time. I don't see the rubber tab that is part of the seal where the corner trim hooks into, hence my thought.
Now you could replace the seal, but that is a very expensive option at 250 a pop. If the seal is functioning properly keeping water out and the rest of the trim is staying in place, then the simple option is to re-adhere the corner tab to the rubber using Weldwood contact cement.
I definitely wouldn't try an adhesive of any variety here. The trim is an extremely tight fit into the seals. I am still in the camp with Dean Fuller in that the only fault proof practical solution for installing them is with the glass removed, despite the few success stories of installing the trim with the glass installed. The reason I would stay away from adhesive products is because I can all but guarantee that the trim wouldn't have any way to be properly seated into the seal AND be resident to anything else additionally. That being said, there will be high likelihood for the trim to become unseated elsewhere. Has there been any recent paint work on that quarter panel?
I would remove the seal and assess the groove for the trim. If you notice that the seal still looks good and that it's just not properly roped in at that corner while viewing from the interior, then you've found your problem. Just push the trim back in its place, then put the glass back in to its correct position. That is the only scenario that I can imagine might have me to hesitate on removing the glass for a more thorough evaluation.
Thank you gentlemen!
Jason - As far as I know, this is the original seal and the corner section that is now visible under the trim is indeed dry and somewhat crumbly.
Kiln_Red - Although the car was resprayed prior to my ownership, I am unaware of any recent painting on that quarter panel. I have not yet removed the seal but I suspect that the trim groove in that corner has been compromised.
My inclination is to try an adhesive as a temporary fix and plan for a glass out inspection with a seal replacement as the likely outcome. I was a bit dismayed but not entirely surprised at the price of these seals!
I definitely wouldn't try an adhesive of any variety here. The trim is an extremely tight fit into the seals.
Let me clarify my original recommendation, and after further review of the pic and the replies...instead recommend the seal removal approach as others suggest.
The use contact cement is only used on the corner trim piece to help lock it down. The corner piece does not have a tooth to lock in the seal groove like the straight trim pieces. It is held down by clipping into the two straight trim ends and then has a tab that tucks under a tab on the seal. A dab of contact cement to the corner trim simply locks it down to the seal more firmly.
in the pic, I see that some of the straight trim is pulled out from the seal. Unless the trim was pulled out intentionally (most likely damaging it in the process), then either the metal/plastic trim has lost its barb to stay in the groove (unlikely), or the seal groove has deteriorated enough to not catch the trim barb (more likely).
In either case, i too recommend window and seal removal as the trim only seats well in the seal when it is not under pressure.
if only the trim is damaged and the seal is in good shape, then it is an inexpensive fix. If the seal is damaged, then the cost is more hefty.
Thank you gentlemen!
Jason - As far as I know, this is the original seal and the corner section that is now visible under the trim is indeed dry and somewhat crumbly.
Exactly my same issue in the spring. I spent the cash and replaced the seals and all is good. Also found leaks in the cabin due to the aged trim, and now it is desert dry in there.
My inclination is to try an adhesive as a temporary fix and plan for a glass out inspection with a seal replacement as the likely outcome. I was a bit dismayed but not entirely surprised at the price of these seals!
It ain't Porsche tax, either..
The design of the quarter glass seals is very impressive and robust.. The pressure from the seal to the glass is enough to lock the trim in its place as the groove is closed. I have yet to replace a set of them for age or wear. It has always been for some other type of damage to this point. I think they are worn far more from successive removal and re-installs, as the stress of roping them in compromises some of the seals ability to 'push' the glass each time. The functional aspects of the seal are completely shielded from sunlight. That's why they last so long.
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rear glass trim is separating
