I just finished installing the OEM roof rails. It's past midnight here in the SF Bay Area. It just arrived tonight, and I just had to install it.
It's no rocket science. Works as described here or in the instruction. It took me longer than others reported here (about 1 hour from unpack, read the instructions, install, fold up the shipping box for re-cycle, return the tools, etc.) because I was being very meticulous, and check and re-check everything, took one part at a time from upstairs to the garage, etc.
Still, with that precaution, I think I still managed to bump the left side to the staircase railings. I noticed a hairline scratch/mark when I am up there on the stool. It cannot be seen from the street level, and only me knows that it's there. Yeah, I am that anal. It's possible that it's bumped from shipping too. Oh well, it's probably gonna get covered by Mont Blanc rails I plan to purchase in the future anyway, and it's going to get scratched up when used as intended anyway.
Now, for the tip that I haven't read anywhere. I got stuck the most when trying to remove the 6 plastic covers for the bolt. Granted, my hands are weak from using the computer/mouse for 20 years, so your mileage may vary. Plus, I guess because the car is new, and the night temperature already cooling off, the rain channel rubber and the plastic cover is very pliant/rubbery. After thinking that using a flat screwdriver is out (don't want to scratch the rain channel nor the plastic cover, even though I may not even need to reuse the 6 plastic covers ever), I got the AHA moment, and used the dental floss. Work like a charm. Before that, I got stuck about 15 - 20 minutes, and hurt my finger nails from trying to push it in the arrow direction. I mean, it's as if when I cut my thumb nail too short, and then use the thumb to push something, it hurts until now.
With the dental floss, it's just a snap.
Hope it helps someone.
It's no rocket science. Works as described here or in the instruction. It took me longer than others reported here (about 1 hour from unpack, read the instructions, install, fold up the shipping box for re-cycle, return the tools, etc.) because I was being very meticulous, and check and re-check everything, took one part at a time from upstairs to the garage, etc.
Still, with that precaution, I think I still managed to bump the left side to the staircase railings. I noticed a hairline scratch/mark when I am up there on the stool. It cannot be seen from the street level, and only me knows that it's there. Yeah, I am that anal. It's possible that it's bumped from shipping too. Oh well, it's probably gonna get covered by Mont Blanc rails I plan to purchase in the future anyway, and it's going to get scratched up when used as intended anyway.
Now, for the tip that I haven't read anywhere. I got stuck the most when trying to remove the 6 plastic covers for the bolt. Granted, my hands are weak from using the computer/mouse for 20 years, so your mileage may vary. Plus, I guess because the car is new, and the night temperature already cooling off, the rain channel rubber and the plastic cover is very pliant/rubbery. After thinking that using a flat screwdriver is out (don't want to scratch the rain channel nor the plastic cover, even though I may not even need to reuse the 6 plastic covers ever), I got the AHA moment, and used the dental floss. Work like a charm. Before that, I got stuck about 15 - 20 minutes, and hurt my finger nails from trying to push it in the arrow direction. I mean, it's as if when I cut my thumb nail too short, and then use the thumb to push something, it hurts until now.
With the dental floss, it's just a snap.
Hope it helps someone.
