Esky Roof Rack Installation on Un-drilled Roof

[soulsea]

Hi folks,

As some of you may know, with the help of Tahoewhat, I have procured an esky roof rack for my HyHoe which I should be receiving by the end of the week.

Here's the situation, Tahoe Hybrids come stock without a roof rack, which means there are no holes drilled on my roof. So ...

Option 1: Go to the dealer and have the rack installed for $250 and call it a day.

Option 2 : ... and the reason for this thread, is wondering if it is possible to install these with 3M automotive tape, and if so, which variation?

From a small amount of research I have done, these automotive adhesives are incredibly strong, in fact 3M flaunts them as being able to create adhesive bonds stronger than mechanical ones (bolts, screws/etc). Indeed many of the moldings on our truck are connected this way at the GM factory.

So, is this possible?
Better yet, is it a good/bad idea?

I haven't seen the underside of these racks/caps to see if the surface is smooth enough to achieve this so maybe someone who knows can chime in.

Also, if it is possible, is this the best 3M solution to use: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-Industrial/Adhesives/Product/Bonding-Tapes/VHB-Tape/ or is there a better alternative?

Thanks for any help.

Cheers!

 

[THE YETI]

Wow... When you think about it, "tape" seems like a cheap way to do it, although it's an interesting concept.

I'd probably be inclined to use an adhesive caulk before tape, but that's just me.

 

[soulsea]

I'd probably be inclined to use an adhesive caulk before tape, but that's just me.

As you know I'm not fluent in mechanical stuff ...
What is adhesive caulk, what would be it's advantage over tape, and is it a permanent bond or can it be removed like 3M adhesives?

---------- Post added at 10:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 PM ----------

And yes there is a 'cheap' element to it ... but as you know drilling new holes on one's roof, even if the dealer does it, has a built in risk.

 

[MeticulousFab]

i'm a fabricator and based on the issues you could have with drilling and all over a long period I would go for an adhesive option. I do not know which one would be best for the job but there are some you will never get off... even if you wanted to.

 

[Tahoewhat]

You know, i think the bottom is kind of flat. I know where it bolts down to the roof, its not,the underside i should say, (hard to explain its basically not ---- its more of -_-_-_ (does that make sense) there is a plastic piece that comes off, (where the end cap goes) but im sure instead of drilling holes you could use 3m tape. if you use some good wide tape you shouldnt have a problem. Ive used some 3m tape for things and holds really good.

It could be one option you would have to make sure you like it before permantly having holes in your roof.

(and hopefully have it shipped tomorrow for ya)

 

[soulsea]

Thanks guys ... yeah I think it's worth serious consideration and investigation.

If the right adhesive can be identified it would not only relieve the need for drilling holes on the roof, but also allow for eventual removal.

Now I just need to find the right 3M adhesive.

 

[Sickblutahoe]

I would prob not use 3m tape it would prob be ok for a while but after being exposed to the elements I wouldn't trust it. It would suck to loose your rack doing 70 on the highway.

 

[soulsea]

I would prob not use 3m tape it would prob be ok for a while but after being exposed to the elements I wouldn't trust it. It would suck to loose your rack doing 70 on the highway.

That was also my first thought and my greatest concern ... but after some investigation I discovered that 3M automotive adhesives are incredibly strong and widely used by all car manufactures to attach moldings and many other exposed elements. Also keep in mind that a much of the underside of the rack would be in permanent contact with the roof, distributing pressure throughout the bond.

Having said that, the very reason I created this thread was to be advised of the pluses and minuses of either option, so I'm not negating your concern, in fact as I said above, I share it.

---------- Post added at 11:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 PM ----------

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[ILLEGAL REGAL]

I think I'd lean toasted the caulk, ask a body shop what they use on door hinges. Many hinge assemblies are glued to the door shell and doors weigh in on the heavy side so a 30lb roof rack it should handle with ease.

3m tape can get moisture under it in the future and that spreads to it lifting. I don't think I'd try that option

 

[noob]

Depends, id drill/tap it if i were ever going to use the roof rack, id just 3m tape it if im adding it just for looks and never plan to haul anything up there.

 

[soulsea]

3m tape can get moisture under it in the future and that spreads to it lifting. I don't think I'd try that option

The 3m VSB and other 3m tapes are moisture proof ... they are specifically designed for external automotive use.

