I've never bought a roof rack before and know nothing about them. I'm looking for suggestions that would allow me to carry a spare tire on the roof. I doubt that I'll need to carry much else up there.

 

Do I try junk yards for oem roof rails or can I just get some cross bars and maybe a cargo basket? I have a moon roof if it matters. I'm basically unsure about how to securely attach a rack to the flat rain gutter trim. TIA.

the hard points on the inside of the roof should be there already. you just need the rails, bolts and cross bars from a yard.the bad news is you have to get behind the head liner to mount it. maybe pick one of those as well if it is in good condition.

I'd find a used Thule rack if price is a big deal, otherwise you could always order a new one. The thule website is recommending the 400XT footpack and KIT67 clips. It may not be clear how to install a rack on a certain vehicle, but Thule designs everything to work with almost any vehicle, and everything I have ever used works quite well.

Edited February 11, 201115 yr by 93Newbaru

the hard points on the inside of the roof should be there already. you just need the rails, bolts and cross bars from a yard.the bad news is you have to get behind the head liner to mount it. maybe pick one of those as well if it is in good condition.

 

So the oem rails bolt through the roof? Could I re-use my headliner since it's in great condition or will it be ruined when peeling it back? I was hoping for something easier than this. Thanks.

 

I'd find a used Thule rack if price is a big deal, otherwise you could always order a new one. The thule website is recommending the 400XT footpack and KIT67 clips. It may not be clear how to install a rack on a certain vehicle, but Thule designs everything to work with almost any vehicle, and everything I have ever used works quite well.

 

I looked at the Thule site today and I see what you mean. They have base rails that attach to the gutter trim but they are pricey. A good option though. I'm gonna keep looking at cheap options for this old beater. If there are actual roof gutters under that trim, maybe I could remove the trim (needs paint anyway), attach universal gutter mounts and then cut the trim around them. It doesn't have to be perfect, just not fugly. Thanks.