Removing Roof Racks

[HitandRunDriver]

So while doing some detail work on the ho, i wondered what it would look like sans the racks...i took the bolts out and thought it didnt look too bad. They've been on for around 8 years so theres a bit of a ring around where each base connects but nothing major. One thing is that the bolt holes are now exposed and I'm not sure what i should do to cover them up,,,,i could always insert the bolt back in but i want a cleaner look, any ideas?

 

[STREETutilityVEHICLE]

I too think they look good w/o the rack and I'd like to know a good solution for this problem myself. I don't want any water making it's way inside my hoe. I guess maybe some shorter dome topped bolts would maybe work, but how do you make it good and waterproof? Thanks for any ideas.

 

[greengumby]

same thing as when they remove the flares ....body filler and pain is an option

 

[dye4metal]

i would go with a short dome bolt like listed above and some silicon to seal it but be easy to remove.

 

[greengumby]

you guys have any pics? i dont think i ever seen a hoe without a roof rack

 

[Chasmanian]

I saw the plates to go over the holes on a web site, i will see if I can find them

 

[HitandRunDriver]

i was thinking shorter bolts and then adding black or chrome caps on top, just to clean it up a little bit

 

[STREETutilityVEHICLE]

what size are those bolts, and how long? I am going to go and try the silicon and domed bolt tonight. If i knew the size i could call around and find exactly what i need and wouldn't have to run around town test fitting bolts. thanks

 

[Chasmanian]

How about these

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.aspx?category|category_root|-25=Exterior&selected_prod_ids=1478

 

[HitandRunDriver]

oh yeah....i think i ran across those last week..

theyre okay, if i really wanted to drop like a hundred bucks on them

 

[STREETutilityVEHICLE]

i just took them off, I used a torq bit (looks like one of these * ). It was 10 bolts and they were easy to remove. I didn't like the way the holes were raised, but i just got a stainless steel domed bolt that was shorter (about 1") and i put silicone on the threads and i also used a rubber washer to add to the waterproofing and give the bolt a nice snug fit. I used black rubber washers. doesn't look too bad, plus, i can still use my rack if i need to, by just putting it back on.

 

[HitandRunDriver]

thats what i did....but then i realized i had no replacement bolts on hand so i had to put it back on. I've been looking at chrome or black liscence plate caps that go over the screw heads to hide them....i'm sure it would work

 

[RIDE N FLY]

i took my rack off and went to Home Depot bought 1/4' x 1/4' set screws. they fit perfectly. also get a thread sealant from any auto parts store. i have wash my truck since with no leakage.

 

[bzbatl]

1/4 foot screws! Jeez

Rubber washers will do the trick with screws of the same size. I think 3 inch screws might be pushing it tho

 

[RIDE N FLY]

sorry 1/4 inch. you can find it in the isle with the nuts and bolts.

 

[STREETutilityVEHICLE]

i got metric 6x10 ??? at home depot, they're like 1/4" long, but in a metric sizing.

 

[Idahoe]

Mine were metric also-M6-I found some dome type bolts and used some rubber washers and teflon tape on the threads, no problems, still need to paint them to match so they blend right in.

 

[chrias]

Just run a strip of 1 inch wide body side molding and run it along the roof to cover the holes. You will have to chamfer the molding to fit over the bolts. That's what I did.

 

[Rich2007Z71]

If anyone has a Z71 roof rack that they would be interested in selling , please let me know with a price.

 

[mtjsr]

Hi all, bought an 05 low mile LS loaded and thought the z71 roof rack would look better on top. Are they swappable? and does anyone have a nice one for sale here? Thanks!