The thread about ripping off garnishes reminded me of something which happened last week, and I guess it's post-worthy.

No pics right now, but I opened my hatch last week and it pulled off the entire piece of rubber trim which goes around the bottom and sides of the hatch area. The rubber part is there for cushioning and water-proofing, I presume, but it somehow became stuck to the metal of the hatch itself. I tried opening my hatch (the correct way, by tapping the button and pulling from the bottom of the hatch) but it wouldn't budge. I finally got two hands wedged under the bottom of the hatch and pulled upwards with all my strength, and the whole rubber strip about 6 feet long just ripped right off.

Has this happened to anyone else? For the record, I was opening my hatch after it having been closed for about the last 6 months straight. I was trying never to use it, because whenever I open and close the hatch then it rattles like hell for a while afterwards. I guess 6 months of non-use caused the rubber and metal to fuse together.

Doh.

 

the rubber trim hasn't actually gotten ripped off my hatch but there have been occasions when they got stuck to the frame and made it more difficult then normal to open it.

 

a friend of mine ripped off my garnish once but idk what ur talkin about with rubber and what not.,...

 

The rubber trim on the inside of the hatch compartment. It's supposed to seal around the bottom of the hatch to keep water out. It's attached to the body of the car, but mine became fused to the hatch and the hatch ripped it out of the trunk area when I opened the hatch.

 

Weatherseals don't lubricate themselves, folks. Get a can of silicone spray and a cloth. Spray the cloth, wipe down the seals. Repeat this 4-5 times on all the seals-- hatch, doors, especially the sunroof. It should be drilled into every owner's head as part of routine maintenance.

 

Yeah well, now I know. I've never lubricated a weather-seal in my life, but this is the first time I've had one rip off.

 

I had a convertible before the tC, so seal maintenance became an almost religious dedication.

 

oo doc what convertible?

 

yep, silicone spray all rubber weather seals, doors, sunroof, tailgate..

otherwise, it will get dry, and either crack or stick.