Drilling holes on your hard top

[rpx13]

Has anyone drilled holes in their hard top to install towers for a ski rack? I tried searching for this topic, but not much info came back. I know that there might be problems with water leaking when it rains and sagging in terms of the hard tops' ability to hold up to 4 skis/snowboards. So, I am wondering if anyone has done this and if so how were your experiences with it? If anyone knows of a thread that would be helpful too. Thanks!

[RnEmOvr]

Originally Posted by rpx13

Has anyone drilled holes in their hard top to install towers for a ski rack? I tried searching for this topic, but not much info came back. I know that there might be problems with water leaking when it rains and sagging in terms of the hard tops' ability to hold up to 4 skis/snowboards. So, I am wondering if anyone has done this and if so how were your experiences with it? If anyone knows of a thread that would be helpful too. Thanks!

once you drill and add the bolts use some RTV to seal the hole to prevent leaks, as for sagging as long as mounts are near outer edges and the small weight of skis id say your fine

[rpx13]

Originally Posted by dzntzhellfire

once you drill and add the bolts use some RTV to seal the hole to prevent leaks, as for sagging as long as mounts are near outer edges and the small weight of skis id say your fine

I dont think the actual mod would be that difficult, and I agree with the mounts being as spread out as much as possible. I was actually more worried about the sagging (or in this case flexing) when driving and the wind is hitting the skis/snowboards which causes the hard top to flex outwards.

[Steelz19]

I put a rotating light bar which was about 4lbs on my old hard top...on the inside i used a piece of steel flat stock for a little more support worked fine

[tjwhlr00]

Im running a yakima rack on my hardtop. Came with tracks that mounted directly to the top and the towers and crossbar attatch quickly with an allen wrench. Used silicone to seal the 4 holes on either side of the top and haven't had any problems with it. Its even really sturdy, ran a XC and freeride bike on top down the highway with no problems.

[surfcaster]

Originally Posted by tjwhlr00

Im running a yakima rack on my hardtop. Came with tracks that mounted directly to the top and the towers and crossbar attatch quickly with an allen wrench. Used silicone to seal the 4 holes on either side of the top and haven't had any problems with it. Its even really sturdy, ran a XC and freeride bike on top down the highway with no problems.

Which yakima set/system are you using? I want to do the same thing for fishing rods.

[tjwhlr00]

mmm... im not too sure the exact one, its actually designed for tops (fiberglass and aluminum) both on jeeps and bed covers on trucks. i'll check out the yakima website and see if i can get some product numbers or something.

here it is http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=24

they come about 8 inches too long but i just cut them down.. worked great.

[g-dawg]

I'm using the Yakima tracks running fore and aft on each side. Then the control towers ride in them. Totally adjustable and the control towers just pop off after you unlock them. Also, I believe the tracks help beef up the top. I carry two large sea kayaks on top of my 2004 Sahara and have had no problems. I installed the two tracks just like Yakima instructed and they work perfect. No leaks in 3 years.

[rpx13]

Originally Posted by tjwhlr00

mmm... im not too sure the exact one, its actually designed for tops (fiberglass and aluminum) both on jeeps and bed covers on trucks. i'll check out the yakima website and see if i can get some product numbers or something.

here it is http://www.yakima.com/Product.aspx?id=24

they come about 8 inches too long but i just cut them down.. worked great.

these are just the tracks right? Looks good. If you have any pics of ur setup try and post one up. Thanks!

[CRJeepin]

My .02 - having drilled thru fiberglass a few times before I'd advise putting some duct tape (or similar thick tape) over where you start the hole, to keep it from splintering. Never drilled into my hard top but have repaired it

[Bigbob]

Originally Posted by rpx13

Has anyone drilled holes in their hard top to install towers for a ski rack? I tried searching for this topic, but not much info came back. I know that there might be problems with water leaking when it rains and sagging in terms of the hard tops' ability to hold up to 4 skis/snowboards. So, I am wondering if anyone has done this and if so how were your experiences with it? If anyone knows of a thread that would be helpful too. Thanks!

Go to the hardware store and get some fender washers to use on both sides. Much them with silicon and bolt them a little better than finger tight to both sides of where you drilled. This will strenghten the area alot.

[tjwhlr00]

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1541634297084231740KAIjuW?vhost=rides

i duno if that worked. But theres an old picture with the rack on i run two bike mounts but have a ski rack that i run when i go to boone

[rpx13]

Originally Posted by tjwhlr00

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1541634297084231740KAIjuW?vhost=rides

i duno if that worked. But theres an old picture with the rack on i run two bike mounts but have a ski rack that i run when i go to boone

sweet...exactly what I had in mind...

[SJ5.9]

I've had the same set up for a couple years. Mounted 2 XC mountain bikes or snowboards on many trips. Rain/snow - no leaks. 4 boards should be no problem. I like the bonus of removing the racks, towers, & cross bars when not in use. Takes about 5 minutes total - unlock, release tower latches, slide off.

Little bit of a howl with boards on top @ 70 mph & getting mtn bikes on top with 6 inches of lift & 35's is a b!*ch sometimes after a long ride, but overall I am happy with the set up.