Well, all I can really add is that some Ford products also used similar strips. However, the use of these strips started sometime in the late 70s, as none of my earlier cars had them. My 64-72 Chevelles didn't, 70 Z/28 RS didn't, but my 78 Z/28 did. Mustang IIs used them as well.
Not sure what the real purpose is, perhaps to avoid contact with the glass? If that's the case, I would use some 2 sided tape. Either .25" molding tape, or we sometimes use a clear thin 2 sided tape...whose manufacturer escapes me right now.
One last alternative would be the tape used on 94+ Dodge trucks on the leading edge of the door where it contacts the windshield molding...it has adhesive on one side and is used to keep the windshield side molding from rubbing the paint off the door.
I would think any of those would isolate the aluminum molding from the glass.