[ardvarkus]

Thought I'd post a few pics on how to mount the Thule (or Acura) ski rack to the factory rack.

Here is the end result- nice, clean, no clamps around the bars, all fittings are inside the ski rack so they are locked up when the ski rack is closed and locked

 

[ardvarkus]

So, here's how you start. Use a screwdriver to pop off the end caps from the factory rack

 

[ardvarkus]

You push in with the screwdriver and pust the cap up vertically. This uncovers the slot that runs in the cross member. There is a rubber strip in the slot that gets removed

 

[ardvarkus]

Strip coming out

 

[ardvarkus]

Then you slide in the square head bolt.

What square head bolt, you say?

This is in the Thule "VWADAPT" kit. (Actually, I made my own and they are a bit longer than the kit.)

 

[ardvarkus]

Put in a second bolt, slide them across, add the spacers (these spacers came with the Thule 725 rack).

If you use the VWADAPT kit (with shorter bolts) you might need to cut the plactic spacers down.

Ready to set the rack down.

Keep in mind that any rack accessory (velovise? 599xt, basket, carrier box) that can mount onto a vertical bolt will work.

 

[ardvarkus]

Just screw down on the finger t-nuts with the Thule rack. All fittings are contained within the rack, so you don't need tamper-resistant fittings and special tools.

(Getting ready for a dump up in Tahoe this week, I'm looking to ski on Friday...)

Ard

 

[A2MDXer]

ardvarkus,

Thanks for the excellent post. The step-by-step pics really help with the visualization. Enjoy the fresh powder.

 

[Robyjo]

Ardy,

Seeing as how I'm in Rocklin, I figure we're pretty close neighbors. How many bottles of wine would it take to get your help with one of these fittings??
Rob

 

[kevinhuan]

???

if you took out the strip, would water from the rain/snow going inside the base roofrack?

 

[ardvarkus]

Rob-

Send me a PM, I'll see what I can do.

Kevin-

Sure. But if you leave the strip in place the water STILL gets in... The ends are not sealed, so it is open to the atmosphere anyway.

What is the 'base roofrack' anyway? AFAIK, Acura only has one rack.

Really, most of the trim (ie strips on the roof, bumper covers, etc) all allow water behind them.

I suppose you could put the strips back in with holes or cut it to fit between the standoffs, but that is a bit too AR for even me.


Ard

 

[zafer]

New Thule 725 kit has no spacers/standoffs

I bought the Thule 725 kit last night. There were no spacers/standoffs in the box anymore. Checked out thule.com, they changed the kit as of 5/20/2002, and spacers are no longer included :3:

I went ahead and mounted it as seen below. I guess it'll work for now for two pairs of skis laid down individually with all the bindings upward.

 

[ardvarkus]

Call Thule customer service- they'll probably ship you a few NC.

The only drawback is that this configuration WILL scratch the anodizing off the rack on the top- too much flexion.

You could also go to a hardware store and pick uip some black delrin rod- 1" diameter. Cut 1/2" slices (like salami) and drill holes- perfect spacers!

Actually, you will probably need to cut the factor spacers in half since your bolts might be too short for a full spacer.

BTW, I always mount the bindings up anyway- But then again there are usually only 3 of us skiing (and if need be, the kids skiis can fit SIDEWAYS! in the back )

Nice work- pretty clean install - I like the way you can lock the racks thereby locking access to the nuts that hold it to the car!

Ard

 

[DaleB]

Very nice install, Ard. Looks much better than those 'angled' clamped on jobs I've seen on MDXs around town.

 

[buhmabee]

Hey ardvarkus and zafer,
Nice jobs on those installs. As well as the pics.
Thank you.

 

[xfactor]

Very Nice install... Good Job zafer and ard!:29:

 

[zafer]

Call Thule customer service- they'll probably ship you a few NC.

The only drawback is that this configuration WILL scratch the anodizing off the rack on the top- too much flexion.

* OK, called Thule, they are sending me 4xspacers and 4x7.5cm bolts to use with them; nc ! Thanx alot for the advice!!

* Next, I cut two strips of cork board and inserted them in between the MDX and Thule racks, no more direct contact. This should hold till the spacers and bolts arrive. Actually I hope it holds longer `cause I can load and lock in the garage, plenty of clearance to drive in and out.

 

[hockeyplayer]

Uh Zafer...the X looks great...I wonder if the neighbors are starting to wonder why you are snapping so many pictures of your vehicle?

 

[catzx6]

Sometimes the solution is so simple...

Next, I cut two strips of cork board...

Fine idea!! :27:

 

[ardvarkus]

Very nice install, Ard. Looks much better than those 'angled' clamped on jobs I've seen on MDXs around town.

Thanks...

Can you believe the post is almost 10 months old! I actually forgot I did it.

Ard