So this is body related. I have a black rail that is 1 piece that runs from the trunk to the bottom of the windshield. What is this piece? It is metal, and coated black, however, mine is peeling very badly. Can I just strip off the paint? It is shiny silver metal underneath.

 

You could peel it and plastidip it if you want to. If not just go to a junkyard and look for the trim off another car. It's just the seal/cover for the edges of the glass as well as the brackets on top for roof racks

 

is there any issue with just stripping the rest of it off an leaving it?
is it going to rust?
what about finding a replacement?
I would rather go aftermarket or OE, but NOS, as it is likely that finding one, that is also 12 years old like mine, could be in the same condition

 

Probably could have the issue with rusting. I would just cover it up for peace of mind.

 

is it steel? or something else like aluminum?

I know it has been peeling like that for awhile, and it sits outside.... I haven't seen any rust on it......

I will say, the black looks better though

 

It's best to find the part number and the replacement. Mines been worn for a few years now.