factory roof rack?

[2003PR5]

I bought my '03 P5 from a dealer without a rack. I want to add a factory rack but they told me I couldn't because if a P5 was sold without a rack then the roof isn't reinforced enough for a roof rack. Is that true? What can I do if it is?

 

[lundevall]

someone new is looking for the covers on your roof that you have. He seems to want to get rid of his roof rack, check around and find him. NCIC is his name i think.!!

 

[msubullyfan]

Welcome to the boards. Do a search -- there are 1000 threads on this.

In short, you can do it, regardless of what the dealer says. However, it's a major PITA. Here's a thread on roof rack removal -- installation would be the reverse.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22209&highlight=remove+roof

I suggest getting an aftermarket one. They're made better, anyway.

 

[Mike R]

Welcome to the boards. Do a search -- there are 1000 threads on this.

In short, you can do it, regardless of what the dealer says. However, it's a major PITA. Here's a thread on roof rack removal -- installation would be the reverse.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22209&highlight=remove+roof

I suggest getting an aftermarket one. They're made better, anyway.

Not that difficult. I did it in 2-3 hours. Very easy to find the racks for trade too.

 

[Mad Hatter]

I'm selling a near new Yakima roof rack, ready for whatever you want to throw on it. Shoot me a pm if you're interested in it. I want to let it go cheap!

BTW, welcome to the forums!(thumb)

 

[Kobayashi]

...Here's a thread on roof rack removal -- installation would be the reverse.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22209&highlight=remove+roof

I suggest getting an aftermarket one. They're made better, anyway.

I've read up quite a bit on the forum but still have a question. I have a 03.5 P5 and want to add the factory system. (Yeah, I know... I'm the minority here who likes how it looks...)

My question is this. You said the installation is just the opposite of the removal. Are all 6 of the holes already tapped in the roof in the 03.5's? When I first bought the car the dealer told me that I'd have to drill holes beneath the rails. Is this true?

Any feedback is appreciated...

 

[vapors]

I've read up quite a bit on the forum but still have a question. I have a 03.5 P5 and want to add the factory system. (Yeah, I know... I'm the minority here who likes how it looks...)

My question is this. You said the installation is just the opposite of the removal. Are all 6 of the holes already tapped in the roof in the 03.5's? When I first bought the car the dealer told me that I'd have to drill holes beneath the rails. Is this true?

Any feedback is appreciated...

first off, the roof is plenty strong to hold up the roof racks. there isn't anything different from one that came from the factory with a roof rack.

second, no there aren't any holes that are previously drilled, so therefore, you'd have to drill your own.

my opinion; i know you like the way it looks, but i suggest that, if you don't really need it, don't put it on. because once you drill holes in your roof, eventually it will rust. and when it does, it will rust bad. the cars that come from the factory with the roof rack already have the holes drilled and painted over so there is no bare-metal exposed. if you drill holes in your roof, the primer they provide is crappy and comes off easily.

just a heads up. (boom07)

 

[BeNegative]

1) screw the dealer.
2) vapors is right
3) roof rack goes on, your mileage goes 2 s***.
(I noticed my mileage improved when I took of the rack; unfortunately, I put it on to haul something and never bothered to take it off, now the damn bolts are rusted on)
Honestly, it looks way better w/o the racks and is easier 2 clean the roof. Peace out.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Factory roof rack on my '03 is nice and very strong. I took home about 1/3 of the materials to finish my basement on mine.

 

[Kobayashi]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I guess I'll eventually go back to a Yakima unit.

Cheers!!!