Roof Rack fixing

[Berlingo2CV]

I have got hold of a second hand long roof rack, with fixings. As far as I can tell the weight of the roof rack is on the two square lugs that sit on the metal plates on the roof and securing is via a small C profile bracket that screws through a single bolt hole. All of these came with it. I am trying to work out whether I should put some form of rubber between the plate and roof as bits of rubber came off the rack. 

What are the bolts and captive nuts which sit at 90 degree to the feet for? are they for attaching something else eg vertical glass carrier, or are they part of the main fixing which I don't have?

[jj9]

I have the same roof rack.

Yes you can put some rubber under the two square lugs that sit on the metal plates on the roof to stop the paint being scratched, a bit of gaffer tape works ok.

The bolts and captive nuts which sit at 90 degree to the feet are for plastic covers that fit into place to make it look neat, you don't need these so don't worry about that.

You can see the plastic covers in the picture below.




.

[Berlingo2CV]

Thank you!!

I think I may also have to make a spoiler / wind deflector to reduce noise & vibration as this seems to be a problem!

[jj9]

Yeah the front wind deflector must be there for a reason, I've only ever used my rack around the doors so I've no experience of traveling at speed with it.



.

[Berlingo2CV]

Roof rack fitted easily after a coat of black hammerite - looks very good. However the spoiler made out of 2mm aluminium vibrated so badly that we had to remove it after 2 miles! Win some, lose some!

[jj9]

The original spoiler on mine is made of steel and I think it's about 2 - 2.5mm thick so it will be a bit more ridged than 2mm aluminium, maybe you could place a couple of reinforcement strips on yours to beef it up a bit.

.