Yakima Roof Rack install - but no tracks on roof!

[icdawg]

I've got a 1995 4Runner that doesnt have the pre-installed roof tracks (referred to as "naked roof" on Yakima website). The full setup for Yakima roof rack is about $500 bucks (without all the extras)

I'm concerned about how it attaches, though. I initially thought it would be bolt on, which I thought would be a pain in the ass but at least it would be secure. I was totally wrong tho. Now that I'm looking in to it, I see that the crossbar connects to the towers that just clamp on to the top of the car and door (or something like that).


Anyone done this install?
Will the rack scratch my roof? How secure is it since it's just clamped?!

My current setup is a Yakima tailgate bike rack with snowboard adapter.



Thanks,

Ian

 

[OutdoorRunner]

Possibly look into installing tracks and towers on your roof. i spent weeks looking for options for my 3rd gen, i too have a naked roof. I tried finding factory tracks but they are rare. Personally I like that trailer hitch snowboard rack, it looks very convenient. :fro:

 

[icdawg]

Possibly look into installing tracks and towers on your roof. i spent weeks looking for options for my 3rd gen, i too have a naked roof. I tried finding factory tracks but they are rare. Personally I like that trailer hitch snowboard rack, it looks very convenient. :fro:

haha yes, mainly got it because it was convenient. I'm only 5'9", so I'd thought about how the heck I would put up/down a mountain bike if I had a roof rack! So I went with the hitch rack.