OEM Roof Cross Bars and the RUBBER STRIP!

[pdxrealtor]

What the hell am I doing wrong here?

I don't see how it's possible to insert the rubber strip that goes across the top of the cross bar...

Can someone give me some tips??

[Luv2Camp]

If you spray the back side with some wd40 (around the rubber area that has the groves, you can start at one end and slide the strip all the way across to the other side. If you have any spots that stick up, you can hit it down with a rubber hammer but should have no issues sliding the way I just described. If you do not want to use WD40, you can also use a little dish detergent in warm water. If you can soak the strips in hot water as well it will help make them more plyable

[Olfart]

Originally Posted by Luv2Camp

If you spray the back side with some wd40 (around the rubber area that has the groves, you can start at one end and slide the strip all the way across to the other side. If you have any spots that stick up, you can hit it down with a rubber hammer but should have no issues sliding the way I just described. If you do not want to use WD40, you can also use a little dish detergent in warm water. If you can soak the strips in hot water as well it will help make them more plyable

Might want to try Silicone Spray instead of WD-40 which can damage rubber parts

[pdxrealtor]

Thanks. I tried soap and water and that helps but not enough to get the strip all the way through.

Does anyone just leave the strips out??

[SmokeyJoe]

I just did 5 this past weekend. Some went easy, while others were difficult. I sanded the bar down with some 200grit. Then, since it was cold I soaked the in hot water soapy water. I put some soap directly on the bar, and with a spray bottle kept it wet. All but one slid one, after I got it about half way I had to lift the one end about 8 inches and pull it the rest on the way. Then I pushed and beat the leftover 8 inches with an rubber mallet.

Good Luck.

[pdxrealtor]

Originally Posted by SmokeyJoe

I just did 5 this past weekend. Some went easy, while others were difficult. I sanded the bar down with some 200grit. Then, since it was cold I soaked the in hot water soapy water. I put some soap directly on the bar, and with a spray bottle kept it wet. All but one slid one, after I got it about half way I had to lift the one end about 8 inches and pull it the rest on the way. Then I pushed and beat the leftover 8 inches with an rubber mallet.

Good Luck.

Thanks.... I just gave up.

If it is that much of a pain when the bars are on my saw horses there's no way I'm dealing with it while they're on my roof.

Maybe one day when I get board I'll pull them out and mess with them!

[OrangeCrush]

Patience, all it takes is a little patience....


....and a whole lot of cussing.



Mark

[pdxrealtor]

I've only got one of those two qualities....

[OrangeCrush]

[Crush'em]

Bought new rubber strips for my roof rails last week, left the strips in the sun for about an hour, sprayed soapy water on the rails, and they slid all the way on, easy-pleasie