In a message dated 99-01-18 10:51:06 EST, spaddock@DEN.WANTWEB.NET writes:

<< I think there may be something new under the sun!  I've been wondering the
 same thing about that trim, because it is in fact rusting.  There appears
 to be a thin band of metal under a plastic laminate.  Starting from the
 clip location, the rust is spreading evenly in both directions and is most
 severe at the clip.  My guess is that origionally the metal and platic were
 somehow bonded together and have now seperated allowing the water in.  What
 are these trim strips made of in your experience and why remove them if
 they are not rusting?
  >>

the plastic trim window moulding inserts are just that - plastic.  the "fake
chrome" applied to them is MYLAR..  there s NO ferrous metal in these strips.
so they CANNOT rust.  they discolor from weather and UV rays.  maybe they look
like they are rusting at the clip, because the clip is metal, and  has stained
the plastic strips.

you can remove these trim strips from the window rubber, and wont experience
any leakage.

chris