| kims MDX |
I have just installed the factory roof rack & rails, and, thanks to this forum, the job was quick, easy, and actually pleasant. I would never have attempted it without the guidance offered here, so I want to add my hints / tips to those already posted:
1. I suggest you measure cut marks BEFORE you pry up molding, as the molding will be more stable to measure/mark .... and will tend to refasten itself while you measure if you have pried it up already. Then you just have to pry all over again.
2. Study the cutting diagram to gain an understanding of exactly what you are doing: cutting out and removing 3 short sections of the molding to expose the mounting studs for the rails.
3. The measuring is not very critical, as the rail feet will cover the cut ends of the remaining molding and make up for small errors. If you throughly understand the measuring pattern, you can even cut out slightly smaller pieces than called for, and give yourself even more room for error.
4. I agree with prying up the molding, only as far as the TOP of the windshield. No need to go further.
5. DO NOT remove the clips at the point called for in the directions. There's an easier method later.
6. Make the front (windshield end) cut FIRST. That way you can take the loose piece of molding to a work area that is way more convenient than standing on a ladder at the top of your new car.
Taking it away from the car allows you to flip it over to more easily cut through the T shape on the back side, and to make accurate cuts away from your MDX's paint.
7. I second the Dremel tool method, especially for that first cut. Its a natural for the job. Be sure to use a cut-off wheel made for metal, as there is a steel skeleton in this molding. After making the first cut (step 6 above) and getting off the roof, you could easily work a hack saw, or even your shop band saw.
8. Once at your work bench, and before any more cuts, again study the cutting diagram and simply slide the clips in the underside of the molding so that there are 2 clips in each of the 2 long pieces you will reinstall on the car. No need to remove the clips at all. You will want 2 clips each in the 2 pieces that exceed 600 mm in length. You will be throwing away the pieces that are 195,75, & 172 mm long
9. Torquing: I don't have a small (low numbers) torque wrench, so I had to use my judgment. You can hardly go wrong on the front and rear rail attachments, as they fasten to studs in the roof. However, when tightening the two screws that hold the rail to the center support, be very careful, as these screws go into threads that are mounted in the plastic support. Easy does it.
10. Assuming you are installing cross bars, there will be no instructions. They are mounted to the rails via sliding square plates that slip into a slot on the inside of the rail. BEFORE you install the rails is a good time to slide them in place. You must first remove a Torx 15 screw that is designed to prevent the mounting plates from slipping back to the insertion slot. Remove it, slide in 2 square plates on each rail, then replace the screw. THEN you can set the rails up on the roof without having to later stand on your head to insert the plates.
11. After you have bolted down the side rails, slide the square plates to the location you desire, lay on the cross bars and insert the Torx 30 screws. After screwing down both front and rear on one side, you will have to firmly press the other side of the cross bar so that it seats fully on the rail .... before the screws will thread into the holes on the sliding plates.
In spite of all these detailed tips, this is not a tough job. A very satisfying way to spend a couple of Saturday hours and save hundreds of dollars .... especially if you ordered the kits from Curry.
Kim |
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| eujinc |
Step 6 is great tip. Wished I thought of it when I put mine on last year instead of wielding a dremel on the step ladder above my X.
Thanks for sharing your experience. |
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| kingmdx |
Curry sucks at replying to e-mails when you need info from them.... but I guess it's a good thing since after waiting over a week for a reply and sending them multiple e-mails I eventually gave up and thankfully found a guy who beats their prices and is closer to home.
BTW..Nice write up :) (Include pics for people who don't like to read :p) |
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