2007 Sport Ed. Grille weather strip question

[interputed]

Last night I plastidip'd my grille matte black to match my TRD Pro wheels, but I noticed the weather stripping at the top of the grille was glued on, so if I took it off I'd have to purchase another one or try to re-glue it after painting.

My question is, what does this even do? Is it normal to just remove it completely when painting the grille? If so, do I have to put it back on? I just can't imagine what it would do that necessitates leaving it installed.

The problem it caused is now I can tell my grille is going to start peeling near the strip since the paint didn't get underneath it like I was hoping, I can already see a couple tiny spots where a line of silver is visible. When I do have to re-paint this because of peeling, I was thinking of just removing it entirely and leaving it off.

Any info appreciated!

 

[themuffinman619]

I think it acts as a gasket/anti vibration thing between the grille and hood. When I plasti dipped mine, I just sprayed the whole thing and peeled the dip off the rubber.

 

[gm350reratliff]

When I sprayed my grill I also noticed this. The weatherstripping was still holding on pretty good so I left it alone and just tried to tuck it under the grill while I sprayed. It came out good but I also think this is where the dip will start peeling first.

 

[interputed]

When I sprayed my grill I also noticed this. The weatherstripping was still holding on pretty good so I left it alone and just tried to tuck it under the grill while I sprayed. It came out good but I also think this is where the dip will start peeling first.

Didn't think to tuck it under! If it peels I will definitely do this. Thanks.