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Roof rack install

spidey

Full Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2012
Messages
686
Location
Alberta
When I bought my truck new, I got it without the roof rack.  I got every other thing I wanted for towing, the painted sails, etc.  Years later I see Avys with the roof rack and like the look and as well, the option to use it for an actual roof rack

How hard are these to install if I got an actual Chevy one.  Or am I missing something obvious and theres more to it than that

I have a 2012 LT
 
Check older threads...

I show bunch of pics...

but ya have to drill holes in the roof which is hard (scary) part.

PIcs in my albu as well.

224593MVC-474F.JPG


 
I think there are old threads where some members installed the rack for the Cadillac EXT too instead of AV one..not sure if mounting holes would be the same though.
 
I installed one on mine. Bought a used rack on ebay that was in great condition. You'll need to put the rack on the roof where you want it, and mark the holes. You'll need some well nuts, well nut tool, silicon and screws. Drill the holes and be careful not to go into the second layer of metal, or you'll have a leak.

Check out this thread...https://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?topic=5897.0
 
old skool said:
I installed one on mine. Bought a used rack on ebay that was in great condition. You'll need to put the rack on the roof where you want it, and mark the holes. You'll need some well nuts, well nut tool, silicon and screws. Drill the holes and be careful not to go into the second layer of metal, or you'll have a leak.

Check out this thread...https://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?topic=5897.0

And that solves that, wont be doing it now, with me thats something wrong waiting to happen
 
I drilled thru second layer as seen in the pic in my post I have has no issues and it rains here in south and has been over 15 years of rain.

Drill holes
install well nuts properly
I wiped silicone sealant around well nuts to seal them to roof.
Ensure boltes you use are also coated with sealant so any water that runs down thread is stopped.

Easy peasy...

drilling holes will make you pucker a bit though....
 
The original trucks did not come with the roof racks installed and had to be done at the dealer. Not sure when they started to install them at the factory.
 
redheadedrod said:
.... Not sure when they started to install them at the factory.
2003 since dealers screwed them up and caused rust issues
 
ygmn said:
I drilled thru second layer as seen in the pic in my post I have has no issues and it rains here in south and has been over 15 years of rain.

Guess I should have said, measure the length of the wellnut, and then make a mark on your drill bit at the same length, and go no deeper than that.
 
old skool said:
Guess I should have said, measure the length of the wellnut, and then make a mark on your drill bit at the same length, and go no deeper than that.
Agree and that is what I did.
I think it was 9mm drill bit.

instruction with rack were pretty good to explain it all and I saved them in my ALBUM
 
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