Why on earth GM didn't just extend the metal flange on down to sheild the entire opening is beyond me. Seems that would have been much more effective and there's plenty of room between them so it wouldn't have hurt airflow any. Probably just a design oversight.
THIS sounds like the making of a mod **cough** Abrasive **cough** that could be worth looking into and selling under the shade tree vendors. If its something that can be fixed simply.
I have never had to mess with this so I cant speak to that directly.
BTW... I mentioned using RVT sealer to adhere it with. Another good option is a tube of windshield adhesive. That what mine is stuck on with since I have it readily available. It's black and you can see it in the pics where I pulled it part of the way off. Never use straight silicone on a painted surface. Make sure it is non-acidic silicone, or specially recommended for automotive use, if you do. Regular silicone will eventually cause the paint to peel away where ever it touches and will cause rust.
Where can i get a 'wiper puller'? They dont look to corroded but I just cant get the wippers off is there any other way to get them off?