[johnsocal]

Does anyone make/sell an "oldschool" style roof rack for the new Mini?

[ontheroadagain]

You know, johnsocal, I've been searching the halls of MINI2.com for this for a long time. Unfortunately, it seems that if you're looking for a roof rack to carry luggage or something along those lines, that the only rack that works is MINI's. I wish there was a Thule version. Perhaps there is someone on the board who will have more to offer than I do.

I take it you've done a search, right?

[racer-x]

Never seen an "oldschool roof rack" But I do know THULE and YAKIMA make roof racks for the Mini Cooper that don't require putting holes in your ROOF.
http://www.orsracksdirect.com/mini-c...roof-rack.html

[ontheroadagain]

Excellent! Thank you so much for the info - I didn't know they existed...where have I been?

[BartMack]

Yes, I have a Yakima roof rack for my MINI, and I've not had any problem with it.
Basic cost is about $225. I was able to pick mine up locally at a sport shop.
The installation instructions will tell you to put both bars about 18" apart above the door glass. I put the front one where they instructed, and I regularly put the rear one much further back than they say, and I've had no problem. There was a guy at the Dragon Run who had come about 6-8 hours with the Yakima bars and a long roof box, at speeds higher than 80 mph with no problem.
Why am I saying this? Because the roof gutter that the Yakima bars attach to is held on with nothing more than industial grade double sided tape! Most likely the stuff will stay put no matter what (mine has) but it is something you should know before attaching heavy loads. Good luck!

[ontheroadagain]

Yikes! I'll have to check out the details on the Thule version. This "industial grade double sided tape" does sound a bit scary... I'm sure there's an egineer or two on here that might give us the specs on this stuff.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Quote: Originally Posted by johnsocal

Does anyone make/sell an "oldschool" style roof rack for the new Mini?

The problem with "old style" racks with clamps that hold on the rain gutters is that they will try to rip off the plastic gutters of the MINI.

Be careful what you ask for.

Check out my gallery for the factory MINI rack. I am very satisfied with the rack system, it holds the bicycles very securely and they ride quietly at any speed up to 75mph or even higher (But obviously I would never have actually driven that fast). Another point in favor of the MINI rack system is the capacity, most aftermarket racks have a 75lb limit, the MINI rack is rated at 75Kg(165lbs).

[johnsocal]

I want a roof rack like this (but powder coated white) that has that cool oldschool rally/adventure look and has the ability to add additional lights:

[johnsocal]

I just found out that http://www.garvin-industries.com/ is the one who makes the safari style roof rack in the photo above and it comes in alot of different sizes and options (like the lights). It does state that it can fit a standard roof rack system so its possible that it could fit on the mini.

If anyone out there knows more about racks systems please let me know if this rack could work on the Mini.

Thanks in advance

[johnsocal]

Here's a cleaner pic of the rack :



Here's a quote from a website who sells this rack:

"The racks can also be added to an existing Thule or Yakima rack system and adaptors are available to use Yak and Thule rack attachments. Wilderness Racks also come with a wide range of great accessories. Every rack uses a double crossbar system engineered for heavy duty service and to provide support for the optional floor kit."

[johnsocal]

Thule also make a similar roof rack:



Light option:



website : http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/prod..._id=11&sku=840

[lespurgeon]

Dude - if you are going for something so heavy-duty I would get the MINI factory bars, then add the luggage basket after-market. I'll be getting a Yakima myself for occasional skis and bike use. There is a Montblanc rack that is popular in Europe for the Mini - but I haven't seen them in the US.

[rhogg]

Not sure if you have seen the MIni Luggage Rack. It is not as heavy duty as the one you've pictured but it looks functional. You can view the details in the Mini.uk site in accessories/transportation

[Wave]

It would be cool to get these chrome plated and add the 4 front fog Hella Lights. Total rally look.

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by lespurgeon

There is a Montblanc rack that is popular in Europe for the Mini - but I haven't seen them in the US.

Moss Mini sells them:

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=40829

[SCoopa]

[SCoopa]

This is what I think of when you refer to old school. I would LOVE to have a wood slat rack for my s... I even toyed with actually having one produced, and stil might.

http://www.aavslc.com/PIP%20Rack%20Division%20Index.htm

[Wave]

Thanks for the research. Yhat is exactly the "touring style" rack Id love to have. Thes epeopel need to make it for the mini or attachable to a tHule etc.. Very cool rack.