Is it even possible to get that black plastic piece off of the car without removing the top?

 

yes and no. You will need to unbolt the top from around the rain rail, then you may be able to pull it back enough to access these bolts. So basically all you are NOT removing is the 6 bolts to hold the frame on the car.

Also, that trim piece is siliconed in so it may be a bitch to pull off.

 

I't not silicone, but some sort of sealant. Nasty, sticky stuff. I think it's the same crap behind the door cards.

You have to pull the bolts for the rain rail, and then there's a couple screws or nuts (I forget which), and it pulls right off.

 

Figures. I just had the top off a few weeks ago, but couldn't quite figure it out. The one thing I didn't remove was the rain rail. From where I was standing, it didn't look like it was relevant, but I guess it was hiding something.

At least that explains the mystery.

I hate bodywork. It's all fiddly and has lots of hidden clips and adhesives.