Have you tried searching "roof rack" for any someone who has removed to install a roof rack?

I did a quick search to play with the search functions, lot of hits, but a look at a couple were no help.

(use the full search link below)

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www.coloradofans.com

 

Thanks for the working Search link Cary. The Search Community function at the top of the forum page on my browser doesn't respond. Might need to check my config.
I did find a reference to the roof molding. It sounds as if it is "glued" at the factory and it also goes under the front window gasket! That probably means there is no issue for a truck that sits out all the time under massively diverse environmental conditions...

 

OK, per the Service Manual, use a suitable trim tool starting at the back, pry up to release the retainers from the roof. There are 3 retainers within the last 2’ and 1 retainer within 1’ of the front windshield. The farthest rear retainer is midways down the roof curve. That’s exactly what is stated in the factory service manual. Hope this helps.

 

I would like to know how the clips are sealed from water

 

Not sure if they have a black sealant, cannot tell by looking, it does not mention any, just shows 4 plastic pegs/side, inserted into 4 holes in the roof. Kind of makes me wonder if they are serrated like them little push pin plugs that are used to fill holes, and like the door panel clips, that when you push them in, they grab.

 

Hmmm, if they are the serrated push in clips that must mean some kind of interior channel under the roof channel indentation that would drain any water. There is no way a clip such as that can be waterproof! I was so tempted to try and remove it just to check it out but I didn't want to break the assembly in doing so...thus the question. Someone must have dealt with it before but hard to say.

 

I was trying to tell you exactly how it is made, if you do not believe me fine. Do not ask for help. I pulled the Service Manual to get you an answer. Next time, I will not waste my time. I cannot help someone that doesn’t want help.

 

My apologies if you read into my reply tone or content that was not fitting. I was just continuing to ask concerning potentials given the information you provided and wondering if anyone had gone into removal of these elements of trim and would have first hand experience as to what the attachment situation was. I do thank you for what you did look up and perhaps if you had stated that up front I would have altered my reply so it did not trigger your particular response!
Regards,
RedEye

 

and they are expensive