So I installed the Mini roof rack to my MCS, but removed a tad too much molding in two places (one on each side). The amount is almost 1/4". In retrospect, seems like a stupid mistake that I'd never make again, but anyway... So, a couple of questions. How bad is it? The reason I ask is because even the place where it's just right, there is just a tad bit of a hole, triangular shaped because the removed section is square (the directions even stress to make it squared) but the part that goes in there is angled a bit. I saw a couple at the dealership this past weekend and both are the same as mine (in the areas where I did it "right"). I can't be sure they were done by a dealer of course as both were used models. So, since it's not completely water-tight anyway, how bad is this? The better question is what does it look like in that area if you totally remove the trim? So I know where water is going if it gets in there.

The other question is how hard is it to replace the trim? I've seen where the trim costs something like $60 a side, and that at least one person paid a total of $400 to a dealer for the part(s) and labor. What does it take to do it myself if I buy the part? I won't break the bank at $120, but another $280 for labor?

Lastly, I'm considering using a tad bit of silicone sealant--the kind at hardware stores for the exterior of a house--but not sure if it might react with paint in the area.

Another lastly, how practical is it to remove the roof rack occasionally? There are directions to do it, and I think it says to do that before sending it through a car wash, but if you do that regularly, does the part or the area of the car start to wear away or become too worn? I'm even wondering about removing it every Sunday and leaving it off for the week, and putting it on Saturday morning to go ride my mountain bike.

Thanks,
Mike Todd

 

I'm waiting for directions on how to replace the gutter/moldings. It is not in the Bentley manual. Hope someone can direct you (and me).


If I were caulking on my car, I'd think about using black RTV sealant it sticks, but don't know what it does to paint.

 

Another question. The front rail has three plastic things under it. They are affixed with some kind of adhesive. Anyone know what they are?
Thanks,
Mike Todd