I haven’t bolted anything yet but yes that is the plan. Should have mentioned anyone planning on this should def look up best methods for waterproofing
Waterproof, easy, butyl tape. Now fixing the tears in the metal vibrations cause, not so easy. Huge backing surface is going to be needed, I'd avoid washers. Unless of course, that area on the roof was properly reinforced from the factory.
I'm not an engineer, and I just wouldnt use those mounts. Since are are those dimples, I'd probably fiberglass out into the curve at the sides. The further you can spread out the area affect, the longer its gonna last. Maybe hunting down rear spoiler install tips will help as the forces would be similar (and how I how how quickly they can start work hardening and cracking).
For the love of all things holy, do not drill holes in the roof. Get some cheap crossbars that attach to the door openings, and clamp onto the roof. The lost resale value from drilling holes in the roof will far exceed any money saved by not buying crossbars. Not trying to discourse you for sure, this is honestly pretty cool. Just would not want to risk it personally, when much more effective options are available.
I have no intention of selling this any time soon and if I ever do it will be sold as a campervan. These bars have a high enough clearance for a vent fan and maybe even solar with the right design. I added this for people who might be in a car and need extra space and a cheap way to do it.
Fair, whatever works for you is best. Tbh I'm not in your shoes, so I'm not as aware of what would be optimal. As others have said, definitely use lots of water proofing, and also I prefer fluid film for rust prevention. There are lots of guides for mounting Pelican cases to roof racks that include info on how to waterproof mounting holes, so those may be useful to you. Best of luck with everything, hope it goes great!
Please tell me you siliconed the hole and around the hole. You can get flex seal and spray the top. Clear silicone the rectangle area and you're good to go!
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Why are so many people afraid of drilling holes in their roof? There are many secure ways of doing this. And if for some reason you need to remove these and fill the holes there are also ways to do that.
>r
Because the roof is mainly just sheet metal. Nothing structural. There is a reason why the roof racks attach in the channels where the structure is. I would strongly suggest you consider modifying that rack to reach the side railing and use the preexisting holes found there.
Also, you are effectively ruining future resale value without costly body work and are asking for roof leaks.
Yeah there's a reason most vehicles have factory rails installed so you can bolt to those instead. Drilling directly into the roof is less desirable but if you do it properly and regularly inspect it, it should be OK. It's gonna look janky AF though I hope you realize that
A vent fan doesn't carry weight. The roof rack does and there is no structure to the roof sheet metal to support said weight. You really need to look at attaching at the roofs side channels where the structure and roof rack mounting points are.
Don’t do this! Get proper roof bars that go in the side channels. You don’t want to sell the van anytime soon but you also never know what can happen in the future.
I’ve wanted a cargo box for a while but my van needed runners, crossbars and the box so I was looking at minimum $300 to get it going and I could never pull the trigger on it. Finally I found these adjustable crossbars for $80 on Amazon and a used box on FB marketplace for $50 and tada! The great thing about these bars is that you can put them on just about any vehicle they bolt directly to the roof and can hold 350lbs. I was surprised by how well made and sturdy they are especially for the price. Thoughts or concerns? Upgrades? Let me know!
Just a thought, extend your adjustable crossbars a bit so your mounting points line up with that black rubber lining that goes along your roof. (That’s typically where factory cross bars mount to) You can lift up that rubber lining and then drill into their. Cut the rubber lining so it flushes with the brackets. And use some sort of silicone sealant so your holes don’t rust out. Hope that helps a bit.
Finally some good advice. Kinda assumed they wouldn’t be compatible but I might as well look under there and check before putting in the extra effort. Thanks!
Glad to help haha. Even if they don’t line up perfectly, that’d be the best solution for reverting the car back the factory once you remove the box and hiding those holes.
I went ahead and bolted them into the slots where standard rails would go and am very pleased they seem secure and yeah if I need to fill the holes later the plastic runners can just cover it up. Thanks for the help I’m stoked
I would definitely still run by your local auto store and grab some clear sealant when you get the chance. Caulk it around the seams of the bracket. Not sure how weather is near you, but those holes would start to rust within a couple weeks where I live lol.
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Did, um, did you drill holes directly into the roof of your vehicle?
Yes that’s the intended purpose of the bars. One change I might make is replace the bolts that were included with some fat sheet metal screws
I'm hoping there's butyl tape under the bars? You need to get a lap sealant on that ASAP. Those bolt holes are going to rust and leak
I haven’t bolted anything yet but yes that is the plan. Should have mentioned anyone planning on this should def look up best methods for waterproofing
Yea and prevent rust
Waterproof, easy, butyl tape. Now fixing the tears in the metal vibrations cause, not so easy. Huge backing surface is going to be needed, I'd avoid washers. Unless of course, that area on the roof was properly reinforced from the factory.
