I was unaware there were different versions. how's the flush rail work with something like a roof carrier (bike) or a roof basket?
You have loop/hooks built in to the actual roof-rack from front and sides. The sliding rail also has loops on it's underside. I've not mounted a bike carrier up there, since I have a hitch I have a slide in bike carrier I use back there. I do however use the rail when I put the X-Cargo roof carrier up there, and it works fine. I slide it back and lock it (it has single chrome tabs that you lift up on the outer edges that release it and lock it) behind the carrier, and set the carrier on the roof and tie off front and rear.
When not in use, the single rail stows up just behind the Vista roof, and I think it looks a lot smoother than the tall rails. Just my 2-cents!
-Mike
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92cappy
Posts : 332 Join date : 2011-09-29 Location : Silver Spring MD
The later version has thumb screws, and trapped fasteners. The earlier ones use a different type of fastener. You will have to remove the stops at the rear of the side channels to inserrt the old version. Be careful no to rip the nutserts out of the roof while turning the screws.
jimbeau
Posts : 1181 Join date : 2010-06-25 Location : Detroit
Wow, that flush rail looks tons sexier than the other.
Agreed!
Before
After
And to remove the old rails and install the new one you just have to remove two little caps toward the rear of the rack. There is one torx screw holding each. I've had no leak issues, but if you are concerned you could put a little silicone on the threads when you screw them back down. I honestly thought the screws just went into the rack itself and not the actual roof of the car. They are small and not terribly long.
I LOVE the flush rail. The only reason I could see going with the tall rails is if you were mounting a ski or bike carrier, they might be easier. My guess is GM went to the tall rails because they were a lot cheaper to make the the brushed metal and chromed single rail, which is a pretty hefty piece.
The way the rail locks and unlocks itself is pretty neat too, just flip up the chrome flaps and it's free, no twist screws. Pretty cool.
I know sometimes your chome up north gets pitted, so if you folks want me to look for these rails when I go yarding, let me know. Glad to grab good ones if needed.
Oh and I'm not positive, but I THINK the single rail on the Custom Cruisers was black instead of chrome. Any Cruiser owner's know for sure?
-Mike
COL
Posts : 634 Join date : 2012-03-04 Age : 77 Location : Lincoln City Oregon
Mike, I just got a low miles OCC (51,000) that had the black low rack. My Cruser is dark blue so I replaced it with a chrome one. I think it looks better. Dick
Fred Kiehl
Posts : 7290 Join date : 2009-11-13 Age : 76 Location : Largo, FL 33774
Subject: Re: Roadmaster Roof Rack cross bars Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:15 am
The OEMs for the OCCs are black. I think they look nice, and can be repainted if they get faded. I put a chrome one on the White Elephant, and changed it back to the black one, because I think it looks better.
Sprocket
Posts : 6141 Join date : 2008-11-04 Location : Palm Beach County
Subject: Re: Roadmaster Roof Rack cross bars Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:54 am
save the black one they are hard to come by.
The TBI ones suck if you want to carry a surfboard or kayak though. The LT1 version 'basket handles' (as NC Jon calls 'em) ride higher and give you clearence over the vista roof for longer items.
I'd advise getting a set of each
81X11
Posts : 9876 Join date : 2010-06-23 Age : 50 Location : Round Rock Texas
Mike, I just got a low miles OCC (51,000) that had the black low rack. My Cruser is dark blue so I replaced it with a chrome one. I think it looks better.
Dick
That looks sharp next to the blue paint. I like the chrome on these cars but to each his own!
-Mike
jasonlachapelle
Posts : 1160 Join date : 2011-01-24 Age : 41 Location : CFB Bagotville, QC.
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