Roof Bars

[aglinks]

My suburban had factory roof bars on it when I got it and they appeared to be in good shape. I threw a Thule rack on top and took it elk hunting and the rack broke literally on day one. I had ~60-70lb up there and the screws holding it down pulled straight out and the plastic broke. Were the bars supposed to just be held on with sheet metal screws??

 

[runamok151]

That's surprising. I had a thule rack on my blazer, too. I've had two dozen pressure treated 4x4s up there once w/ out a problem. Mine was the kind that clamped to the rain gutter above the front doors and there was a metal bracket I mounted on the rear shell that provided the same kind of lip.

 

[diesel4me]

Most roof racks used rubber plugs with threaded brass inserts called "Well Nuts" to hold them to the roof..the rubber expands when the screws are tightened,making a waterproof and strong fastening method..

 

[aglinks]

Most roof racks used rubber plugs with threaded brass inserts called "Well Nuts" to hold them to the roof..the rubber expands when the screws are tightened,making a waterproof and strong fastening method..

Do you know of any instructions that I could follow to re-install my rack with those?

 

[frankin5]

Measure the hole size in roof, go to Lowe's and get new ones. Set the rubber part in roof, set rack over rubber parts and insert screws. Tighten down to expand the rubber to hold rack.

 

[aglinks]

Measure the hole size in roof, go to Lowe's and get new ones. Set the rubber part in roof, set rack over rubber parts and insert screws. Tighten down to expand the rubber to hold rack.

That makes sense lol.The hole size is tiny. It was literally held on with tiny sheet metal screws. I may need to open the holes up a bit.

 

[frankin5]

Careful you don't drill to deep.

 

[aglinks]

Does anyone know the size Well Nut originally used?

 

[frankin5]

My rear air deflector had 3/8" dia well nuts. I have no idea for a roof rack!!!!

 

[aglinks]

Looks like a #10-24 is what fits through the holes on the rack. Does anyone know where I can get replacement parts for the rack? One of the feet broke when it came loose on me.

 

[diesel4me]

Salvage yard is probably the only source for a roof rack or parts..

The Well Nuts I sold most often fit in a 1/2" hole and had brass inserts for a 1/4 x20 screw or bolt...
There are other things called "Rivet-Nuts" that are installed similar to a pop rivet,but they have a threaded hole in the center and are all metal...one of those will resist pulling out a lot more than the rubber well nuts,but for most purposes the well nuts are plenty strong enough..

 

[aglinks]

Salvage yard is probably the only source for a roof rack or parts..

The Well Nuts I sold most often fit in a 1/2" hole and had brass inserts for a 1/4 x20 screw or bolt...
There are other things called "Rivet-Nuts" that are installed similar to a pop rivet,but they have a threaded hole in the center and are all metal...one of those will resist pulling out a lot more than the rubber well nuts,but for most purposes the well nuts are plenty strong enough..

View attachment 238986

I just ordered some Well Nuts from Amazon. I dont have a local Lowe's and Home Depot doesnt have them. I will get them installed and hunt for a replacement middle support bracket. Thanks for your help!

 

[rampage]

10-24 isn't that big. Hope you don't plan on putting a lot of weight up there.

 

[aglinks]

10-24 isn't that big. Hope you don't plan on putting a lot of weight up there.

Well its the largest bolt that fits through the holes on the rack support footer. I could drill it out larger, but not sure thats the smartest.

 

[aglinks]

10-24 is the only size that fits through the middle supports, 1/4-20 fits through the front and back supports so I ordered both sizes. Once everything comes in I will install and see what happens.

 

[heavy iron]

Salvage yard is probably the only source for a roof rack or parts..

The Well Nuts I sold most often fit in a 1/2" hole and had brass inserts for a 1/4 x20 screw or bolt...
There are other things called "Rivet-Nuts" that are installed similar to a pop rivet,but they have a threaded hole in the center and are all metal...one of those will resist pulling out a lot more than the rubber well nuts,but for most purposes the well nuts are plenty strong enough..

View attachment 238986

 

[heavy iron]

Yup that's what I did and put 2000 Jeep Cherokee racks on mine but I'm going back for a nother sett goes they are a little too short so I'll end up with three bars the end of them are plastic pull one end off and connect the too to any size you want

 

[aglinks]

Roof rack is now installed with well nuts. The drill pulled in one spot and went through my pristine headliner so now I am super bummed.

 

[diesel4me]

Add another dome light there and you'll never know there's a hole!.....

You can use a shaft collar on a drill bit or hole saw to prevent it from going too deep...they look like this -you can buy them at most hardware stores,home depot,etc...(too late now though.. )