Chris,

I received a response from someone with many years in the glass business. In
part they said:

"Generally you can pull the trim out and leave it out as long as you are not
pulling the glass and re-installing it.  The rubber over time outgases and
kinda of bonds itself to the glass.  So if you just pull it out and leave it
alone you should have no problem .But if you pull and reinstall without the
trim it doesn't stretch the rubber enough to fully close it against the
glass."

I realize as far as you go I'm preaching to the choir since you have been a
vocal supporter of the pull and throw away school. However since some people
have reported leaks afterwards there may be an element of luck involved. Or
perhaps just good Karma.

Garrett Adams
83.5 Adventurewagen GL
Stockton, California

-----Original Message-----
...actually the plastic window molding has nothing to do w/ leakage.  ive
removed all the faded plastic window trim years ago on my vans w/o any
leakage. - chris