1998 v70 Roof Racks, Recommendations ?

Post by **MrAl** » 12 May 2015, 03:35

Hello there,

Any ideas on roof racks for this thing? Eventually i will want to do that so i can carry some long things that arent too heavy but wont fit in the passenger compartment, like say a couple 2x4 lumber pieces maybe 8 feet long each. Is there any 'best' type or model or something? If they are not terribly expensive that would be good.

Thanks again

Post by **kranz** » 12 May 2015, 05:02

A lot will depend on if you have the factory roof rails already. My V70 has the rails. I've used the Thule product. Consists of two cross bars, plus mounting feet, and locks. Probably not the low cost solution, but well made and quite sturdy. I've just replaced the crossbars, as with age, the rubberized coating has come off. Just a cosmetic issue. If you like, I can send you my old crossbars for the cost of shipping. REI frequently offers the Thule products at a 20% discount.

Thule also offers load stop accessories that will assist in safely carrying the odd 2X4 on the roof rack.

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 12 May 2015, 06:40

Factory roof rails, if you don't have them. Then you can attach a lot of cross rails to them. My cross rail are Yakima and can carry a fair amount of weight.
Check the for sale section.. Good set of rails for sale in there..Just saying.

Shane

Post by **E Showell** » 12 May 2015, 06:41

If you don't have the factory rails, they are easy enough to find used and not particularly difficult to install. Make sure you get the roof trim pieces as well since the addition of the roof rack changes the configuration of the roof trim. I use a Yakima rack and it is probably about the equivalent of a Thule. As mentioned, neither is a low-cost solution, but I've had my Yakima for probably close to 20 years and it is still chugging along. If I were you, I'd jump on Kranz' offer and sort out the details later, or Shane's for that matter.

Post by **98v70dad** » 12 May 2015, 07:08

Since someone suggested that installing the original Volvo rail opens up a lot of possibilities, how hard is it to install factory rails on a car that didn't originally have them. I would guess that there are attach points already there under the trim and its just a matter of removing the trim, bolting on the rails, and installing the new rails ... I'm guessing, though. Does anybody know?

Post by **MrAl** » 12 May 2015, 07:18

kranz wrote:A lot will depend on if you have the factory roof rails already. My V70 has the rails. I've used the Thule product. Consists of two cross bars, plus mounting feet, and locks. Probably not the low cost solution, but well made and quite sturdy. I've just replaced the crossbars, as with age, the rubberized coating has come off. Just a cosmetic issue. If you like, I can send you my old crossbars for the cost of shipping. REI frequently offers the Thule products at a 20% discount.

Thule also offers load stop accessories that will assist in safely carrying the odd 2X4 on the roof rack.

Hi,

That's a very generous offer. Can you tell me what they are, and what they do, and how much they weight each, and how many of them are there?

Also, how to they attach to the car roof? This car has nothing on the top right now.

Thanks much

Post by **E Showell** » 12 May 2015, 07:33

To add factory rails to a car that does not have them is dead simple.

1) Remove existing roof trim. Start at windshield and gently lift back towards your body after getting you fingernails under the far edge.

2) Note exposed bolt holes that were concealed by the old trim and.position your factory roof rack on the roof.

3). Bolt down factory rack and install plastic bolt hole covers in rack feet.

4) Install new -shorter - roof trim pieces.

Total time going really slowly and cleaning up car roof edge as you go is 45 minutes, but it could probably be done in half that time

Post by **osman** » 12 May 2015, 07:53

I have a set of roof rails and oem cross racks. PM me.

Post by **osman** » 12 May 2015, 07:54

E Showell wrote: Make sure you get the roof trim pieces as well since the addition of the roof rack changes the configuration of the roof trim.

I just cut the old ones to fit.

Post by **MrAl** » 12 May 2015, 09:05

Hi,

It sounds like what you guys are saying is that i'd first have to install the roof rails, that i suppose go front to back, then i can install the cross pieces.

It also sounds like installing the roof rails means playing with the roof itself, which means they have to bolt to the roof. What i dont like about this idea is that leaks might occur if it is not done right. So im not sure i want to go that route just yet.

Isnt there some non vehicle specific product that would fit on the roof without the roof rails for a reasonable price?
I am not really in that much of a hurry right now as it will be a while before i have to carry anything on the top.