Molding apparatus for vehicles and methods for use

A method for covering a seam extending between first and second panels of a vehicle, the first and second panels comprising opposing shoulders at least partially defining a ditch having a width and a height, the method comprising:

• providing an elongate section of molding comprising first and second ends, an upper surface and a lower surface;
• mounting the molding to the vehicle at a plurality of discrete locations within the ditch such that the molding extends freely along the ditch without touching the shoulders;
• wherein the first panel comprises a roof panel, and the second panel comprises a side panel such that the ditch extends between a windshield and a rear window of the vehicle;
• wherein the vehicle comprises a second side panel opposite the side panel, the second side panel and the roof panel comprising shoulders defining a second ditch therebetween, the method further comprising mounting a second section of molding to the vehicle at a plurality of discrete locations within the second ditch such that the molding extends along the ditch without touching the shoulders of the second side panel and the roof panel, the method further comprising:
• providing roof rack members on the molding and the second section of molding, and
• attaching a carrier accessory between the roof rack members.