Quote:
Originally Posted by troutbum98
So I just mounted a 7/8 rack on my ORP the other day and followed the online instructions but I am still a little worried about the mounting holes being totally sealed up. The instructions showed putting quite a bit of RTV around the mounting holes and then dropping the spacer on top. Should I also put some in the hole so there is no chance water will get inside?
I custom cut OEM weather stripping to fit around the holes in the drip channel that was left empty after I removed the factory rack. It was alot of work but makes the install look really clean. Just want to make sure no water gets inside. Great way to ruin a headliner on a new vehicle.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 57HotrodVW
Can you provide addt'l details, part numbers (OEM weather stripping), and pics related to this? Thanks!
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IMHO, this is only a cosmetic addition and will not add any additional sealing capability. The best thing I believe to do is the following:
1) Go to the hardware store and pick up 8 flat washers 5/16 x 1 1/4 in size and two tubes of Permatex Clear RTV.
2) Follow the instructions: clean the area thoroughly and place a good amount of amount of RTV on the holes before putting the spacer in place.
3) Place the rack on top of the spacers and align it.
4) Carefully place the additional flat washers between the top of the spacer and the rack. Paint them black if you'd like them to match. I did this because the size of the spacer and the notch milled into the rack mounts are too close to being the same size. Only two semi-circles of material on the spacers engage the rack without the additional washers. Whether or not it adds any strength to the purchase between the rack and the roof is trivial, but it gives me some piece of mind. The second reason for the additional washers is that it covers the gaping hole between the spacer and the fender washer thats included! If water is going to get in, it's going to be here.
5) With the washers in place, fill the sleeve with a good amount of RTV. Fill the gap on top of the new washer to just above the mount (as the RTV will form to the bottom of the fender washer that goes on top of the mount when tightened down) thus sealing the entire spacer!
6) Torque bolts to 20ft/lbs
I included a picture of the washer placement if I confused you. Let me know if you have any questions...