I had SpiderX's factory roof rack removed and the roof put back to normal.....for those of you who don't know the factory roof requires drilling and installing studs to fasten to roof to...... the body shop also fixed the "rust" problem. when i picked up the car there was a strong chemical smell...paint shop smells..... sweet like bondo or fiberglass or some other body filler maybe paint...... that was two weeks ago.... the smell has faded but is still there coming out of the vents....and is not pleasant.... the top does not smell and the under the hood nothing smells and the door sills do not smell...... could the filter need replacement?

any ideas?

 

No doubt, the organic compounds (carcinogenic in most cases) in the paint and glazing compunds have saturated the ventilation filter. Replacing the filter will certainly help, but I would also leave the fan on high with the windows down for the next few weeks whenever you're driving.

 

just got back from the dealer and they were familiar with the problem..... changed the filter and the smell is gone..... thanks

 

So you had the mounting hardware removed and filled over? Wow. I guess that means you weren’t happy with just detaching the rack and using the caps to cover the hardware. I'm curious because I was planning on ordering the rack and keeping it caped most of the time. I don't know if they have the caps in black though (PS/B MCS). I've heard they only came in white but I thought I could maybe paint them black or something if not. Was yours mounted by the dealer?

 

good to hear you go the smell fixed.

may we see a pict of what your rail looks like now after the rust problem fix?

 

phase IV:

The roof mount caps do come in black. I'm doing just what you plan on- using the rack occasionally and capping the mounts most of the time. Works fine, but just make sure they're snug after you wash the car; I've lost several that way and bought replacements.

 

Thanks, that's good news.

 

Indeed mine is black and I got tired of them falling off...... I think the heat in Atlanta expanded them and they kept coming off..... I got tired of the Frankenstien look....... I also have an Xterra with an internal bike rack and kayak racks on the top...... when the "Traveler" comes out I will be very interested.

 

I will try to post pictures on Monday.... thanks...that smell was giving me an instant headache...... everthig is normal now.....I have no idea how those body shop guys survive

 

How about a before (w/caps?) & after?