Hi guys,

I just got a factory roof rack for my R53, with the install kit.

It all seems pretty self explanatory, but was wondering if anyone out there has done one and has any tips.

I obviously only want to do this one time!

Thanks!

 

How do you know where to drill? Does the kit come with some kinda template to place over the roof?

I don't know if it's mentioned in the instructions but don't forget to apply some touch up paint to the bare metal after drilling.

Good luck!

 

Yes, the kit comes with 4 paper templates.

 

I think using some kind of center punch will help keep the drill bit from wandering as you drill.

 

I had considered a self install for the roof rack also. Let us know how it goes.

 

As an owner of the factory rack system, in fact two of them, I have a few tips.

1. Measure twice and drill once
2. Center punch before you drill
3. Use a new sharp drill bit
4. Tape the surface before you drill
5. When drilling steel it is best to use moderate pressure and slow speed

Have you purchased the dealer install kit that includes the guide pin that fits into the nut welded to the roof frame? This will be used to guide the hole saw that makes the final hole perfectly concentric to the nut. Assuring that when the shoulder bolt is installed it will be perfectly aligned and there will be no rubbing on the skin of the roof.

Some touch up paint is a good idea, but the area is pretty well sealed by the gasket material that goes between the shoulder bolt and the roof skin.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

I love my roof rack. Incredible solid. As long as you connect the front and rear load bars together they ride quietly. If you don't they start to vibrate at about 25mph and do not stop until back down below that. Even just tying them together with rope or a strap will keep them quiet.

See photos here;
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/showphoto.php/photo/9984
http://www.mini2.com/galleries/showp...hp/photo/10149

 

Thanks Bilbo,

Yes I have the install kit with the templates and what I guess is the "guide pin". It's a threaded rod with a flathead slot.

Nice car. I have the Royal Grey/Silver JCW.

 

D&R wants $600 to install base of rack and said it might take two tries to put it on right. So we said NO!

 

My advice would be:

Return the factory roof rack!

Purchase the "Mini Do More" hitch:

http://www.minidomore.com/mini_coope...iler_hitch.php

Then you have all the flexibility in the word as to what type of thisngs you can put in it, for example a Thule bike rack etc...

Unless you are trying to hall Kayaks.

My $.02

My buddy has the rroof rack and hates it. When he removes it for good he has to bring the car to a body shop to get the holes filled and roof painted!

 

Bad for mileage as it increases wind resistance!

 

We have the factory rack and it is a fantastic accessory. Rock solid, no rattles or vibrations (as Bilbo experienced). Does add wind noise, but not unbearable. I chose to have the dealer install it as I didn't trust myself to get everything lined up right. You only have one chance -- if I screwed it up, it would be an expensive mistake, but if the dealer screwed it up, it would be their expensive mistake.

Plus the dealer had experience installing this, whereas I had none. Seemed worth it to me.

 

Here's one of the template papers. I need to get this on my car too but I don't wanna shell out the money for the dealer to put it on. They want to charge more than it cost to buy the rack itself! Any one do this already? I mean the hole drilling part. I can see where to line up the template for the back but the front ones are a little confusing...

 

Here is a link to the installation instructions I think you are looking for:

http://www.outmotoring.com/images/ho..._ROOFRACK2.pdf

I will be doing this install myself once I get the plug guage and the keyhole saw (not included in the rack kit). I will post results when complete.

 

How did things end up going ? im curious myself since I ordered my rack from out motoring.

 

I installed the factory rack from Outmotoring myself a couple of weeks ago. Its a wonderful rack and the installation took me about 3 hours going slowly. I did find that the templates are not that accurate but do get you in the ballpark. Don't worry because you can use a dremel to make adjustments. Once you have the hole(s) aligned so that the guide pin can be screwed in you're home free. The final hole size is 15mm but the hole saw provided in the kit (and which does a very nice job) is only 14mm so you need to open the holes up very slightly with the dremel.

I had a flexible metal rule (1 meter) which helped a lot in laying out the templates - take your time here and measure and adjust several times until you're happy with the placement.

Use a centre punch very lightly. The roof sheet metal distorts easily if you hit it too hard.

Tape off the area with masking tape to protect the paint during the process.

Once you are at the stage where you are fitting in the guide pin, take your time and do not try to force it. It can cross thread quite easily. Plus, it uses a slot head screwdriver (dumb imho) so be careful it doesn't slip and damage the paint.

Hope this helps and good luck. Its not that difficult. Oh, make sure you have a drill with a 1/2' chuck for the hole saw.

 

I drilled my roof a year ago. I'm glad I did as I can haul way more than any other rack. Install was fine. I just wish I used a bit more tape. Il see if I can find my pictures. I used a hole saw and my dremel. Don't hole punch to hard. Drill a small centering hole. Then use one of those stepped drills until you can screw in the post. If you are off center. Use the dremel to grind the hole bigger until you can get the post screwed in. Then hole saw. Piece o cake. I got sloppy with confidence at hole 5 and scratched my paint. Luckily it was small enough to fit under the cap. Use more tape than you think you need.

 

Here is an excellent thread by Bubbleboy on installing the roof rails on a Clubman. I'm sure it will help you in your endeavor.

Installing Roof Rails

 

after your holes are cut. I say cut as they are not drilled. screw in the studs using the shims and black silicone sealant. Make sure you shim enough to not dimple your roof.

then Haul heavy stuff. Do not try this with a clamp on roof rack. this one is rated at 150 lbs. but will easily take 200.