Free (!) advice on how to remove a balky OEM roof rack!

[OZCAL]

Oh yeah, what's the best way to get the rim of the empty nutsert hole down fairly flush with the rest of the roof???

I used a Dremel.

 

[e9999]

Im not wanting OEM, aftermarket. My question was if the aftermarkets rust the roof like the OEM ones.

no the problem is that the "OEM" (really port) rack was put on by drilling holes in the roof and putting in flimsy nutserts. The screws get rusty, the serts get rusty, and the roof metal gets rusty.

If you put in an aftermarket rack on the gutters, it's a different thing altogether, so no worry.

 

[e9999]

I used a Dremel.

the problem with grinding the serts is that they fall in then...

 

[OZCAL]

the problem with grinding the serts is that they fall in then...

True! But I thought he was talking about the bent sheet metal. Mine was bent up from prying out the nutsert and I had to grind it down flush before finishing.

 

[rolliges]

That's right about the nutsert holes. I was hoping for wood boack and hammer approach.

Since I'm planning on covering the foot area with non-slip adhesive pads I'm may just clean, sand, clean, silicone, plug, then patch over.

Never ending saga; hope the weather holds til then.

 

[OZCAL]

That's right about the nutsert holes. I was hoping for wood boack and hammer approach.

Since I'm planning on covering the foot area with non-slip adhesive pads I'm may just clean, sand, clean, silicone, plug, then patch over.

Never ending saga; hope the weather holds til then.

Do you mean the pads you put on the floor of a shower?

 

[PKP80]

Are these racks worth anything to anyone? I'm planning to remove mine (well it's on my to-do list). From all I've heard here I figure a portable band saw is my least painful option, don't even try the screwdriver. My biggest concern there would be if any screws or inserts turn while the blade is trying to cut them. A Sawzall might work, but might rattle the nutserts right out of the roof.

I use mine as my hi lift mount

 

[skyshark186]

no the problem is that the "OEM" (really port) rack was put on by drilling holes in the roof and putting in flimsy nutserts. The screws get rusty, the serts get rusty, and the roof metal gets rusty.

If you put in an aftermarket rack on the gutters, it's a different thing altogether, so no worry.

Understood, thanks

 

[JDay]

My factory roof rack came off quite easily on my 96. Lucky I guess. Unfortunately, I broke one of the foot mounts where it ties into the rail when I dropped it on the floor. Does anyone have the foot mount portion they want to get rid of?

 

[OZCAL]

My factory roof rack came off quite easily on my 96. Lucky I guess. Unfortunately, I broke one of the foot mounts where it ties into the rail when I dropped it on the floor. Does anyone have the foot mount portion they want to get rid of?

I just threw a bunch out!

 

[rolliges]

Do you mean the pads you put on the floor of a shower?

No not those. Rather the non-slip boat traction you'd find at West Marine. (or something similar). I have a white rig so the white marine stuff may work well.