TE Roof Rail Swap

[paulndot]

I thought the rattle-can paint wouldn't be as durable as the dip stuff. The dip(Plasti, Redi, or Rustoleum, quite a few brands to choose from) is kind of a rubberized paint, rather than just flakes and a bonding agent which is what spray paint essentially is. I considered powder coating, but the rails are a mix of plastic and aluminum so I didn't think it would work. I don't know enough about the process to make an informed decision on that one. The rails will definitely need to be touched up every so often, I just figured the dip would be a bit more durable.

Parts? Holy crap - yeah that was about the time I was done. If something goes awry, I'll order these for the re-install. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the heads-up.

Out of curiosity, if the rack needed to be re-painted, what made you decide against using actual paint?

I sort of understand the appeal of plasti / flexi / whatever dip for certain uses, but this one I don't get. If you plan on using the rack at all, I imagine that flexidip is bound to get banged up pretty quickly.

Also, just an FYI - there are some additional pieces that were used when these racks were installed at the port / dealerships. Not sure if there are really needed, but I went ahead and ordered them when I did my swap because they were cheap.

I posted the instructions with the part listing in this thread last night...probably right around the time you finished up your swap.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/212980-2010-2013-trail-rack-swap-need-help.html

 

[Blitzkrieg]

You can't powder coat plastic/rubber, etc..

Basically how it works is they electrostatic charge the part (has to be metallic) and then spray a powdered paint on it. The charge from the powder gun has a negative charge and the part being sprayed has a positive charge. The beauty of that is a good powder coater will rarely leave anything unsprayed so you get a really solid film over the entire part.

Then it goes into an oven to cook.

Once done, it's extremely durable and tougher than any finish you will accomplish short of plating.

I've used it extensively and while it costs more, the ROI is well worth it.

I don't own a powder coating company BTW. Speaking as a consumer only.

My .02

 

[Deuskid]

Great write up and I like the new look. Kudos.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

The old TE rack really looks much better than the new one. Nice.

 

[paulndot]

I knew about plastic not being able to be powder coated, but the rest of the process was just here and there for me. They mention it on "How it's Made" (this nerd watches it) but don't go into a lot of detail. Thanks for that.

That was my point, the rails would have been powder coated, but the end caps would have to be painted - leaving a possibility that they end up being two different shades. Minor detail, maybe silly on my part. I'm sure that's the way it's done at the factory. I know it's way better than spray.

You can't powder coat plastic/rubber, etc..

Basically how it works is they electrostatic charge the part (has to be metallic) and then spray a powdered paint on it. The charge from the powder gun has a negative charge and the part being sprayed has a positive charge. The beauty of that is a good powder coater will rarely leave anything unsprayed so you get a really solid film over the entire part.

Then it goes into an oven to cook.

Once done, it's extremely durable and tougher than any finish you will accomplish short of plating.

I've used it extensively and while it costs more, the ROI is well worth it.

I don't own a powder coating company BTW. Speaking as a consumer only.

My .02

 

[01100101]

I've been looking for a while for one these racks and found one out of shear luck. Thanks to [MENTION=139425]mrsrossteacher[/MENTION], she had one sitting in her barn collecting dust. Received it a few days ago. Now I can put this thread to good use. Thanks for the write up [MENTION=123965]paulndot[/MENTION].

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Cozen89]

I've been looking for a while for one these racks and found one out of shear luck. Thanks to [MENTION=139425]mrsrossteacher[/MENTION], she had one sitting in her barn collecting dust. Received it a few days ago. Now I can put this thread to good use. Thanks for the write up [MENTION=123965]paulndot[/MENTION].

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Nice find! I'm looking for a pair of these as well. Please contact me if you have 2010-2013 trail roof rails for sale.

 

[mrsrossteacher]

Nice find! I'm looking for a pair of these as well. Please contact me if you have 2010-2013 trail roof rails for sale.

Beyond thrilled they found a great home! I hope they enjoy their new travels.

 

[Cozen89]

[MENTION=139425]mrsrossteacher[/MENTION] I think you quoted the wrong person^. I'm looking for a set to buy still =). I'm sure the person who purchased them from you will put them to good use

 

[00Sebby]

I may have missed this, but why does the slide out tray make it difficult to install? I ask because I'm also searching for a 2010-2013 T.E. Rack and have the slide out tray.

Yeah, I can't figure out why the slide out tray would make a difference for the roof rack install.

 

[mrsrossteacher]

I've been looking for a while for one these racks and found one out of shear luck. Thanks to [MENTION=139425]mrsrossteacher[/MENTION], she had one sitting in her barn collecting dust. Received it a few days ago. Now I can put this thread to good use. Thanks for the write up [MENTION=123965]paulndot[/MENTION].

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Beyond thrilled they found a great home! I hope they enjoy their new travels.

 

[BS Goodwrench]

Great write up man,

This looks to be a great and rather easy mod for a more functional rail.

Thanks for pics and instructions.

 

[shufly09]

I still have a 2015 Trail roof rack with the OEM crossbars. PM me for details.