Removing Roof Rack?

My dealer found the perfect TRDORSB for me, but said he was unable to secure it before it was traded to another dealer.

He offered a few alternatives. One is the same color and equipped the same way, but also has a bed extender and roof rack. I don't really want either, but I could live with the bed extender.

Does the installation of the roof rack permanently alter the vehicle or can it be easily removed without any evidence it was there?

He also said he can get an Inferno equipped exactly how I want. And a blue and a silver, but I don't know how they're equipped just yet. I don't really want to settle for another color or for options I'm not interested in, but it sure sounds like beggars can't be choosers.

Thanks!

 

From my understanding if you get the weather strips that were originally on the truck you can place them back on and it looks like nothing was ever there. I just bought a prinsu design rack (still waiting on parts) and part of the install is taking the weather strips off,altering them,and then placing them back on. So it is possible to put them back on as long as you can work it in your deal and grab yourself a pair of them from the dealer

 

You could always try to sell the stock roof rack to someone with the condition that they send you their rubber gaskets from their truck. I looked at my friends truck with that roof rack and it doesn't look like it would be too terribly difficult to remove.

 

If you're in the DC area, I would buy the roof rack off you if the price is right.

 

If vietguy doesn't get the rack and you're in the Vegas area or willing to ship I am interested.

 

If its the same as the 2nd gen, there are a couple of tabs that get broken, and some adhesive that gets removed. Also, plugs are removed from the DC, wherein some of the OEM rack mounting bolts go.

I installed my own OEM roof rack, so yea, I've got a tap and die set now.

Should be a way to reverse all that. Doesn't TrexTRD sell those strips?....I kid! I kid!

 

Yeah, things like broken tabs and potential leaks are what worry me. I'm not against a roof rack per se, but the OEM rack is hidious.

 

I want

 

Once you remove the rack, get some sort of waterproof tape to cover the holes. After you do that, reinstalling the rubber strips should not be difficult.

 

Old thread to bump but I'm removing my OEM rack in favor of some Thule bed racks. The OEM racks are a joke in terms of load (also not a huge fan of the way they look). Annnnyway.. does anyone know what size/type of ratchet head I need? It's a star head screw and I'm unsure what I need to remove the rack. Any insights appreciated..

Also.. will entertain sending the rack to someone for cost of shipping only (free rack). Lightly used, minor minor abrasions on the cross bars. Can send pictures.

 

I'll take it. Sent PM.

 

Got it and replied. You are #1 on the list. Details in PM.

 

Bumping up this thread once more. Sorry if I’m blind and can’t find this in other threads. But I’ll be removing my OEM this week and wanted to confirm:

1. Is it necessary to get replacement weather strips? Or will electrical tape do the job?

2. For the vacant holes where the bolts went - will electrical tape suffice or is it better to put the 3M adhesive first and then electrical tape?

Appreciate any help!

 

I would want more than tape keeping water out of my roof..

I’d fill the holes with silicone and then replace the weatherstrip.

 

lol electrical tape

 

Seems legit

 

1. Necessary? No. Will it look strange? Yeah, kinda. You can probably get by with any number of aftermarket weather strip if you don't want to go OEM. I'm guessing they may all give you trouble with pulling up/off eventually.

2. Tape will suffice to waterproof but not electrical tape. You should get your hands on some metal waterproof tape. A lot of folks suggest silicone plugging the holes. I think that's overkill but hey, better safe than sorry.

But your real issue is that if you just use tape, it's going to melt or lose its stick as your car sits out in the sun. The weather strips protect that. So you kinda need both.. you need to seal the holes and protect the seal.

 

Appreciate the insight! Yeah def waterproof* tape not sure why I stated electrical tape lol.. But yes I got the silicone just need to grab some tape and find some strips that dont cost an arm and a leg lol