A few days ago I noticed a "dimple" in the black rubber trim around the exterior of my side windows. The trim was pushed down to where the lower edge of the glass is exposed. So far my efforts to correct it have just made the situation worse -- collapsing more of the trim.

Has anyone dealt with this problem before? Do you have any hints for restoring the trim to its original shape?

I'm concerned about water seeping in below the exposed edge of the glass so I've put off washing the car until I get the seal restored. My car really needs a wash, so I'd really appreciate your help!

 

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I had EXACTLY the same thing happen. Almost as if someone or something poked it in in a spot. I used a small (tiny) flat bladed screwdriver and carefully prised the rubber back into shape. I helped the situation by warming the rubber with very warm, amost hot water. Then I held the rubber in place (it wanted to snap back at first) and applied a couple more pours of hot water. It eventually rebounded back into it's original shape. I then parked in the hot sun for the day and all is now perfect.

 

Brad:

I was hoping you'd chime in! Thank you for the suggestions. I have at least 6 inches involved right now, so I guess I'd better be prepared with a fair amount of warm water!

Since you've seen this problem, do you think I need to be concerned about water seepage (if I don't get it all the first time?)

 

I'm afraid I'm not digitally enabled.

Suffice it to say that the rubber trim around the outside of your rear windows is not a molded foam material as you would expect.

Warning! Anyone with impulse control "issues" or boundless curiosity should not read on, but immediately move on to the next thread!

The trim is actually a flat piece of rubber that is angled against the glass, which means that there's a hollow space underneath the rubber. Somehow my trim got pushed down in one spot and got stuck under the edge of the glass.

Don't say I didn't warn you!

 

Thanks for the suggestion. The hot water was the missing ingredient!

Now I can wash the car and get her ready for winter...

 

Woohoo! Glad it worked!