Roof Rack scratching roof "fix" - Diesel Forum

BadAndy · 04-21-2003, 02:57 PM

Well, Ford finally has a "fix" for their racks scratching the roofs of our Xs. Now I say that lightly because their "fix" is comprised of attaching a soft rubber pad to the bottom of the racks so the new "soft" rubber rubs on the roof and not the rack. Even more than before! This is covered by an official TSB. You can ask your dealer, but IMHO - It ain't worth the trouble.

They reinstalled them, now I have to take them off again. I was getting somewhat excited that they may actually had a fix for them instead what I got was a half-baked band-aid. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Go figure.

-Andy

dmftoy1 · 04-21-2003, 03:07 PM

I've got the rubber pads and they don't work . .I had minor scuffing on one of mine when I took it off.

Regards,
Dave

AJ'sDad · 04-21-2003, 04:17 PM

Even if, magically, the factory rack didn't do any damage to the paint, I can't attach my carrier to it because it wraps AROUND the cross bars. I love my truck, but I'm really starting to dislike Ford.

MotionMan · 04-21-2003, 04:31 PM

I also have the rubber pads and it still scratches. It is not so much the rail hitting the top that scratches but the dirt that gets between the roof and the rail, even a pad cannot stop that. I just ordered the Thule feet and bar for the above mentioned reason that you NEED to be able to wrap around the bar to secure anything you want to have up there when you get home. I have now ruined any chance of a parking ramp and most garages (except mine) Now I need to make a sign that says: Any damage caused by a low garage or ramp is coming out of your hide..this is your only warning that this truck is too tall and will damage the roof (and your face) if it gets hit. and place it on the speedo for all to see.

BadAndy · 04-22-2003, 10:12 AM

I hear ya all. I told the dealer that and just shook my head. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

I don't know what those guys are smokin' [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]????
I could guess. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

-Andy

CHPMustang · 04-22-2003, 01:07 PM

Doesn't sound like much of a fix but as mentioned a band aid for the null minded owner which most of us are not [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

rock_doctor · 04-22-2003, 06:59 PM

I was thinking about going into the local home improvement store and getting a roll of tape for Tyvek. Tyvek is the wind barrier you put between the siding and the plywood on a house. You are supposed to tape the seams with a plastic tape similar to electrical tape except that it is 2 inches wide. I though maybe run it down each raised section on the roof. Then the rubber on the rack will rub on the tape and not touch the paint. Can anybody think of a down side?

mark [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

AJ'sDad · 04-23-2003, 02:28 PM

The Tyvek could get dust under it and rub on the paint.

With the crossbars pressing as tightly as they do, I don't think there is anything, no matter how soft, that could stop the rubbing.

rock_doctor · 04-23-2003, 06:45 PM

Not the tyvek... I was talking about the plastic tape you use to seal the seams. It's like electrical tape but thicker and wider. I was thinking about running it down the ribs on the roof. So the bars from the roof rack would rub on the tape not the paint.

mark

dmftoy1 · 04-24-2003, 06:16 AM

I think that would work, but it would be a maintenance item. As long as you checked/reapplied the tape regularly you'd probably be in good shape. (like once a year)

AJ'sDad · 04-24-2003, 11:09 AM

That sounds like it would work if you're willing to stay after it.

nogm4me · 04-28-2003, 08:10 PM

Took ours off after purchase 2 yrs. ago. No scratches!

jnomura · 04-29-2003, 02:58 PM

Well after hearing about the rubber pad 'non-fix' I went ahead to find my own solution. I don't necessarily recomend everone go out and do this as there is a risk of damaging the cross piece.

Here is what I did;
After looking at the design awhile I decided that Ford specified the Bow in the cross member incorrectly and is stuck with a ton of them (I just can't see any other reason Ford would actually tell you in the manual not to slide the cross members or paint damage may occur).
So I Removed the cross pieces and check them (upside down) and found that the center crown could be higher without increasing the total hieght of the truck by about 3/8". So I took my 12 ton pipe bender a few pieces of wood (to protect the finish) and increased the bow in the cross pieces (a lot of trial and error as they are springy) by 3/8".
I then prayed that the mounting slides would still work and they did.
Slid the cross bars back in place and now the cross members clear the roof by equal amounts all the way across (about 3/8") instead of touching in the center 2 locations. If one uses a large span and a wide support between the press and the cross member while bending, the risk of 'kinking' the cross member is reduced and a nice even bow can be made.

I noticed that the cross member has a 'T' slot on the top. I believe the intention is to attach accessories using the 'T' slot insted of the wrap around clamps.
Jim