Roof Rack installation

[WWScout]

I just purchased a 2003.5 protege5 (U.S. model). I got the dealer to uninstall some racks from a 2002 to put on my new car.,but they said it wouldn't fit. I think they are being lazy. Anyone know if they will fit? I have no problem taking out the headliner, but I don't really want to drill holes in the roof of my new car. I looked at the Thule and Yakimas but I don't want a rack that is going to go into the door jam and the stock ones look streamlined. The only thing I want to mount up there is a mountain bike or two. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[alexlitov]

the roof is identical in all p5s.....

Drill some holes and you are going to be set!

 

[alexlitov]

There is a how to on how to remove the roof rack, that might help you out.

Welcome to Mazda Forums!

 

[loccusst]

Since all the roofs are identical and the roof rack was an option in the 2003.5 model, then there is more than likely dimples in the metal under the headliner where you can drill.

 

[WWScout]

Thank you all for your quick replies. I'll go ahead and get the ones the dealer took off of a last years model and give it a go. I love the car. Can't wait to do some go fast stuff to it. Next thing I want though is billet pedals and maybe a billet gear shift knob. Thanks again.

 

[loccusst]

Try a short throw while you are doing the knob. You'll love the faster shifts and the feel. Good luck on the roof rack install.

 

[WWScout]

Thanks, do you know where I could find a short throw shifter? I haven't found too many performance sites yet.

 

[KYREDP5]

If you havn't got your roof rack yet, I'll trade you mine. All you have to send me is the filler strips and caps that yours has.

 

[privateer]

all roofs are not the same again do your homework. canada has different structure so do the japanese models for japan auto standards are set by a countrys transportation board you might be suprised at the differences in safety standards reqiured from country to country anyway good luck with your modification go with after market is my advice the factoy rack is more for a look than true function .function over form when carrying expensive bikes on your car would hate to see a trek carbon or lightspeed by the side of the road in pieces goodluck

 

[kcbhiw]

all roofs are not the same again do your homework. canada has different structure so do the japanese models for japan auto standards are set by a countrys transportation board you might be suprised at the differences in safety standards reqiured from country to country anyway good luck with your modification go with after market is my advice the factoy rack is more for a look than true function .function over form when carrying expensive bikes on your car would hate to see a trek carbon or lightspeed by the side of the road in pieces goodluck

Could you indulge us with the actual differences? You've got my curiosity peaked.

 

[loccusst]

Yes, if there are differances what are they? I can't see the differances being enough to hinder the roof rack install. They would have to make different roof racks then.

 

[mtnbiker26]

The factory rack sucks pretty bad. Read all about it at:
http://home.comcast.net/~gtolley/rack.htm
before you make a decision.

 

[loccusst]

What about the factory bike carrier, wouldn't that have looked and worked better for you? Your right it doesn't look very good. But then again I guess I would just take it off when not in use.

 

[mtnbiker26]

The factory bike carrier is an upright mount and uprights don't work that well. They don't hold the bike very securely (my buddy was damn close to scraping his $4K bike off the highway one day because his upright came apart) and the arm that holds bike folds down and rests on the tray when not in use and it "jumps" up and down when you hit potholes bangs on the tray pretty loud. They also look pretty ugly. They are easier to mount in the P5's case because you can mount them towards the front of the roof and not have the issues with the wing hitting the rack or cargo.

Edit: I bike or snowboard almost daily so I'd leave it on all the time, but for the occasional user I guess they could take it off when not in use but it usually takes some effort.

 

[privateer]

check the post about the stuff not available in usa but only in japan look at the racks tell me how they install on a usa p5?look at canadas racks and tell me how they install?i know for some it is a tough to swallow that all things are not equal but reality sometimes suck i would have loved to mount canadas racks on my car but they are not interchangeable i dont think even without some serious modification.canadas racks mount in a hole where our roof rack rails are, it is threaded has to have an internal structure which the usa cars do not have, the usa roof rails[which the croos bars mount to]are mounted to sheet metal and bolts with nuts just the roofs thin sheet metal.sorry to disappoint i am too.

 

[WWScout]

all roofs are not the same again do your homework. canada has different structure so do the japanese models

But I'm not talking about mounting Canadian racks. I was wondering if there was a difference between the 2002 and the 2003.5. The racks I'm getting from the dealer are off an American Protege5, just an earlier model.

I think I'll put a hitch on it and use the rear bike carrier.

 

[WWScout]

The roof rack I think will be more for asthetics. My wife likes them and think we may use them someday. I'll take your advice and use the receiver hitch for my Epic Pro.

Woops, forgot to mention thanks for your concern though. Very thoughtfull.

Mtnbiker26 if your ever in South Florida and want to go riding get in touch.

 

[mtnbiker26]

The receiver hitch racks work really well. The only drawbacks are the looks and having to fold down the hitch to open the hatch. Dude do you have trails in Florida or do you put pontoons on your bike?

 

[WWScout]

LOL, yea, we got trails. Been to one of yours in Andover while I was visiting NH. Went to two there and one in Maine called Mt. Atamaticus or something. We don't have the long climbs like you but we make up for it with some real technical trails. You'd probably be amazed. Had a few people here from CO last year and it blew them away how difficult it was.

 

[mtnbiker26]

Technical trails in Florida? I never would have thought it. The most fun places around here are on the Cape. Non-technical smooth hardpack tight and twisty roller-coaster singletrack with evil switchbacks. You're constantly going so fast that you're drifting around the corners even on hardpack. It's a blast.