Can the luggage rack holder flaps be removed?

[b-man]

Can the 4 small flaps (about 4" x 3/8") on the roof that are for attachment of the luggage rack be removed? If so, how? I know they fold open but, that is not enough because I want to try to remove some wax that is in the cracks. I assume they can somehow be pulled or twisted out?

b-man

[Loren]

From the Service Manual...

1. Unclip roof joint strip Lift at both ends using a plastic spatula and unclip all the way along.

2. Pull off roof joint seal Pull the roof joint seal out of the groove of the roof joint strip.

3. Unclip roof joint clips On the outside of the roof joint clip and roof joint strip, insert a narrow screwdriver in the center and press the screwdriver outward until the roof joint clip disengages.

4. Unclip fold-out element Insert a screwdriver beneath both ends of the fold-out element, and lever out.

5. Detach spreader Insert a plastic spatula into the wedge piece of the spreader and push. Remove the spreader.

6. Remove interior trim parts Lift up the clothes hook bracket at the bottom with a plastic spatula and pull off. Pull away the A and C-pillar trim and remove.

7. Detach the roof liner Unclip the metal strut of the roof liner from the plastic clips.

8. Detach base plate of Roof Transport System. Unscrew hexagon socket head bushing a/f 8 (micro-encapsulated). Remove the base plate from the roof channel.

[b-man]

Wow, thanks for the reply Loren!

b-man

[Chuck Jones]

I guess the PO must have had some sort of rack on there becasue I can't get the little metal flaps to lie flush. Do I use this same instruction to get them to lie flush...or do I hve to change out that white plastic insert that's inside the recess?

[toddel68]

I guess the PO must have had some sort of rack on there becasue I can't get the little metal flaps to lie flush. Do I use this same instruction to get them to lie flush...or do I hve to change out that white plastic insert that's inside the recess?

Same problem here, anyone knows a part # for those plastic inserts? Is it possible to remove the roof rack holders completely and replace with a 'non holder' roof joint strip?

Thorsten

Edited July 15, 2007 by toddel68

[Chuck Jones]

Loren??? Can you address that question about replacing the clips or whatever it is that keeps that little metal flap shut tight? I guess if anyone puts a roof rack on....it affects the ability of that little metal piece to lie flat....it looks unsightly and detracts from the overall look of the roofline.

Chuck

[Izzy]

Crazy Glue, Chuck, Crazy Glue! :cheers:

[Loren]

I do not know of a "blank" replacement - but a body shop might have an idea or two.

If the clips and the base are installed correctly and not broken then the flaps should work like hinges.

[Chuck Jones]

It turns out that it's that little white plastic insert in there that acts like a hinge for the metal flap. When folks put the racks on there, it can break the hings protion of that white plastic insert and make it so that the metal flap doesn't seat properly. I guess you can follow the directions Loren posted, take out the white insert, and replace it with a new one that allows the flap to lie flush.

Is there a part numbe for that white doo-dad??

Edited July 23, 2007 by Chuck Jones

[Loren]

Item 7 - 996.559.401.00.G2X Left Roof Edge Strip (unpainted)

996.559.402.00.G2X Right Roof Edge Strip (unpainted)

Item 8 - 996.559.721.00 Left Gasket

996.559.722.00 Right Gasket

Item 9 - 996.559.405.01 Adapter (10 per car)

Item 10 - 996.559.403.01 Clip (10 per car)

Item 11 - 996.559.729.00 Bracket for flap (4 per car)

Item 12 - 996.559.501.00.G2X Flap Front (2 per car)

996.559.503.00.G2X Flap Rear (2 per car)