gsrblack

I know, you guys would probably say I'm stupid for putting a rack on my car, but what the heck. I like to go biking and hate trying to fit my bike in my trunk...anyways, can only fit 1 bike. But I got a rack and see that the instructions don't fit like they should. Anybody else use a rack on their car?

I got a Thule rack...the 400 feet, 477 short roof adapter, and the 2085 fit kit.

I don't think too many people have a rack. And I always take it off when I'm not using it so it doesn't damage anything.

Beelzebub

I just moved mine from my Honda to the CL, It takes a little work to get the 477 extender bars on but the nice thing is with the bike kit it holds it in place.

If you follow the instructions exactly with how far apart the bars are supposed to go it fits perfectly. The bars 18" apart and the center feet 13" from the front bar.

I only put it on when I am going to go riding or all winter when I am going to ride almost every weekend and I don't open the moonroof.

beerknurd

I went with a hitch system. I carry the rack in my trunk all the time and it installs in 30 seconds.

Beelzebub

I was thinking of that but all i needed to make this rack work on my car was the $42 fit kit, because I already has the rest of the pieces. Also I don't like haveing the bikes behind me, They obstruct my view.

GreenMonster

Nope, it's not stupid, actually quite the opposite. I think it's a great idea. Now, if you were going to put a trailer hitch on a CLS, then.....

Here's a couple of cars that you wouldn't expect to see roof racks on:

Looks ok to me

Syncros-CL6

Ive been thinking the same...i hate trunk racks and putting my bike in the trunk....both wheels gotta come off every time....

gsrblack

Beel...I was not able to get the dimenstions to fit right. I had these problems and even sent a problem report to Thule:

1) The front feet should be 11 6/8" from the front windshield, right? If that's the case, I can't get the 477 extender to clip at 13" from the front clip.

2) Does the rubber feet cause any damage to the body colored molding that runs from front to back on the roof? I tightened the clamps down and after removing them (after a couple days) it left indentations on that molding. But they popped back out after being in the sun. I'm afraid of permanently damaging that.

3) Do you use the fairing too? With the front set to 11 6/8" from the windshield, my fairing can't extend far enough to sit on the windshield. The best I can do is have it rest halfway between the moonroof and windshield. Was afraid of scratching the paint.

Check out my website at http://hometown.aol.com/gsrblack and you can see my setup (sorry the pics are dark)...but please let me know if I measured them wrong. I am just going by the instructions.

gsrblack

Beel, do you have pics of your setup? I'm using the 589 Velo Vise fork mounts and they seem to stick out quite a bit.

I had a rack on my Integra and reused much of the old parts (locks, load bars, fairing, bike trays) and ordered the 400 and 477.

Thanks and let me know.

Aegean_Blue6

Anybody have the Yakima system? I'm getting some new feet for one I currently have and re-using it, the only question is whether to get the strech kit or just the Q92 clips. It's much nicer to bring bikes around on top than on the back, though your milage will suffer.

Beelzebub

1) I'll have to look at the instrustions again and let uou know.

2) No the rubber feet cause no damage, I had this rack on my old car for years.

3) I just recived the fairing, I will let you know how it goes on.

When I put it back on later today I will take pictures and post them.

Beelzebub

Here are the pictures of it on.



also the dimentions are to the center of the bar so they are mostly correct. I think my bars are about 19" apart instead of the 18" they recommend.

Also which fairing do you have. the proper one for our car is the 871. It doesn't sit on the window that is what thoes clear tabs are for. I am not sure that I am going to use them as I have zainoed the car so that shoudl protect it well enough.

here are the rest of the pictures.

benzo555

Beelzebub

Weird how your fairing doesnt even touch the car!! I wonder how is the wind noise on that?? In my old integra I had the 555 fairing and it actually touches the windshield.. I just ordered the 400 aero pack & fit kit for my TL so we'll see.

I plan to reuse all my attachments as well.. Cant wait till summer!

Bulldog01

I used a Thule (model # ??) on the trunk, but the weight of the bike kinda pushed down on the spoiler, so I don't wanna do that again, if I can avoid it. It was originally for my ex-wife's Saab, but a different setting allowed it to work on my car. I don't need it very much, though, so it's not a major problem for me.

acuraman32cl

what i would do is but a rack on the back so you less change scratching the roof. but then again im not familiar with how racks mount on the roof or the back so do whatever will keeps you paint in good condition.

gsrblack

I had a Thule rack for my '98 Integra...too bad it was a specialty rack made only for the Integra so I can't reuse the clamps and all that. But at least I was able to reuse the load bars, locks, and the bike trays.

Beel, thanks for the pics...I actually put mine up this weekend again and got it to look alright. I reused my 555 fairing and positioned the front feet about 8 inches from the windshield. This allowed my to put the 555 right on the windshield (well, that molding around the windshield) and it really does sound quieter (without the bikes on it).

The rubber feet don't scratch the finish on the car...just make sure they are clean and dust free before clamping on. The only worry I have is that the feet may bend the body colored molding that runs from front to back on the roof. But after my first trial, the bends came out after I took the rack off.

I'll post pics of mine tonight when I get home.