I just removed the "clips" for the roof rack, just to realize that I didn't have to do it to remove the rails...

And... I noticed that my southern, rust free VX, also has that bubbling around one of the rail mounting holes. I suspect I will discover more, as I remove the rails (rust belt cars must be much worse!!!). Good thing I noticed it now! I am beginning to really dislike ANYTHING that puts holes in the roof, which means I can live without the roof rails and roof racks! Unfortunately, those rails are now on almost all new vans, SUVs and even wagons

Next related question, how do you remove the small black trim from the rain gutter?