Got me Roof Rack Off... now what??

[Rookie2]

Well, I was tied of worrying about whether I my roof was rusting in, so after a few beers tonight, had the nuts to have a go at it. All the screws came out fine . No rust on the roof, but the nutserts are rusty, and the screws have a little build-up on them.

I generally not dyametrically opposed to the roof rack per-say, and I plan on putting it back on. Before to long, I'll probably put in something like Ricks deal, but this weekend, was going to try and clean everything up, and maybe paint the rack. Any suggestion about putting it back on to seal the area around the screws and make it so she still comes off good in the near future when I get my act together? I was thinking about 3M weather striping adhesive around the nutsert edges, and some antiseize on the screws. Any thought about whether the 3M adhesive may cause the screw to bond to the nutsert and cause future nutsert spinage?

Thanks,
Rookie2

 

[TX_TLC]

Anti-seize for sure...and depending on how bad the rust on the bolts were, I might go to Home Depot and pick up some new ones.

And not to be too simple, but you now have 8 holes in your roof that and the only thing separating the interior from the elements is a little insulation and the headliner. Keep it inside or at the very least covered or watch the weather really close.

I ended up sealing my holes as it was starting to rain...and I have no garage.

 

[OZCAL]

I think a "wet" reinstall might be the best idea, using gobs of marine jelly. Messy, and will require replacing periodically, but probably the best solution because the notion of a permanent fix, even including Rick's gaskets (which I would definitely use) is just out the window for me. I think of the roof rack footings as more of an open-wound that has to be nursed...

David

 

[cruiserdan]

I think of the roof rack footings as more of an open-wound that has to be nursed...

David

Very well put David. That is a FACT.

Indeed it is a wound that will never heal.

 

[OZCAL]

Very well put David. That is a FACT.

Indeed it is a wound that will never heal.

Thanks Dan-

Hey, the "mule" just arrived with the goods! That flex plate is, well, bigger'n I was expecting. Wow that explains the noise. But the box went through security and customs unopened on both ends of the Pacific.

 

[cruiserdan]

You have your work cut out for you now........

I suggest you replace the PHH while the transmission is out. It is fairly easy to get up in there when the trans is out of the way.


D-

 

[OZCAL]

PHH - definitely. My mechanic uses a mobile hose company that comes and cuts hoses on-site for various repairs. Should I specify OEM for the PHH? I know that this PM is labor intensive; hate to have to pay twice, thrice...

EDIT - by the way I'd do these repairs myself but I've got big hands and besides the cat ate my tools...

 

[cruiserdan]

All you need is a 50mm piece of good quality 16mm heater hose. If you can score silicone hose all the better but not absolutely required. If you want the OEM hose, visit your local Toyota agency and ask for a 99556-30100. That will net you a 100mm section that is cut-to-fit.

D-

 

[OZCAL]

I'll hit the dealer - certainly can't hurt to go OEM. Les can use the mobile service as a backup.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Can I nurse or fix those 8 holes if I take my rig to the body shop? I would also want to take the roof rack off because I see some rust spots on the trailing edge of driver side rail.

 

[TX_TLC]

Can I nurse or fix those 8 holes if I take my rig to the body shop? I would also want to take the roof rack off because I see some rust spots on the trailing edge of driver side rail.

Yes, the body shop fix should leave you with practically a stock look. They would remove all the rust and weld the holes. Little body filler and repaint everything. The only reason I didn't go this route was cost. My repair was about $6...Stucky went the body shop route but hasn't told how much...some have guessed close to a $1,000.

If you see rust spots along the backside of one of the feet I would be VERY concerned about what you will find under the feet. Good luck!

 

[e9999]

all these posts about roof racks sure bring back bad memories... Yikes!
Do a search on some posts I put up a few months ago, there is one on how to fix the holes...

 

[Rookie2]

I was pretty stoked on how this turned out, so thought I post a couple of pics. First one is before, where you can see the faded out, dinged up look of the existing feet and rail. The rest are after pics. Not bad for $6 worth of spray paint. Don't know how long it will last, but looks good today

 

[Rookie2]

after..

 

[Rookie2]

another..

 

[Rookie2]

here the feet taken off the rails, and painted..