Re: [Paddlewise] Factory roof rack problems?

From: Bill Leonhardt <WJLeonhardt_at_bnl.gov>
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 13:20:20 -0400
At 01:08 PM 9/13/00 EDT, RBHoltKayak_at_aol.com wrote:
>    Has anybody found a problem with using factory roof racks?  I am getting 
>ready to rebuild a 1988 Ford Bronco II that has a factory roof rack.  I plan 
>on using my Thule load bars and the Thule foot that adapts to the factory 
>tracks.  How are the tracks fastened to the roof?  Should I be concerned 
>about reinforcing the attachment of the  track to the roof?  It is a Ford, 
>after all.   Thanks.
>
>                                    Robb

Robb,

You can check with Ford and Thule(and/or Yakima) to try to establish the
"factory" rating for the "factory" rack.  I can't speak for Ford, but I
once owned a 1988 Dodge Caravan.  After a roof leak that caused the
headliner to come loose, I had a chance to see how the factory rack was
attached.  Scary!!!

If you are rebuilding anyway, it might be a good opportunity to reinforce
(as in big fender washers) the existing set-up.  Be aware of the roof curve
and pre-bend the fender washers if required.

Good luck,

Bill Leonhardt 
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Received on Wed Sep 13 2000 - 10:20:48 PDT

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