Removing roof rails from '02 WRX Wagon
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Removing roof rails from '02 WRX Wagon
I don't plan on putting bikes, cargo containers or ski's topside. The lovely Gray WRX Wagon might look better without them! They add wind resistance and radar return surface area.
Two things prompt me to ask you all for insight & experience.
1> I asked the dealer to take them off and he said, "No, then you'll have holes in your roof." {I almost laughed, but he's been a good dealer --JOHN&PHIL'S in Corvallis, OR-- }
2a> I started to take them off and realized the torx weren't meant to bear as much force as would be required to remove them [probably just locktite].
2b> They're not torx, I was stupid and started the destruction process on one of the petite hex heads[ should still be okay, no permanent damage, started to round inner edges, but should be okay with a 100% dedicated attempt to permanently remove.]
Has anyone done this?
Is there something clever to do to plug the holes?
Is there some subtle reason to leave these things on that I'm missing?
Thanks,
FlashLightHead
Two things prompt me to ask you all for insight & experience.
1> I asked the dealer to take them off and he said, "No, then you'll have holes in your roof." {I almost laughed, but he's been a good dealer --JOHN&PHIL'S in Corvallis, OR-- }
2a> I started to take them off and realized the torx weren't meant to bear as much force as would be required to remove them [probably just locktite].
2b> They're not torx, I was stupid and started the destruction process on one of the petite hex heads[ should still be okay, no permanent damage, started to round inner edges, but should be okay with a 100% dedicated attempt to permanently remove.]
Has anyone done this?
Is there something clever to do to plug the holes?
Is there some subtle reason to leave these things on that I'm missing?
Thanks,
FlashLightHead
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fun project isn't it. What I did is order the canadian part that fill the rail hole left when taking them off. The roof rails are an option in canada. That would be the best way to get it done.. You really don't want to leave those holes up there unprotected they willl leak..
Mo
Mo
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Thanks
Thanks, Mo -
any favorite part supply houses in the Great North?
If you happen to have the p/n handy, I would still have fun converting to $CND's [ I do so enjoy the research phase...]
Just feeling lazy and rained on [ but keeping dry! ],
FlashLightHead
any favorite part supply houses in the Great North?
If you happen to have the p/n handy, I would still have fun converting to $CND's [ I do so enjoy the research phase...]
Just feeling lazy and rained on [ but keeping dry! ],
FlashLightHead
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 27
From: NY
Car Info: 02 WRB WRX WAGON
Whoa! Wait. That Canadian roof moulding won't do jack sh-- to prevent leak.
I took my racks off. It's a job, but worth it.
First you have to remove the headliner. That means you have to remove the visors, dome lights, pillars, etc. The headliner won't drop down if you don't. Then you can take out the bolts that hold the rack on.
Plug them, and silicone them. You DON'T want any moisture whatsoever coming through.
Then put everything back as you had it.
At that point, you can put the Canadian mouldings in to fill the space left from the roof rack, and old moulding.
If you want detailed instructions, PM me, and I will email them to you.
I took my racks off. It's a job, but worth it.
First you have to remove the headliner. That means you have to remove the visors, dome lights, pillars, etc. The headliner won't drop down if you don't. Then you can take out the bolts that hold the rack on.
Plug them, and silicone them. You DON'T want any moisture whatsoever coming through.
Then put everything back as you had it.
At that point, you can put the Canadian mouldings in to fill the space left from the roof rack, and old moulding.
If you want detailed instructions, PM me, and I will email them to you.
Guest
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Roof Rack Removal
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Thanks, guys!
Man, I'm glad I didn't start this project at 5:15 on a Monday morning thinking I could get it done before work.
Seriously, thanks for the references - planning and understanding what it'll take makes it oh so much easier. Reducing the number of trips to Ace/HomeDepot is very much appreciated.
I'm going to do this mod anyway!
MalakingTiti, please email me at phlashlitehead@yahoo.com if you don't mind fielding a few questions before and possibly during the mod!
Fotos to follow....
FlashLightHead
Seriously, thanks for the references - planning and understanding what it'll take makes it oh so much easier. Reducing the number of trips to Ace/HomeDepot is very much appreciated.
I'm going to do this mod anyway!
MalakingTiti, please email me at phlashlitehead@yahoo.com if you don't mind fielding a few questions before and possibly during the mod!
Fotos to follow....
FlashLightHead
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