Spin all you want roof rack nutserts, I got your number!

[TEXASYETI]

Decided to go ahead and try to take the roof rack off. Against the advice of others I just went at it. No PB Blaster beforehand or anything. Seven of the 8 rack mounting screws went very easy. Just ease on the pressure with the screwdriver and they came right out. One did not cooperate.

I did follow the other threads advice and cut off the rubber mounting food to get to the nutsert. It's hard to get to, because they do not extend very far out of the roof. I tried lifting the rack to see if I could put some pressure on the bottom side but no go.

Walking back to the garage I contemplating using a hacksaw or sawzall.

Then I decided to try and use one of my picks to wedge between the screw and the nutsert to see if I could lock the nutsert but still turn the screw.

Well, I'm not sure about the actual mechanics of how it worked but it did. Inserted a 90 degree pick into the joint where they meet and turned. Because the collar at top of the nutsert was broken off it did lock against the pick.

Thankfully the screw and nutsert were not rusted together. Screwed right out.

I still have about 3/4 of the top of the nutsert so I am going to try the plastic cap method presented in one of the threads on rack removal.

Obviously, I may have gotten VERY lucky and your results might vary. Just wanted to post this method up for the forum.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Good thinking but you got lucky. I'm so glad my 97 didn't have a "factory" roofrack.

 

[93yotasr5]

Good work. Yeah , grateful for my naked roof.

 

[kneedragger]

I need to do the same thing. Where are u getting ur plastic caps, or what are you doing for the holes in the roof???

 

[TEXASYETI]

I've been debating this but think I am going to use allen screws with sealing tape or a liquid sealer and then JB weld over them. My plan then is to use Monstaliner roll on liner to do the top in white.

I originally was thinking about doing the plastic caps that Aids10 used in this thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/487177-nutty-nutserts-roof-rack-wind-deflector-removal.html

I found them at Autozone and bought some tonight. They are a good choice because the cap is has a little space under it that you can fill with sealant or something to really seal the hole. You do have to trim down the "tree" stem a good bit.

However, my 80 is black and I have been thinking about painting the top white to help keep the interior cooler. I saw Mace's thread in Paint and Body where he used Monstaliner and I liked what I saw. Here is his thread:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/paint-body/485502-monstaliner-bedliner.html

I did think about using the Upol spray on Raptor liner that TexasD90 used on his LX450 but I think I am going to go with the Monstaliner. The reviews have been really good, it is advertised as UV stable, and I like that it is a roll on.

Another plus is that a rep is a member of MUD and has been really helpful as people have used the product.

I'm going to call them tomorrow and order up a kit, just want to make sure I get enough.

Hope this helps.

 

[thehop]

I just yanked mine out and sealed the holes.

 

[landtoy80]

I just yanked out the rack, filled the holes with leftover Toyota Red FIPG and shoved some bolts in the holes. Its ugly but doesn't leak.

 

[1973Guppie]

use sealing washers from your local hardware store. I used sealing washers along with some clear silicone and ss button head screws, was not cheap for all the hardware but looks almost factory now and is sealed forevor.