I'm trying to figure out the best way to get a roof rack on my 83 GL wagon. I actually have the factory roof rack & rails, but would like something a bit more solid and lockable for bike carrying purposes.

 

Is there any way to mount Thule or Yakima cross bars to the factory rail slots in the roof?

 

If that doesn't work, are the rain gutter or Q towers a sturdier way to mount a rack?

One of the parts wagons I got a few years ago came with an older roof rack that mounts into the rain gutters. It's a pretty basic clip on sort of thing with round bars to mount whatever hardware you want to it. I suppose it could be modified to be lockable, but currently just uses thumb screws. I actually don't need it any longer since I don't have a wagon it fits. If you're ever near Springfield MO swing by and the whole setup is yours. 

The yakima 1A raingutter towers are very sturdy and lockable, I've had them on two cars now.  It's a much sturdier set-up than the factory mounts on my newer mazda wagon.

One of the parts wagons I got a few years ago came with an older roof rack that mounts into the rain gutters. It's a pretty basic clip on sort of thing with round bars to mount whatever hardware you want to it. I suppose it could be modified to be lockable, but currently just uses thumb screws. I actually don't need it any longer since I don't have a wagon it fits. If you're ever near Springfield MO swing by and the whole setup is yours. 

 

Haha, my parents just drove my car through Springfield MO a few weeks ago! There may be an opportunity to swing by in July, I'll keep you posted!

 

The yakima 1A raingutter towers are very sturdy and lockable, I've had them on two cars now.  It's a much sturdier set-up than the factory mounts on my newer mazda wagon.

 

Yeah, the rain gutter option looks good, but I still have the factory chrome trim on my rain gutters; need to look at those a bit closer I suppose

 Yeah, the rain gutter option looks good, but I still have the factory chrome trim on my rain gutters; need to look at those a bit closer I suppose

 

I don't know much about the difference in the Subarus, but my '89 DL wagon has some trim along the rain gutter.  The 1A tower did fit around it, but I had to line it up to miss the clips that hold the trim on, and it was still a tight fit.  However, they are on and very sturdy.

Update - I found that rain gutter mounts are definitely the best way to go on these cars. 

Yakima 1A towers are a slightly tighter fit and more finicky to fit than Thule 300, but both work equally well.

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Very solid.