I know it's been covered and the dead horse is thoroughly tenderized, but I'm seeing a lot of questions asked and thought since I recently messaged someone some details that I'd make the information easy to find.
Roof rack removal looks cleanest welded. However if you don't have the time, money or commitment to have the holes welded and your roof isn't super rusty you can unscrew the roof rack and plug the holes with some
1/2"-3/4" long M5x0.8 thread stainless steel button head Phillips screws from the local hardware store. I didn't use any silicone or anything like that, just a dab of anti-seize.
3 years total with mine this way in rainy @s$ Oregon and I haven't had a leak to date...cloth headliner hasn't seen water from those holes.
Hope it helps someone, and if you're really concerned about the shiny screw heads...Scuff then up with some 120grit and spray etch primer and a close to factory color on them a couple days before installing them.
Roof rack removal looks cleanest welded. However if you don't have the time, money or commitment to have the holes welded and your roof isn't super rusty you can unscrew the roof rack and plug the holes with some
1/2"-3/4" long M5x0.8 thread stainless steel button head Phillips screws from the local hardware store. I didn't use any silicone or anything like that, just a dab of anti-seize.
3 years total with mine this way in rainy @s$ Oregon and I haven't had a leak to date...cloth headliner hasn't seen water from those holes.
Hope it helps someone, and if you're really concerned about the shiny screw heads...Scuff then up with some 120grit and spray etch primer and a close to factory color on them a couple days before installing them.
