roof rack installation

Randy,
I have the dealer installed rack on my MCS. Someone has the installation info from the factory and I got a look at it. It is not at all difficult, however there are some specialized factory tools that you would have to purchase. Specifically, a hole saw to cut the final hole for the shoulder bolts.

IMHO. For an individual to do the installation would be no different than the dealer doing his first one. Really. As long as you have the factory install manual.

Oh, and remember. Measure twice and drill ONCE!!!! Oh yeah, use a CENTERPUNCH!

Just remember that you are drilling holes in the roof. If it ever leaks, I sure would want that to be the dealers problem. $300 is a small price to pay...

Something to consider - if you have the dealer install the racks prior to delivery it covered under the 6yr rust warranty. If you or dealer install after delivery it's not. So .... because of this, I chose to have the dealer install them prior to delivery. Cheers!

arrrbeee said:

Hi there, I have looked at most of the talk about roof racks and I have decided to go with the Mini Rack kit. I don't think I have seen any discussion about self installation of the rack. I can't be the only one that thinks he might be able to install this and not pay $300+ for installation. Has anyone tried this or done it and if so what are the details and difficulty level involved. Thanks for any and all information, Randy

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Directions here: http://www.tepidcola.com/mini/Roof Rack.PDF though dated 8/01 so I wouldn't be surprised if internally there's newer ones. gives you an idea of what's involved.

beware

I can't recommend the DIY rack install. Not after my dealer messed up and had to send the car to a body shop before I got delivery. Having them do this to the first new car I've ever owned was traumatic enough. I'd probably have killed myself if I had done it myself. Didn't I read somewhere that this is/would be a factory installed option now/soon?

arrrbeee said:

Hi there, I have looked at most of the talk about roof racks and I have decided to go with the Mini Rack kit. I don't think I have seen any discussion about self installation of the rack. I can't be the only one that thinks he might be able to install this and not pay $300+ for installation. Has anyone tried this or done it and if so what are the details and difficulty level involved. Thanks for any and all information, Randy

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Let your dealer do it prior to delivery ... you get the benefit of being covered under the factory warranty.

One other thing -- the hole saws you need are sized in metric. I doubt you can find them in the US.

Chip H.

rack

I have been thinking about racks since I got my baby used.
I was told 460 dollars to get them done at the dealer.
I live in LA and called my local dealer to get it done and he quoted me 900 dollars. The other local dealer quoted me 700 dollars. It seems like the dealers are not willing to do it after delivery. Maybe they have had a lot of problems with the install. I don't know.
But I will say get it done before delivery or go another route. 700 bucks is ludicrous.
-B