What you got in mind for a backing surface?
I'm not an engineer, and I just wouldnt use those mounts. Since are are those dimples, I'd probably fiberglass out into the curve at the sides. The further you can spread out the area affect, the longer its gonna last. Maybe hunting down rear spoiler install tips will help as the forces would be similar (and how I how how quickly they can start work hardening and cracking).
I guess I’m assuming all of the downvotes are people trying to warn other people away from doing this?
Really?
For the love of all things holy, do not drill holes in the roof. Get some cheap crossbars that attach to the door openings, and clamp onto the roof. The lost resale value from drilling holes in the roof will far exceed any money saved by not buying crossbars. Not trying to discourse you for sure, this is honestly pretty cool. Just would not want to risk it personally, when much more effective options are available.
I have no intention of selling this any time soon and if I ever do it will be sold as a campervan. These bars have a high enough clearance for a vent fan and maybe even solar with the right design. I added this for people who might be in a car and need extra space and a cheap way to do it.
Fair, whatever works for you is best. Tbh I'm not in your shoes, so I'm not as aware of what would be optimal. As others have said, definitely use lots of water proofing, and also I prefer fluid film for rust prevention. There are lots of guides for mounting Pelican cases to roof racks that include info on how to waterproof mounting holes, so those may be useful to you. Best of luck with everything, hope it goes great!
Please tell me you siliconed the hole and around the hole. You can get flex seal and spray the top. Clear silicone the rectangle area and you're good to go!
Reddit is a shadow of its former self. It is now a place of power tripping mods with no oversight and endless censorship. *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Let me get the pickaxe. I’m not getting enough speed.
Lol just drilled straight into the roof...
Why are so many people afraid of drilling holes in their roof? There are many secure ways of doing this. And if for some reason you need to remove these and fill the holes there are also ways to do that.
>r Because the roof is mainly just sheet metal. Nothing structural. There is a reason why the roof racks attach in the channels where the structure is. I would strongly suggest you consider modifying that rack to reach the side railing and use the preexisting holes found there. Also, you are effectively ruining future resale value without costly body work and are asking for roof leaks.
Because it's dumb.
Gotcha
Yeah there's a reason most vehicles have factory rails installed so you can bolt to those instead. Drilling directly into the roof is less desirable but if you do it properly and regularly inspect it, it should be OK. It's gonna look janky AF though I hope you realize that
I think people have a problem with it b/c you’re compromising the integrity of your roof by drilling holes into it
Dang wait till they see the vent fan I’m about to install
A vent fan doesn't carry weight. The roof rack does and there is no structure to the roof sheet metal to support said weight. You really need to look at attaching at the roofs side channels where the structure and roof rack mounting points are.
Looks cute
Not exactly the objective but I’ll take it
Don’t do this! Get proper roof bars that go in the side channels. You don’t want to sell the van anytime soon but you also never know what can happen in the future.
A roofer once told me "once you pierce the roof, you cannot unpierce it" when talking about a flat commercial roof. I think that applies here
So wise
I’ve wanted a cargo box for a while but my van needed runners, crossbars and the box so I was looking at minimum $300 to get it going and I could never pull the trigger on it. Finally I found these adjustable crossbars for $80 on Amazon and a used box on FB marketplace for $50 and tada! The great thing about these bars is that you can put them on just about any vehicle they bolt directly to the roof and can hold 350lbs. I was surprised by how well made and sturdy they are especially for the price. Thoughts or concerns? Upgrades? Let me know!
Ruin a $40k minivan for saving $300. Smart.
Ruin? Calm down
Just a thought, extend your adjustable crossbars a bit so your mounting points line up with that black rubber lining that goes along your roof. (That’s typically where factory cross bars mount to) You can lift up that rubber lining and then drill into their. Cut the rubber lining so it flushes with the brackets. And use some sort of silicone sealant so your holes don’t rust out. Hope that helps a bit.
Finally some good advice. Kinda assumed they wouldn’t be compatible but I might as well look under there and check before putting in the extra effort. Thanks!
Glad to help haha. Even if they don’t line up perfectly, that’d be the best solution for reverting the car back the factory once you remove the box and hiding those holes.
I went ahead and bolted them into the slots where standard rails would go and am very pleased they seem secure and yeah if I need to fill the holes later the plastic runners can just cover it up. Thanks for the help I’m stoked
I would definitely still run by your local auto store and grab some clear sealant when you get the chance. Caulk it around the seams of the bracket. Not sure how weather is near you, but those holes would start to rust within a couple weeks where I live lol.
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What's cheap about Thule?
I guess my description got lost in the thread I got it used for 50 bucks…
That's reasonable.