Roof rack, the simple pedestrian kind

[Die.Fledermaus]

Roof rack install hardware?

I have a project I want to test, ~50 watts of solar panel to augment long parking times and playing with RC cars far into the woods, or just leaving the doors open on nice days. I don't need or want the off road/ zombie apocalypse / in fashion now fuel mileage killing wind noise generating designs, that are common today.

So I have this roof, gen-1 B2, sunroof. Nothing special. The peeling clear coat is stock helped along with low branches and mild off roading incurred scratches. I don't mind cutting or welding that is no big deal, long term I don't really want a rack but don't mind a few water tight holes/blems.

I also have access to this gen-2 B2 parts hulk that has aluminum looking nut-serts with 1/4-20 hardware screws and what appears to be a generic somewhat adjustable good enough rack.

Are the standard cheap squeeze to install nut-serts the best thing to use, or are the well nuts like motorcycle fairings the better idea? And what should I use for the caulking, the black body almost seemed to have home stainless steel sink install putty. Is there a drilling guild to aid in hitting a roof brace anywhere?

So I guess the question is "well nut" or "nut-sert" or "weld" studs/tabs on to hold my junk?

 

[Bampity]

Good question.
I might pull one from a boneyard B2.

Subscribed.

 

[dirtcowboy]

The factory uses a " nut-cert" type installation. The key to using " nut-certs " is once installed and torqued down, LEAVE THEM ALONE!! They won't last long with constant loosening and re-tightening.

 

[Bampity]

The factory uses a " nut-cert" type installation. The key to using " nut-certs " is once installed and torqued down, LEAVE THEM ALONE!! They won't last long with constant loosening and re-tightening.

So the best plan for putting the rails on would be to just drill some new holes and toss some lock nuts on the inside of the roof?

Seems like a good enough idea for me.

As far as the OP is concerned, is there anything the roof rails line up with or is it as simple enough as just putting it together on the roof and lining it up where I might like it?

Thanks for your input.

 

[dirtcowboy]

If there aren't any factory holes, I would put them where I liked them.