Help - Roof Molding and Retainer Clip Replacement

[ChicksHateMe]

I'm in the process of selling my Sonic. Love the car, but for health reasons I only put 500 miles on last year. So I was giving it the once-over.

Never realized that my right-side Roof molding was missing. It has been gone now over 4 years lol. Had to look back at old pics.

Molding (Right Side) - 96878542

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Retaining Clip- 22757072 (Need 2) (Search web for correct picture(

22757072 Retainer - New OEM Part From GM Parts Direct | GM Parts Store

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If you're looking to fix yourself as well, here's a few notes.

- GMPartsDirect had numbers for the molding wrong, so double check.
- Prices were lower online but shipping was outrageous.
- Local dealer was willing to Haggle on price, so I got some $$$ off and got them next day.
- $30.00 Molding - $10.00 each clip.

Seems like a design flaw from all the places I've read that have same issue, again same clip (Sonic, Camaro, Cruze, Trax). All that was left on mine was the white bottom of the old clip. At first I thought it might be some double-stick tape. I scraped old one off. which was plastic so that's not it. It glued right to car. No double stick tape.

~~ PROBLEM~~

No where have I found what they recommend for an adhesive to attach new clips back to the car. Seems the clip was glued right to the car, but from everywhere I've read the only recommendation has been 3M Super Weather Adhesive. It sounds strong and flexible, but that's not what was holding OLD clip on.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40069430/

Has anyone done this before, and used this stuff others recommended?

Or

Does anyone know what should actually be used?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[ChicksHateMe]

I had scraped off the OLD white, bottom part of the missing Retainer and the rear retainer was still on there. Where the white piece was there was a silver rectangle with what looked like some old glue still on top.

I read about so many ways and what was needed I got overwhelmed.

How do I remove old glue, if it is that? Alcohol? Goo-be-gone?

How do I bond the new Retainer? Weather Adhesive? Gorilla Glue? (needs 1 hour clamping), Super GLue? (Water Resistant, NOT waterPROOF!). arghhh

Do I use the weather adhesive there, or all the way down the Molding?

I was worried I'd mess it up, so I went to a Auto Body Shop someone recommended.

I told them I had the part, and asked for a quote. I showed him the parts. He got some type of fast bonding glue. Put the Clip on and held it until it set. Then he snapped on the molding, which fit in the grooves all the way down, which should also hold the piece in place. That was it!!! I tried to hand them some money, but they didn't take it. :/

Now, I still worry that wasn't the best way to do it, but it seems to be holding just fine. It's cold out, so that also makes me worry about the bonding ability of whatever they used.

I will check it again in a day to two, to see if it really seems secure. If not, I may pop the piece off later and add some of that 3M Super Weatherproof Adhesive, just to be sure it stays in place on the next car wash.

I stressed too much to get it right. What's the worst case? I have to buy another clip and Molding for $40.00, right?

 

[sklippi]

I noticed it's been about a year since your last post. What was the verdict? Did it stay on? Did you have to pop off and use the 3M Super Weatherproof Adhesive?

I have a 2017 and facing the same issue.

Thanks!

 

[JTee2017]

I noticed it's been about a year since your last post. What was the verdict? Did it stay on? Did you have to pop off and use the 3M Super Weatherproof Adhesive?

I have a 2017 and facing the same issue.

Thanks!

I had this also on one side of my 2017 black roof strip.
I used Goop Automotive Adhesive on the clips that was still in there. Only two were loose.

I've used this for a number of things including under the hood where heat from the engine gets pretty hot.

Just remove any old adhesive from the clips, clean with solvent both the clip and channel where it needs to go. Wipe dry of any solvent . . . LOTS ! The apply enough but don't "glob" it all on.
Best to let dry and harden over night before installing the black strip again.

You can get it at a lot of online stores, Home supply (Menard's), etc Check for prices.

https://eclecticproducts.com/product/amazing-goop-automotive/

 

[sklippi]

Wow thanks for the info. Prior to seeing this I went rogue and bought JB Weld - KwikWeld at the same time you responded. I cleaned, sanded, applied, and let dry for 24 hours. Holding tight. I've never heard of this Goop but will keep it in my mental filing system.

 

[ashleyeshuler]

Thank you to the owners who posted this great info!

I ordered a clip using the link above (only $10-13 or so) before realizing that there is just one clip, not two that clip together/interlock… my rubber piece still had the clip attached, actually. It had just lost its sticky to the roof.

There is definitely a more professional way to do this than putting a glob of Goop on a dirty car, waiting two minutes and then pressing it down. But if you don’t hear from me after my first car wash, it worked!