So my roof rack is getting delivered today and I have read a couple diy write ups on the install. I cannot find the rubber pieces to remove at all I have even measured exactly on where they should be and don't see any perforated piece. Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

Maybe this will help.
Locate the four roof rack attachment points, two on each side of the roof, in the rubber strip at the edge of the roof just above the side windows. Insert the edge of the flat fitting aid that came with your roof rack installation kit in between the rubber strip and the painted portion of the roof at one of the attachment points.

 

When I did this on my wife's Clubman I had trouble finding them initially. If you get into the right area and insert the flat thing or the edge of a credit card and slide gently side to side you should be able to find the gaping hole that hides under the trim at the right place. Once you find the hole you will see the perforations, at least that is how it was for me.

 

Try this step by step
http://turn17.com/?p=261

 

Got it on now I just need to find a fairing and surfboard attachment.

 

So I guess it all worked out for you.

 

yep thanks

 

I found a diy and measured exactly and took the tweezers and hoped for the best and indeed it was perforated just was not visible.

 

timely thread - I just got mine over the holiday but haven't installed it yet. Need to get to that soon.

 

got mine on over the weekend. Rather nice system, IMHO!

 

I used a Thule fairing for mine with the OEM rack. Because the rack mounts further back than the Thule rack I had to modify the fairing mounts a bit. Not bad though. I cut the mounts at the hinge points and added about a 4" straight bracket I found at the local hardware store. Painted them black to match. It looked good and cleared the sunroof.

 

has anybody mounted Thule bike carries to the OEM rack?

I got the ski rack on using the Fat Mouth Clamp brackets. Now need to figure out how to get one of my Thule bike racks on there - I have the tray style mounts.

 

I mounted two echelon trays on mine. I used the two bolts on the front and simplified the rear by drilling a hole and mounted T bolt with Thule quick ****. Worked great. One thing was that the T bolts from Thule were a bit small for the channel in the OEM rack. I bought larger washers to keep the T bolts in place.

 

good tips - thanks! sounds like I can figure something out there fairly easily then. cool!

 

You're welcome! Good luck.