Loose roof rack

[carmangary]

I just got a 79 Cutlass Cruiser. The roof rack is in pretty good shape but the screws that hold the legs of the roof rack to the roof are all loose. I tried to tighten them but they seem stripped or something. Do I have to take the headliner out and weld in some nuts on the bottom of the roof or is there a better way? My headliner is in decent shape so I am reluctant to remove it.

 

[SLICK79WGN]

it just tightens into some little rubber inserts in the roof skin, if your headliner is in good shape I would not pull it down for anything since you can not get the clips to put it back up in the rear over the cargo area as those clips seam to be gone forever , I have been looking for a set for almost a year without any luck. As far as your roof rack I would just try to pry up on it a little while you tighten it most times that will hold the little inserts enought for you to get it tight good luck

 

[Ribbedroof]

The wellnuts have dried/shrunk. If you're going to keep the rack (although I don't know why anyone would keep that eyesore), you can buy replacements. Basiclly, it's a rubber cylinder with a threaded (usually brass) insert molded in. It expands when tightened to hold it in the hole. Should be available at NAPA or other decent parts house/body shop supply.

 

[SLICK79WGN]

(although I don't know why anyone would keep that eyesore),

thats what I was thinking

 

[carmangary]

Thanks so much for the information. I am thrilled that this is an easy repair.

I think that the roof rack goes with the whole station wagon theme plus I like to see older cars that look like they did when they were new. I can respect those who shave the doors and hot-rod them but that isn't the look that I am going for.

Thanks again for the info. I have only been posting on here a couple days but have already received some great advice!

 

[azmalibuwagon]

thats what I was thinking

Well, I like the way YOUR rack looks on MY wagon! 😀

 

[SLICK79WGN]

thats what I was thinking

Well, I like the way YOUR rack looks on MY wagon! 😀

touche

 

[SLICK79WGN]

found this in my eldless quest to find my wagon trim clips

http://northlandfasteners.biz/Store/pro ... ts_id=2097

 

[TexasT]

found this in my eldless quest to find my wagon trim clips

http://northlandfasteners.biz/Store/pro ... ts_id=2097

have you called gbodyparts.com? they might have the clips or know where to get them.

 

[SLICK79WGN]

thanks for trying to help but the post was 2 yrs ago I donw even have a wagon anymore 😀