Abstract: A ditch molding has a head with left and right wings that lap onto the roof, a stem depending from the head, and an enlarged foot at the lower end of the stem. A molding clip has a base mounted in the ditch and left and right biasing arms have wedge faces that engage with the foot to urge the foot downwardly into the ditch, establishing an installed position of the molding. The left and right biasing arms yield away from each other upon an upward movement of the foot. Left and right trap arms also provided on the clip have trap ends overlying the foot of the molding in spaced relation there from when the molding is in the installed position. Upward movement of the foot causes the foot to engage with the trap ends of the trap arms, trapping the foot against further upward movement.

Abstract: A molding system includes a clip and a molding. The clip attaches to at least one panel of a vehicle. The clip includes a body that presents a surface. A pair of lips extends from the body in opposition to the surface. A fastener extends from the surface and is configured for engaging the at least one panel of the vehicle. A sealant is disposed on the surface. The sealant is configured to expand upon application of a condition such that the sealant engages the at least one panel of the vehicle to retain the clip to the at least one panel of the vehicle. The molding is configured to snap over the pair of lips on the clip such that the molding is secured to the at least one panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A molding system includes a clip and a molding. The clip attaches to at least one panel of a vehicle. The clip includes a body that presents a surface. A pair of lips extends from the body in opposition to the surface. A fastener extends from the surface and is configured for engaging the at least one panel of the vehicle. A sealant is disposed on the surface. The sealant is configured to expand upon application of a condition such that the sealant engages the at least one panel of the vehicle to retain the clip to the at least one panel of the vehicle. The molding is configured to snap over the pair of lips on the clip such that the molding is secured to the at least one panel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle molding includes a first elongated component formed of a first material and a second elongated component formed of a second material. The first material has a first coefficient of linear thermal expansion and the second material has a second coefficient of linear thermal expansion. The second elongated component defines a plurality of holes. A difference between the first coefficient of linear thermal expansion and the second coefficient of linear thermal expansion is at least 20×10?6 cm/cm ° C. The first material substantially fills the plurality of holes so that the second elongated component is embedded in and interlocked with the first elongated component.

Abstract: A vehicle ditch molding for insertion and retention in a recess, such as a roof ditch, formed between a first vehicle body panel and a second vehicle body panel is disclosed. The vehicle ditch molding may include a head extending outward from a ditch molding centerline and configured to cover an opening to the recess, and a stem extending from the head along the ditch molding centerline and configured to be narrower than the opening to the recess. Also, the vehicle ditch molding may include a pair of wings extending outward from the stem, with each of the wings having an upper surface facing the head and a lower surface, with each having a wing lower notch extending into the wing lower surface defining an inner living hinge extending between the respective wing lower notch and the corresponding upper surface.

Abstract: A roof ditch molding having a Class A finish seamlessly including the end caps thereof. An extruded central molding member includes a beam and a head, wherein the end sections have the beam removed and the head is contoured and provided with a notch. The end sections are then placed into a plastic injection molding machine whereat the head is folded at the notch a shot of plastic deposited adjacent the notch for retention of the fold angle and stiffening of the now formed end caps. A pair of nibs provide engagement with spring clips at the ends of the roof ditch.

Abstract: A vehicle ditch molding for insertion and retention in a recess, such as a roof ditch, formed between a first vehicle body panel and a second vehicle body panel is disclosed. The vehicle ditch molding may include a head extending outward from a ditch molding centerline and configured to cover an opening to the recess, and a stem extending from the head along the ditch molding centerline and configured to be narrower than the opening to the recess. Also, the vehicle ditch molding may include a pair of wings extending outward from the stem, with each of the wings having an upper surface facing the head and a lower surface, with each having a wing lower notch extending into the wing lower surface defining an inner living hinge extending between the respective wing lower notch and the corresponding upper surface.

Abstract: A roof ditch molding having a Class A finish seamlessly including the end caps thereof. An extruded central molding member includes a beam and a head, wherein the end sections have the beam removed and the head is contoured and provided with a notch. The end sections are then placed into a plastic injection molding machine whereat the head is folded at the notch a shot of plastic deposited adjacent the notch for retention of the fold angle and stiffening of the now formed end caps. A pair of nibs provide engagement with spring clips at the ends of the roof ditch.