TACO GARAGE - The R2-T2, our humble attemp at a roof rack.

I've got mine sitting in the garage right now...looking for some free time to put it all together. Any chance of getting some closeups on the weatherstrip drilling?

 

Maybe someone else can? I pretty much butchered mine

 

This is how I cut my weather stripping to install the rack. I started by trying to drill holes through the stripping but I didn't have the right tools. I thought my step drill would do it but it was not working at all. Maybe a hole saw or some type of punch would work? Anyway here's I did it

1. Pull the weather stripping off. I used a plastic putty knife to lift the front edge of the weather stripping. I put a cloth on the roof so I wasn't prying against the paint.



2. Locate the front and rear stickers covering the factory roof rack mounting points.



3. With some patience and maybe a few curses I was able to peel it off with my fingers. I didn't have a small plastic tool that I could use.


4. Flip the weather stripping over and mark the position of the threads on the weather stripping. You want the marks centered on the holes. Take your time and be sure the marks are in the correct position. This is definitely a measure twice, cut once situation. I checked my marks at least threes times be for I started cutting.


5. Extend the marks into a line. This line marks the center of the hole.


6. Mark 1/2" on either side of the line.


7. Draw lines were you just marked. Then cut these lines with a hacksaw. This will remove a one inch section of the weather stripping.


8. I used some 3M auto tape to help the small pieces of weather stripping stay in place.


9. I temporarily installed the bolts and spacers to help me position the pieces when reinstalling.

10. I didn't take any pictures of the rest of the process, but I did put a dab of silicone caulk under the spacers before installing the rack.

11. I love the way the rack looks on the truck!

 

These instructions are outstanding, thank you!!!!!!!! This is my project mid week

 

Or you can buy a punch on Amazon and have a nice clean hole.

 

I thought I would be cool and use a hole saw to cut a circle in the weatherstripping….yeah, that was stupid. I should have bought the punch.

I know the Taco Garage folks are working on some instructions….but hey guys, I about lost my mind when I realized the feet needed to be swapped front to back after hauling it up on the roof, arrgggggjhhhhhhhhhhh!

I wish that there was a more straightforward way to mount the light bar. I ended up using an el cheapo light mounting bracket for an 05 Tacoma hood mount. This required longer screws, and some heftier nuts and fender washers.

GS Power Engine Hood Hinge Ditch LED Mount Brackets for Auxiliary Offroad Pod Work Light. Fit Cowl Panel at Windshield Base Compatible with 2005-2015 Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NTYXB4V?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

looks awesome with the light bar!

I used a spade bit to make my holes thus it looking like hell. At least the feet cover my mess enough, and a dab of silicone keeps it all dry.

I might have to trim mine as @snapspinner did. Looks much cleaner!

 

I went a little overboard with the silicone, just filled in everything I could...and yes, thankfully the feet cover up the mess I made, lol. I watched a Prinsu install video after I put mine on....yep, the hole punch seems to be the way to go, lol.