Roof rails and cross bars

[Metro]

Hey all, new MDX owner, but active forum member on the BMW forums (e90post). Have tried searching for info on best buy for installing roof rails on our '08 Base model. Have been quoted from the dealership about $650 to install the rails and cross bars which actually seemed pretty reasonable to me. I'm not opposed to doing the install myself (sounds like a Dremel is a good tool to use), but wondered where people may have bought their roof rails/crossbars aside from the dealer. I'll be adding on a ski rack this winter and have heard that the Acura ski rack is kinda crappy. Anyone have any tips on where to buy the different parts and/or tips for the install? Thanks.

[StPeteAPB]

I bought my roof rails and crossbars on-line.
The rails were from Acura of Peoria ( I think via eBay.com ) for $209 incl. shipping.
The crossbars were from Amazon.com for $154 incl shipping.
I then installed it all myself - it wasn't that big of a deal, just took my time.

So, add that up and subtract it from what your dealer wants and you decide if it's worth that sort of labor charge for you. It wasn't, for me.

[ayu1nll]

I've bought the roof racks and running boards from this vendor and installed them. It was not that hard but just took time.

www.curryacuraparts.com

[acura4me]

How hard is it to install the roof rails? Not too good with hands but have patience. Does it require any drilling?

The black rails are 1/2 the price of chrome..
Is there a reason?

[StPeteAPB]

Originally Posted by acura4me

How hard is it to install the roof rails? Not too good with hands but have patience. Does it require any drilling?

The black rails are 1/2 the price of chrome..
Is there a reason?

Here are the instructions:
http://www.acurapartssuperstore.com/...ack-silver.pdf

Only you can decide if you're up for the task.
No drilling, but cutting is required. I did NOT use a power saw - just a hacksaw and patience will do just fine.

[Metro]

Ended up ordering from Acura Parts Super Store- Acura Accessories and Parts for sale online for a discount. Got roof rails and cross bars for $165 each and $58 for shipping. The local dealership was asking $224 for the roof rails and cross bars, plus I got out of paying tax this way as well. $388 total was much better than $448+tax.

For the install, I'm hoping to get at it some time this week, although it is supposed to be still in the 100's all week I saw that someone was able to get away with not removing the roof molding and just cut it in place - think I'll try going that route since I'm planning on using the Dremel for the cuts. Any insight/advice on this game plan?

[StPeteAPB]

Originally Posted by Metro

I saw that someone was able to get away with not removing the roof molding and just cut it in place - think I'll try going that route since I'm planning on using the Dremel for the cuts. Any insight/advice on this game plan?

Must have been something on the Fantasy Channel.
You try that and let me know how, next, you're getting your roof painted for the marks you put in the paint and sheet metal.

The instructions were written the way they are for a reason. I recommend zero shortcuts.

[skinny2]

Anybody notice more wind noise after the install? I'm thinking about adding to 2012 we just bought but don't have a specific need for them. I like to be prepared though!

[Bill_de]

"I saw that someone was able to get away with not removing the roof molding and just cut it in place - think I'll try ..."



I saw that someone painted the Mona Lisa, I'm not going to try though.

Best case scenario you will save a few minutes.
Worst case scenario you will be paying to have your slip up repaired.


If you insist on leaving the strip in place, I would use a utility knife with a new blade, and change the blade after every couple of cuts. You can still use the blades for cutting cardboard, but for best control you want the sharpest edge.

[StPeteAPB]

Originally Posted by skinny2

Anybody notice more wind noise after the install? I'm thinking about adding to 2012 we just bought but don't have a specific need for them. I like to be prepared though!

I haven't, at all.

Originally Posted by Bill_de

"I saw that someone was able to get away with not removing the roof molding and just cut it in place - think I'll try ..."



I saw that someone painted the Mona Lisa, I'm not going to try though.

Best case scenario you will save a few minutes.
Worst case scenario you will be paying to have your slip up repaired.


If you insist on leaving the strip in place, I would use a utility knife with a new blade, and change the blade after every couple of cuts. You can still use the blades for cutting cardboard, but for best control you want the sharpest edge.

They're metal - the gutter strips. You need a saw to cut thru them.

[Bill_de]

Originally Posted by StPeteAPB

They're metal - the gutter strips. You need a saw to cut thru them.

My apologies. I thought they were rubber strips.

[acura4me]

I install the side rail and trying to screw in the 2 torx bolt into the "Center Stay" but the screw is way too long. Is is suppose to be like that? It should be able to screw tight, right?

[StPeteAPB]

Originally Posted by acura4me

I install the side rail and trying to screw in the 2 torx bolt into the "Center Stay" but the screw is way too long. Is is suppose to be like that? It should be able to screw tight, right?

They're the only screws, right? Four of them - two for each side.

If they are truly too long, take a Dremel cutoff wheel to them to shorten them.

If you need, PM me and I'll remove one of the screws to measure the exact length of mine.

[acura4me]

If you need, PM me and I'll remove one of the screws to measure the exact length of mine.

Thanks for your help. They are going to send me another set because the font and back covers were full of dings and scratches. They were kind enough to overnight it. Will update tomorrow when i get another set.

[StPeteAPB]

Originally Posted by acura4me

Will update tomorrow when i get another set.

Is the verdict in?