SUCTION* CAR ROOF RACK

Submitted: Monday, Feb 09, 2009 at 17:08
ThreadID: 65843 Views:7817 Replies:5 FollowUps:4
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Just wondering if anyone knows about suction roof racks, I have a land cruiser100 series and don't want to keep racks on all the time, the suction ones may do just what I want, does anyone know where to get them and how good they are. Thanks, Pete.
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Reply By: garrycol - Monday, Feb 09, 2009 at 17:39

Monday, Feb 09, 2009 at 17:39
Sorry - I cannot answer your question as such - however these were quite common 40 - 50 years ago. The suction caps support and spread the load and stop lateral movement, but they are stopped from actually coming off by brackets that connect it to the roof gutters.These are not normally load bearing.

They used to work OK but did leave permanent marks and sometimes dents where the caps were.

Garry
AnswerID: 348347

Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Feb 09, 2009 at 18:54

Monday, Feb 09, 2009 at 18:54
Do what I do and just remove the rack and leave the feet there.

Only 6 allen Key bolts to undo and its off

The feet are bolted into the roof with existing bolts and only sit up about 30mm You hardly see them.

In fact I can sell you an ARB rack for $450 located in Loganlea as I dont use it any more. As they say How good is that.



Cheers



AnswerID: 348357

Reply By: Member - Chris & Sue R (QLD) - Monday, Feb 09, 2009 at 23:50

Monday, Feb 09, 2009 at 23:50
G'day Pete.

As Garry said above, they were all the rage back in the '50s. I hope the current ones are better than those models. Can't say I've seen any advertised.

My Dad had one on our '58 Prefect with the whole thing being secured to the rain gutters by a turnbuckle and catch. Somewhere between Sarina and Lotus Creek (old Bruce Hwy) while going through a creek crossing, he hit a pothole, braked suddenly,and we watched as the whole thing (minus the suction cups) flew across the bonnet and landed on the road in front of the car.

The metal clamps holding it onto the gutters had completely straightened while the suction cups stayed on the roof. As I remember we only had one suitcase on the roof, so maximum of 20/25 kgs?? If you want it, it's probably still there in the bush as he unstrapped the suitcase, stuck it in the back with me, then hurled the rack into the scrub. :-)

Cheers,
Chris
AnswerID: 348402

Follow Up By: Maîneÿ (wa) has - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 02:01

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 02:01
Yeahhh, in the 'scrub' just where the suction type belong too

Why not get a detachable alloy/stainless multi-width mount made up that you can easily remove, with the correct spanners, is N0T a bolt head at the back, but you don't know till you try to remove it
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Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Monday, Feb 16, 2009 at 14:50

Monday, Feb 16, 2009 at 14:50
Chris,

Nothing to do with this thread.

I got your email, thanks.

I replied and it bounced back twice.

Cheers,

Jim.

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Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 07:28

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 07:28
Yep....a few memories of those racks.

Had one on my old Ford Popular, did the job.

Must remember though, cars in those days had a steel roof, you could have a party up there no problem.

Cheers.....Lionel.
AnswerID: 348411

Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 09:50

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 09:50
Problem is Mainey that the 100's dont have gutters.

If you take the whole thing off too often it can lead to leaks inside the car as if water gets down the bolt hole it leaks behind the upholstery and you cant see it till its too late.

Best is just leave the footbrackets and remove the rack.

I filled the holes up with windscreen sealant before replacing them when I both installed and removed the rack.
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Reply By: peterjs - Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 15:00

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009 at 15:00
Thanks to everyone for your reply's, yes I remember the old ones too, may look at just getting the rails/rack and leave the fittings on the vehicle untill rack needed. thanks again, Pete.
AnswerID: 348471

Follow Up By: Bill n Di - Thursday, Feb 12, 2009 at 11:03

Thursday, Feb 12, 2009 at 11:03
We have this mounting on the 100 series - very easy to remove rack or just leave the stainless steel feet in place.

Don't think the suction cap style would be any good at all!

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