Roof Rack Rust--Problem?

[mdandashly]

Bought this FZJ80 recently. Noticed that there is some rust on the rails where the ARB rack sits.

Wanted to make sure this isn't going to become a problem. It looks like the rust is just on the rails and not on the frame where the rack actually bolts into, but I'm not sure. See photos below.

Have some free time this weekend, so if it needs to be fixed, may try to get to it this weekend. Posted in 80 tech, but got no responses.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

I would remove the rack. Clean out the loose rust and apply a coat of POR 15. I just saw this in clear the other day. You could choose black, which is what I usually use, but I always paint afterwards. If you were to tape off the roof and just painted the inside of the gutter with black you wouldn't even see it. A small brush works great with POR15. Then before you put back your rack I would coat the feet in POR 15 if they are rusty as well. I would then let dry for a minimum of 2 hours and then put ice maker plastic tubing (3/8" x 1/4") on the straight pieces that fit on top of your gutter. You will need to slice 1 side lengthwise to fit over the flat piece. I have done this on all my roof racks and have no rust problems at all.

 

[mdandashly]

I would remove the rack. Clean out the loose rust and apply a coat of POR 15. I just saw this in clear the other day. You could choose black, which is what I usually use, but I always paint afterwards. If you were to tape off the roof and just painted the inside of the gutter with black you wouldn't even see it. A small brush works great with POR15. Then before you put back your rack I would coat the feet in POR 15 if they are rusty as well. I would then let dry for a minimum of 2 hours and then put ice maker plastic tubing (3/8" x 1/4") on the straight pieces that fit on top of your gutter. You will need to slice 1 side lengthwise to fit over the flat piece. I have done this on all my roof racks and have no rust problems at all.

Thanks! Based on the photos does it seem like its on the body or just the rails? If its just a cosmetic thing I probably won't fix it. Nobody can see the top of the truck any ways .

I'm more concerned with rust that hurts structural integrity of the racks mounting. Does it look like something that would do that?

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Rust is like cancer to a vehicle. It will continue to grow. I can't tell you from the pics how the rust affects your vehicle. Applying POR will stop it. It all depends on your plans with your vehicle if you want to address it or not.