RandyV

I think I saw a discussion about this before but can't seem to locate it.

The long thin strips that run the length of the roof on each side are delaminating. It appears these parts are covered with a colour-matched material rather than painted.

Has anyone successfully reglued them, or does it require an entire remove and replace?

Thanks,

Oliver Enterprises

Same issue here, passenger side only. But I was thinking it was the paint peeling around them. When I was in the automotive industry, we called them "ditch molding."

comotiger

Here are two threads where this issue has been discussed. Looks like a relatively cheap fix if you DIY. Good luck!

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-on-ls460.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...t-peeling.html

RandyV

Thanks, AC!

Fhobbs

As a follow up to my original post several years ago, I replaced both rails and have not had an issue since.
i don't see how gluing or any other fix will work or be as cost effective as replacing.

Oliver Enterprises

Would you mind sharing with us the cost of said replacements? I'm interested in the same thing. But just for one side.

texas008

had a toyota mechanic to remove, repaint, and install both long trim pieces for ~$120. now it is good as new.

UDel

I had the same issue in my 2nd Gen GS. There was some delamination and fading at the edges. Looked bad. Those strips are not painted but have some kind of wrap which matches the color of the car. I tried gluing them but it was tough to get them to lay down perfectly. I then tried spraying them and wanted to take them off but they did not want to budge and I was afraid I was going to brake them and would not be able to get them back on so I like them on the car. I screwed up with the clearcoat by moving too fast and spraying to far to avoid runs and drips and ended up frosting areas or leaving a rough finish from the cc drying too much in the air before it lays properly. I had to sand the clearcoat too much and polish too much to get them to look good and likely took too much cc off, they started fading again after about a year. I don't know if painting it will work permanently because you are painting on a different surface then the body that the paint may not adhere properly to and it may shrink and expand too much compared to the body panels but I am not sure. I also had a lot of trouble even locating the part for replacement and getting the full name of it.

Oliver Enterprises

They are called drip rails (75556-50020-B0 left / B1 right, for gray). It appears they cannot be purchased any longer. But if they could be, they are only $421 apiece, plus tax and shipping. What deal!

Looks like painting is the way to go.

RandyV

Surprised we haven't heard more about these.

Everyone with a 2007, 2008 LS - go out to your cars and closely check the condition of your drip rail coatings and reply back!

Might be a class-action replacement by Lexus!

RandyV

Hmmm, guess not.

mdpresco

Mine are peeling. They look to be chrome underneath the paint strips. I plan to remove all the tape, clean them keeping the chrome, and reinstall them. If I have to paint them, try to match the mercury metallic paint.

Has anyone removed the drip rail trim? Is there a DIY thread on the removal?

RandyV

I'm needing the same!

Nospinzone

I'm away on vacation right now and I can't look it up, but I'm pretty sure that those rails just pry right out.

I am going to have address my driver side one when I get back.

ALK

same here front driver side and rear left passenger side they are pealing. i was told painting them is the ultimate solution for hot climates.