Replacing Factory Rack with Thule Rack

[mthomp6]

I thought I would pass on some information to the list:

Using the factory mounting location (not the factory rack), I was able to install a Thule rack to my 1999 100 series.

Parts List:

Thule TK1 Tracker
430 Feet
58" Bar
8mm Stainless hex bolts

The Tracker foot mount is very close to the factory spacing for the bolts to mount to the roof. You will need to slightly drill out the plastic foot (widening the mounting hole spacing) to enable the mount to be bolted directly to the factory location. The mount will need to be spaced up 1/4" so that the Foot can "clip" into the Tracker (I used 1/4" aluminum stock). Be very careful not to strip the factory rivnuts (do not force it). I also had to remove the roof trim pieces to install the rack.

I am getting 1-2mpg better with this rack vs. ARB roof rack.

Here are a few pics:

 

[CTapia]

Looks like a clean install! Is that ARB rack that you have a cargo/luggage basket type?

 

[mthomp6]

CTapia,

The ARB rack is a heavy duty cargo rack that mounts to the factory mounting location.

In case you are interested in getting one, here are the part numbers:

3813010M 100 Series Rack
3713010 100 Series Fit Kit

The rack was imported from Australia and is not typically available in the US market without special ordering it.

http://www.arbusa.com/arb_roof_racks.htm

Cheers,

Mike

 

[Augie]

How do you compensate the height difference? Do you have 2 crossbar or 3 crossbar?
I was looking for at Yakima landing pad #1 and the spacing are pretty close also but not exactly the same. The front are 70 mm apart and the rear/middle are 80 mm apart. Your look pretty much the same as Rola/Rhino racks, although getting one in US might be pretty difficult.

 

[mthomp6]

Augie,

I only have two cross bars. The factory front mount is a different size, but there are 3 other mounting locations that are the same. The ARB roof rack actually does not mount to the factory front mount, but rather slightly behind that. If you remove the trim strips you will see the mounts.

Here is a pic:

 

[mthomp6]

Here is another:

 

[hookupup]

Removal of Factory Rack

Great timing on your post as I was just begining to do some investigation on a rack system and had narrowed it down to Thule.
I was wondering how to do a clean install and was having some trouble understanding how to remove the factory crossbars...I was originally going to use the factory side bars for the Thule clamp on option.
Your install is much cleaner.
Can you explain the removal of the factory rack and how difficult it was?
Did you just bolt on the Thule feet? Did you have to drill out to do it?

 

[mthomp6]

Hookupup-

For factory rack removal read this (the schematic makes it very clear) -

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=54473&highlight=rack+removal

For the Thule rack -

You have to widen the mounting holes for the tracker foot - they are not exactly the same as the factory spacing. I did this with a drill bit. It is not perfect, but it works. Also, I failed to mention that you need to use silicone to seal up the holes into the roof to prevent leaks.

-Mike

Great timing on your post as I was just begining to do some investigation on a rack system and had narrowed it down to Thule.
I was wondering how to do a clean install and was having some trouble understanding how to remove the factory crossbars...I was originally going to use the factory side bars for the Thule clamp on option.
Your install is much cleaner.
Can you explain the removal of the factory rack and how difficult it was?
Did you just bolt on the Thule feet? Did you have to drill out to do it?

 

[hookupup]

Your Rack Looks Great

Mike...
Thanks for the post...your Thule looks great! Just exactly what I want to do.

Can you please explain what you meant with the silicone? Did you simply coat each bolt as you re-inserted...or are there other penetrations that need to be sealed?

Also regarding the pads on your rack...I found some 48" pads today at our local Sailing Supply store that traverse the entire bar. I think they will look awesome and will be more adaptable for my usage of transporting the longboards at the same time I am transporting a Kayak. I would be happy to give you the manufacturer if you are interested and will post photos of all of this when I make the jump to get mine done.
Thanks again,
JB

 

[mthomp6]

JB,

Just put a dab of silicone in each mounting hole. That is the only thing that is open to the cabin. I first test fit each foot, then re-assembled with silicone. You may want to put something between the "spacer" and the body, to protect the paint. It is in an obscure place, so i wasnt too worried.

Post up photos. I have found that the pads actually make the rack quieter as well as help to protect surfboards.

Cheers,

Mike