Depends, id drill/tap it if i were ever going to use the roof rack, id just 3m tape it if im adding it just for looks and never plan to haul anything up there.

Yup, that was also my line of thinking ... I will never use it for its intended purpose, it strictly an aesthetic mod.

 

[B.G.]

Id go with 3m automotive tape.. I used to work in procurement buying this stuff for a top manufacturing company. They used various 3m tapes on everything. Its quality stuff and i dont foresee any problems using it. I had my old roof spoiler on my car held on with it. The spoiler literally would have broke it I tried to yank it off. I had to use finishing line and a heat gun and it still took me a good 10 mins or so to get it off...Sub'd for pics!

 

[LuSe4]

Id go with 3m automotive tape.. I used to work in procurement buying this stuff for a top manufacturing company. They used various 3m tapes on everything. Its quality stuff and i dont foresee any problems using it. I had my old roof spoiler on my car held on with it. The spoiler literally would have broke it I tried to yank it off. I had to use finishing line and a heat gun and it still took me a good 10 mins or so to get it off...Sub'd for pics!

I completely agree. As long as you do some research and get a roll of 3m's automotive tape made for moldings and emblems, clean both the rack and the mounting locations very well to remove any wax, and let it cure a little on a warm day, two sided tape will be perfect (and removable). Remember, the manufacturer's use this stuff for emblems and moldings. Any one that has demolded there truck (and then had to get an erased wheel) knows this stuff is pretty permanant. Once you get it up there, you are going to see how strong the bond is.

 

[BogeyBoy82]

I paid a ton of money to have my roof rack shaved and you're doing the opposite? haha jk lol.

I wouldnt touch it if I were you. Holes in a roof=bound to leak. Just tape it on.

 

[BOSS]

no to the 3m tape...strong or not, it won't look right IMO. You'll create an ever so small space between the plastic guide for the chrome rail and the roof, with wind constantly hitting that gap....sail away roof rack.

250 and call it a day man...

b

 

[07Burb]

wow.....quite a debate here and I can see both sides of it rather clearly. That 3M tape is very good, strong stuff however I've never used it in such an open location that is truly beat on by ALL elements.

If you were to drill holes I'd definitely make sure that who ever puts the screws in does so with silicone in order to seal the hole up. With that said, though, you'd also be introducing a few new spots on your ride that'd have the potential to rust in the future (assuming you keep it that long to "benefit" from that possibility).

 

[felixgun]

Ok yes we all know 3M is used for the emblems/logos even the door mouldings. The weight of all of those are WAY lighter then this heavy ass roof rack. Like Boss said, there will be a gap that will continue to grow with the highway wind/rain hitting it. I'd protect my investment with real bolt-on hardware... but that's just my 2 cents.

 

[soulsea]

Ok yes we all know 3M is used for the emblems/logos even the door mouldings. The weight of all of those are WAY lighter then this heavy ass roof rack. Like Boss said, there will be a gap that will continue to grow with the highway wind/rain hitting it. I'd protect my investment with real bolt-on hardware... but that's just my 2 cents.

The 3M VHB, as demonstrated in the video, bonds so strong that it can pull rail cars ... if I use it, the issue isn't going to be if the rack stays on, it's going to be if it will ever be able to be taken off.

Btw, on the 3M automotive adhesives site, they have tape which is intended/specified for roof rack assembly, and that tape is less strong than the VHB.

But the gap issue is a valid one ... not so much because I'm concerned about adhesion but more from an esthetic pov. However when GM uses it, we don't see gaps between the moldings and our vehicles, leading me to think there's a way to do this in a seamless fashion.

 

[felixgun]

The 3M VHB, as demonstrated in the video, bonds so strong that it can pull rail cars ... if I use it, the issue isn't going to be if the rack stays on, it's going to be if it will ever be able to be taken off.

Btw, on the 3M automotive adhesives site, they have tape which is intended/specified for roof rack assembly, and that tape is less strong than the VHB.

But the gap issue is a valid one ... not so much because I'm concerned about adhesion but more from an esthetic pov. However when GM uses it, we don't see gaps between the moldings and our vehicles, leading me to think there's a way to do this in a seamless fashion.

Good point. Guess you won't know until you try it

 

[soulsea]

Good point. Guess you won't know until you try it

lol, dude I'm petrified.

I'm pretty sure I'll only get one shot at this, better get those suckers aligned right or I'll be crabbing.