Ahhh... I was under the impression they were kind of like aftermarket door protector strips with adhesive backing that could replace the stock strips in the channel if they were pulled. So, there goes that idea. I fear if he pries and pulls those strips up he's going to crack the new paint job on them. Think I'd keep that as a last resort if nothing else works.

I'm like 95% sure his leak is coming from around this gasket and where it meets the metal (BUT I COULD BE WRONG). I think this is what needs cleaned up and sealed all around... I think the OP said he lives in FL and if this is a FL car and has been exposed to a lot of sun those gaskets get REALLY hot under there and can expand and contract over and over and over again while drying out at the same time and cause a little gap to form. I'm going to check the ones on my car and do some preventative maintenance with some cleaning and application of Green Grease around them.