Adding racks to naked roof

[edsly42]

Hopefully not a problem to add 2 posts with issues at once.

My wife's tahoe has no factory rails. Can they be added? I called a body shop and they directed me to a rack specialist who said they can't be added and we have to get the ones that clamp on the door frame. I tried some from ebay and they don't seem to fit. Any good solutions here that aren't $1000?

Thanks

 

[iamdub]

Hopefully not a problem to add 2 posts with issues at once.

My wife's tahoe has no factory rails. Can they be added? I called a body shop and they directed me to a rack specialist who said they can't be added and we have to get the ones that clamp on the door frame. I tried some from ebay and they don't seem to fit. Any good solutions here that aren't $1000?

Thanks

Someone that knows the details could confirm or deny, but I think all that's needed is to install rivet nuts. Get some measurements from someone that has removed their rack (I could help you with this if needed), mark the holes, drill and install the rivet nuts. Then, bolt the factory rack into place. Use a little sealant to ensure it doesn't leak. Unless the roof metal is different for the models with a rack from the factory, like with extra bracing, it would be an easy install. I removed my rack and reinstalled the screws with a bit of sealant. The threaded bosses in the roof looked like common rivet nuts.

If this is all that's involved, you'd just need the rivet nuts (10) and the install tool (might could borrow this) and a rack (from local salvage yard?). Could be all-in for a hundred bucks or so.

 

[Sparksalot]

Someone that knows the details could confirm or deny, but I think all that's needed is to install rivet nuts. Get some measurements from someone that has removed their rack (I could help you with this if needed), mark the holes, drill and install the rivet nuts. Then, bolt the factory rack into place. Use a little sealant to ensure it doesn't leak. Unless the roof metal is different for the models with a rack from the factory, like with extra bracing, it would be an easy install. I removed my rack and reinstalled the screws with a bit of sealant. The threaded bosses in the roof looked like common rivet nuts.

If this is all that's involved, you'd just need the rivet nuts (10) and the install tool (might could borrow this) and a rack (from local salvage yard?). Could be all-in for a hundred bucks or so.

That’s what I did on thecopcar.

 

[BG1988]

honestly don't add a rack just get one of those tow hitch ones

holes in the roof nahh.