The 3 plastic strips that protect the roof when you're using the roof rack--each strip is secured with 3 screws-- just noticed a rust problem at the middle screw of the center strip.

 

Anyone ever removed them? Any ideas what the screws bite into--sheet metal or crossmember or some kind of backing block?

 

Any help appreciated. I'm just hoping I don't have to remove the headliner to remount the strips. Thanks.

Depending on the vehicle, it should be sheet metal (at least that is what it was screwed into on the '91 wagon that I pulled one off of).

Thanks Gnuman. It's a '95 but I would venture a guess that they're all the same.

Thanks Gnuman. It's a '95 but I would venture a guess that they're all the same.

 

Well, the 98 Outback I drove yesterday has the same seats as the 90 Legacy LS wagon I got my seats and roof rack from (well, and the stereo) so I would bet that it has not changed all that much. . .