Roof Rails/Roof Bars

[One Foot in the Gravy]

Hi all,

So I want to install some roof rails (that run from to back) on my Terrano. I have seen various ones for sale online (from breakers mostly) but I'm not sure how to attach them? There don't look to be any mounting points on the roof, so is it a case of drilling holes and bolting them on from the inside?

Thanks

 

[solarman216]

The accepted method is to drill the roof in the correct places and install "rivnuts" (excuse spelling) these are inserted and expanded into the roof supports below the roof skin, I think I have some you can have but I do not have the tool to insert them, never did but made something to do the job but forget what I made so up to you? cost of postage is all I ask as otherwise they will eventually be binned, Rick

 

[One Foot in the Gravy]

Thanks, I just googled 'rivnuts' and I see what you mean. Thanks for the offer, but I don't think I'm ingenious enough to attach those without the right tool! I'll have to look into if I can hire one?

Any tips on drilling the roof without puncturing the liner?

 

[Fez_uk]

Don't terranos with original roof racks secure through the roof then into some bracing underneath?

Not just straight into the roof, Riv nuts will work but not sure if they will have the same rating capacity as one thats original.

 

[solarman216]

Yes exactly, the hole made in the roof skin is large enough to pass the whole rivnut through into the smaller hole drilled into the roof support bar, that is why it is crucial to get them spot on or you will be too near the edge of the roof bar, they work well but make sure too use plenty of none setting mastic, Rick

 

[One Foot in the Gravy]

So I would have to drill holes in the roof exactly over holes in the anchor points below?

Does anyone have the diagram or measurements for this? It doesn't sound like something I can eye-ball.

 

[Fez_uk]

If it was me I'd take the roof liner off inside and have a look. Could even have a peak without having to take it all out.

 

[solarman216]

So I would have to drill holes in the roof exactly over holes in the anchor points below?

Does anyone have the diagram or measurements for this? It doesn't sound like something I can eye-ball.

No there are no pre drilled holes in the support bars you need to use a small drill say 3mm through the roof and if you have chosen the correct spot then through the support bar, then drill the size hole for the nut fixing through both then drill the larger hole in the roof skin for the whole nut to pass through, it is not difficult to position the bars just get the contours of the base plates to fit the shape of the roof, at worst you can only be 15 or so mm out, if you have access to another T2 with bars on makes it a bit easier, but not essential, Rick

 

[Wallace]

I have a set of original Nissan roof bars from my Terrano I forgot about. (somewhere!)

Link to thread.