2nd Gen Roof Rack Installation Advice (2007 Access Cab)

Hey y'all - first time poster here, but been lurking since I started doing mods on my 2007 Taco.

I recently found a great deal on this Hooke Road access-cab roof rack secondhand, and I am so excited to install it. Previous owner purchased it but never made the install. I've been running into resistance from folks warning me to not drill into the roof of the truck, but I'm sure there is a way to do it safely and effectively. Anyone have experience with this (or similar) styles of roof racks? Would love to hear your experience/advice/thoughts.

Many thanks in advance, everyone!

 

I can’t say, I would drill into my own roof.
But if I need to do it.

Use marine grade silicone.
Let’s pretend you made the hole, and installed the rivnut.

Temporary plug the riv nut with a foam ear plug. (Yes a foam ear protection plug)
Then I would silicone the outer perimeter of those riv nuts, from above and below.
Remove the headliner, Silicone the outer perimeter of the riv nut.
Install a rubber plate underneath the rib nut location, secure with silicone adhesive, and silicone the outer edge of the plate for good measure.
Before you install the mounting bracket and screw, remove the foam earplug and pour some silicone or plumbers tape, or etc product into said hole.
NOT TOO MUCH SILICONE! Just enough to plug the air gap.

Let it dry and cure for 48 hours if you are in a cold environment. Or 24 if you are in the desert and there is no such thing as a cloud or rain.

Yes, you will remove the headliner, but that’s just me being paranoid about redundancy.
If the outer silicone fails and deteriorates over time with the sun, the inner silicone will stop it. if the inner silicone fails, the rubber plate and silicone adhesive will stop it. If that fails at least the rubber plate will hold it.
if that too fails, well don’t go snorkelling with your truck.

Yes it does not need to be a rubber plate, it can be anything.
Yes you CAN skip the rubber plate. But I personally prefer a minimum of 3 levels or water and snow protection.
Because it rains a lot where I am and I have already had to deal with a leaky roof on another Vic.

 

Thank you for this!