Removing OEM Roof Rack Help!

Hey TW - going to be removing my OEM roof rack as I’ve finally got my hands on some replacement weatherstrips.

Had some questions before doing so.

As I plan to add an aftermarket roof rack in the future I wanted to see what the best option would be:

1. Cover the holes with mastic tape and apply silicone to seal, then mount weatherstripping

2. Find shorter replacement bolts (since OEM bolts are longer) and mount with blue loctice, mastic tape, then mount weatherstripping

Done a lot of research on TW and elsewhere with no conclusive results. Appreciate the help in advance!

 

Personally I’d do option one on the off chance the bolts get stuck in there.

 

Curious as to why you're replacing it with the weather stripping if you want an aftermarket rack in the future. Just not a fan?

I would probably to with #1 as well.

 

If you want to go to an aftermarket rack, I would just wait until you have the aftermarket one to take the OEM off.

Not really a point in adding a risk of leak when you don't have to.

 

The OEM 'seal' is a sticker.. so anything above that is good.


When I traded in my 2005 I used a dab of silicone and a flap of duct tape.

 

Yep. I was going to mount something on mine and removed the sticker. Ended up not doing it and threw a strip of e-tape over it.

 

It's sad you have to specify that you've already done research and people can't just be happy enough to assist you without that.

 

just understand, that dust, debris have already got between the weatherstrip, rack and truck's finish, and there will be some deeper marks that may not be able to be removed with normal paint correction methods. I bought my truck new in november of 19, within days, I removed my factory rack, replaced with the factory weatherstrips... both sides on the roof where the rack was, had significant marks in the finish. It doesnt completely penetrate the clear coat so, I chalk it up to, the only time I see it is when I was, dry, or apply a finish protectant to the roof.

you will need the 2 rear corner pieces, the 2 weatherstrips, and 4 retainer clips that are glued to the roof, to retain the front and rear of the weatherstrip to the roof. no need to install screws or bolts. fill the holes with sealant like silicone, or windshield urethane, and or place some tape over the holes, prior to installing the weatherstrips. Ski

 

Appreciate the insight! Are those retainer clips necessary? I’ve seen some folks just o the silicone + tape or even just tape.

 

Too many questions about tire size. Haha this is an unusual question and I'm happy to give my anecdotal experience.

 

What's your plan for the OEM roof rack? Selling?

 

I can understand that. Posting a link helps. But some people don't want to read through hundreds of pages of discussion. I admire the way @crashnburn80 runs his pages and never shys away from helping people with their questions or directing them where to go.

 

Nothing but respect for Crashnburn and all his contributions. Great example.

 

Well new hurdle... just tried to remove the rack and the bolts are on there tight as hell. Ended up stripping a few of them. Oh well, will call my local shop to see if they can assist

 

they are on there from the factory to help hold the front and rear down. they come off easily with them on there. they will come off even faster without them, in my opinion. I installed mine, for my peace of mind. Ski

 

The truck I just got has a OEM roof rack as well and I absolutely hate it. Curious as to if you removed yours already and how it went

 

Where are you located

 

Pennsylvania

 

Okay was going to offer to swap moldingns with you