OK, as a DIY, I am as handy as the next guy but this accessory is a major frustration.
Save some bucks and not have the dealership put it on I say. (The AV didn't come with it.)
I order and it comes in. Looks easy and I have installed them on other vehicles before.
This one gets ***** (5 Stars) for frustration. Those *&^%! well nuts are a pain. The idea is you drill the holes with the supplied 9mm bit, put a well nut in, put a special tool on it and torque it until it hits 65ft/lbs. The nut expands inside of the roof and grabs it with the sides.
AKK PFFT!! Drill all the holes on one side. (First mistake.) Drill only 1-2 at a time so if you hose up you only have to get a few repaired. What if it rains? Sky clouds up.
I spend about 4 hours on one side. #3 from the front will NOT engage and will not come off. AHHEEE Panic sets in.
It gets dark. #3 finally works. Since the bolts are out that means rain will go through if it rains. Tape holes shut.
Start next morning. &^% #3 on that side causes trouble.Get the trick. You have to push hard to make it work but not too hard to dimple the roof.
I think they wanted to charge 1-2 hours shop time. It would have been worth it but they wanted retail for the rack.
Tools: **-*** (2-3) Hand tools work but 18v drill driver works better. If you are drilling one hole and putting the nut in directly 2 drill drivers make it easier.
Anxiety: ***** (5) Drilling though a roof will increase the PF!
Skill: **-***** (2 and 5) Everything else is a 2. The template makes it easy. Installing the well nuts is a 5.
Tip: If you want to keep the metal shaving from drilling from the door rubber, tape it up with blue low tack painter's masking tape. Don't forget to also tape the crack at the window and sail. Makes cleanup easier.
Tip: Use automotive grade silicone sealant AROUND the wellnuts and the roof to help the worry about leaks. There is a small amount of anti-corrosive/leak stopper on the underside of the well nut but it is easily damaged during installation. The bolts have sealant on them. Do not seal around the plastic bottom "caps" at the attachment points. There are drains there to get rid of water and you will clog them up.
Save some bucks and not have the dealership put it on I say. (The AV didn't come with it.)
I order and it comes in. Looks easy and I have installed them on other vehicles before.
This one gets ***** (5 Stars) for frustration. Those *&^%! well nuts are a pain. The idea is you drill the holes with the supplied 9mm bit, put a well nut in, put a special tool on it and torque it until it hits 65ft/lbs. The nut expands inside of the roof and grabs it with the sides.
AKK PFFT!! Drill all the holes on one side. (First mistake.) Drill only 1-2 at a time so if you hose up you only have to get a few repaired. What if it rains? Sky clouds up.
I spend about 4 hours on one side. #3 from the front will NOT engage and will not come off. AHHEEE Panic sets in.
It gets dark. #3 finally works. Since the bolts are out that means rain will go through if it rains. Tape holes shut.Start next morning. &^% #3 on that side causes trouble.
Get the trick. You have to push hard to make it work but not too hard to dimple the roof.I think they wanted to charge 1-2 hours shop time. It would have been worth it but they wanted retail for the rack.
Tools: **-*** (2-3) Hand tools work but 18v drill driver works better. If you are drilling one hole and putting the nut in directly 2 drill drivers make it easier.
Anxiety: ***** (5) Drilling though a roof will increase the PF!
Skill: **-***** (2 and 5) Everything else is a 2. The template makes it easy. Installing the well nuts is a 5.
Tip: If you want to keep the metal shaving from drilling from the door rubber, tape it up with blue low tack painter's masking tape. Don't forget to also tape the crack at the window and sail. Makes cleanup easier.
Tip: Use automotive grade silicone sealant AROUND the wellnuts and the roof to help the worry about leaks. There is a small amount of anti-corrosive/leak stopper on the underside of the well nut but it is easily damaged during installation. The bolts have sealant on them. Do not seal around the plastic bottom "caps" at the attachment points. There are drains there to get rid of water and you will clog them up.
)
Use a long 1/2" boxed end to hold the well nut tool. I used to work in a truck body and paint shop so I am familiar with well nuts (we used to call them Riv Nuts)