Roof Rack Removal

[Boomer73]

Hey guys. Those of you who have removed your roof rack, how have you handled the threaded fittings that stick out of the roof (and of course the resulting hole)?

-B

 

[swtz71]

I just put clear silicone on the threads of the old bolts and re-installed the bolts, for now.

 

[Boomer73]

I guess that might be better than nothing, but there's gotta be a better solution than that. If the lip of the threaded insert sticks up, the bolts are going to stick up even more and I already think the lip of the threaded inserts is an eye sore.

I was thinking maybe someone had successfully removed the threaded inserts or maybe had tried color matching some plastic christmas tree style trim fasteners and plugging the hole with that. I would think the best fastener would be one that is concave on the bottom side so that the edge of the faster actually made contact with the roof (i.e. didn't bottom out on the lip of the threaded insert).

I looked around and didn't find any left over christmas tree fasteners from my last job. Last time I was at Lowe's I saw they had some in the specialty fasteners sections. I'm going to run over there this evening and see what I can find.

Got a guy coming to buy my old factory wheels - gotta meet him first.

-B

 

[BlueTahoe2001]

I guess that might be better than nothing, but there's gotta be a better solution than that. If the lip of the threaded insert sticks up, the bolts are going to stick up even more and I already think the lip of the threaded inserts is an eye sore.

I was thinking maybe someone had successfully removed the threaded inserts or maybe had tried color matching some plastic christmas tree style trim fasteners and plugging the hole with that. I would think the best fastener would be one that is concave on the bottom side so that the edge of the faster actually made contact with the roof (i.e. didn't bottom out on the lip of the threaded insert).

I looked around and didn't find any left over christmas tree fasteners from my last job. Last time I was at Lowe's I saw they had some in the specialty fasteners sections. I'm going to run over there this evening and see what I can find.

Got a guy coming to buy my old factory wheels - gotta meet him first.

-B

Bad idea, You don't want to use plastic plugs. Lowes or Home Depot will not carry the specialty bolt thread either. Go to your local specialty bolt store and have them order you up the correct ones in Stainless. Looks 10x better in SS IMO.

 

[Boomer73]

The last thing I want is more stainless bolt head sticking out of my roof. I can't think of any good reason a plastic plug/trim tree would be a bad idea, especially with a spot of silicone in the hole. Especially painted to match the body. I picked up four different types tonight and got to try two before the rain started. One fits better than the other but I'm not in love with it - mostly because it doesn't lay flat on the roof. It still leaves about a millimeter of gap between the bottom surface and the roof.

I also found a 1/4" plastic cap that snaps right in very securely but doesn't solve the "metal sticks up from the roof" problem I'd like to hide.

Tree fastener: http://www.itw-fastex.com/images/items/012.jpg

-B

 

[gwilk]

i used set screws from home depot or lowes with a sealant on them.

 

[Tahoewhat]

i used set screws from home depot or lowes with a sealant on them.

Set screws, cant remember the size, but put them in w/ silicone. No leaks, nothing, cant see anything, but the ring thats on the roof. Just need to touch up w/ paint and you wont see it at all.

 

[jimweis]

Hey guys. Those of you who have removed your roof rack, how have you handled the threaded fittings that stick out of the roof (and of course the resulting hole)?

-B

I put adhesive body side molding on, I had to hollow out the underside of the molding where it went over the insert.

 

[gwilk]

I put adhesive body side molding on, I had to hollow out the underside of the molding where it went over the insert.

do you have any close up pics of the ends of the molding? did you cut it at an angle and then paint it? what size molding did you use? i have been looking at doing this just haven't seen it close enough to tell how it turns out.

 

[Boomer73]

Jim - that looks great. I'm gonna copy you. Oh also, like your wheels and tails - looks like we have similar tastes.

-B

 

[jimweis]

do you have any close up pics of the ends of the molding? did you cut it at an angle and then paint it? what size molding did you use? i have been looking at doing this just haven't seen it close enough to tell how it turns out.

Not thrilled with it, but it's OK up on the roof. 1" solid vinyl.

 

[thehoe92]

I just used set screws then dripped touch up paint over it so it made a shell
looks pretty good but that side molding looks awesome!

 

[knoslf]

i used set screws from home depot or lowes with a sealant on them.

I know this is an oldie but what size/length set screws did u use and do u have any pics?

 

[Donovan]

Just took the rack off my 07 ltz looks great with out it. It does make a huge difference

 

[fire730]

I know this is an oldie but what size/length set screws did u use and do u have any pics?

Holy thread dig Batman!

I only used 1/2 inch length set screws but im not sure of the thread. I just took one bolt out and had it matched up at the hardware store.

---------- Post added at 11:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:23 PM ----------

Just took the rack off my 07 ltz looks great with out it. It does make a huge difference

I'm probably going to do his soon on my 07. I really like the look of it removed on my 04.

 

[Donovan]

Here's the pic with it gone