Replacement rubber strips for OEM cross members / roof rack

[VX KAT]

I tried every one of the sources Dub listed, and came up empty.

Noticed the seller of an OEM VX roof rack currently on ebay mentioned that his rack was missing a rubber strip, but that they were easily replaced. So I asked him where....he suggested I try "etrailer.com" for replacement rubber strips.

Thule has a couple different ones that are really similar looking.

Check this out! We may have a winner...I'm waiting on some dimensions.

[tjh]

maybe one of these

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...853354406.html

http://www.mcmaster.com/#bulb-seal-w...ipping/=dka9t5

and maybe something here.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/weatherstri...3813j1s17.jcwx

[VX KAT]

I ordered 2 different Thule replacement rubber strips....we'll see if they fit...or can be made to fit....

[VX KAT]

I ordered 2 different Thule replacement rubber strips....we'll see if they fit...or can be made to fit....

Here's the rubber strip I got from Thule. (I actually got 3 different ones, but they're all the same size)
They looked soooooo close and would work if I could get the 2 feet to stay in the track, .

The "feet" on the Thule strips are just a little further apart and prevents them from staying in the track, and they cause the strip to just pop out.

• What about heating them up/softening them and then get them in track??

• What about cutting part of one "foot" to reduce the width a little, but still enough to keep it in the track?

Looking for suggestions and ideas on how to get these to work....


The OEM is in the channel, Thule on top.




TRYING TO PUSH THULE INTO TRACK....JUST TOO SNUG....





THULE ON BOTTOM, OEM SITTING ON TOP

[Cobrajet]

My only suggestion would not be easy. Trim the edges of the feet to match the contour of the rail. If there was some way to create a fixture to pass the strip through to trim each side evenly (like a router attachment) you could get a nice snug fit. The other option is to trim the rail for the wider strip.

Attachment 1481

[VX KAT]

My only suggestion would not be easy. Trim the edges of the feet to match the contour of the rail. If there was some way to create a fixture to pass the strip through to trim each side evenly (like a router attachment) you could get a nice snug fit. The other option is to trim the rail for the wider strip.

Attachment 1481

Hey Cobrajet, thanks....been thinking and playing with that idea...decided to take my super sharp, super small little Spyderco knife and slice that area you highlighted in red. It allows the neck to be "thinner" because it allows the feet to squeeze closer together, thus fitting in the channel nice and securely.

So far I did just one side (on my little 3" piece) and it's staying in the channel properly, and the mushroom cap is almost completely flush on the bars.
If it pops out, I think doing the same on the other side would make it a sure thing! It takes forever, but it can be done!

Success!!!!!! YAH!!

Thanks for the idea!

Hey Osteo....this means your rack will be ready this week!


The OEM piece is behind the new one.
I tweaked contrast so the black details can be seen.