| Author |  Topic  |
Dirtbiker
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1061 Posts |  Posted - 13 Nov 2019 : 21:04:28  
| Hi,
Remember the roof rack from my 95?
When I fitted it to the 95 I wrapped old bicycle inner tubes around the brackets where they contacted the roof and guttering to prevent paint damage. This was effective but looked a bit 'temporary' and the rubber did start to unwind and disintegrate over time.
Anyone got any ideas for a more permanent solution?
I thought of soft plastic dipping (like some tool handles) but can't find a solution.
The ideal solution would be slip on rubber covers but can't find anything there.
I'll take a close up of the fixings at the weekend.
Suggestions welcome!
Thanks |
Edited by - Dirtbiker on 13 Nov 2019 21:04:56 |
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rogerblount
V4 Fan
190 Posts | Posted - 13 Nov 2019 : 21:53:44
| | Hi I use heat shrink on mine just make sure you leave it a little long to cover the end |  |
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off-the-planet
V4 Beginner
United Kingdom
63 Posts | Posted - 13 Nov 2019 : 23:39:12
| | Car door edge protection strips? | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 14 Nov 2019 : 08:17:36
| The feet of the original Saab roof racks have hard plastic trims.
www.saabv4.com | |
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UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 14 Nov 2019 : 12:00:46
| I plasti-dipped mine - it worked really well.
I created a little trough for the paint and just dipped the feet in by about 1cm.
I had to dip the feet a few times to build up the thickness of the coating, but it did the trick. | |
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stevebod
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
416 Posts | Posted - 14 Nov 2019 : 16:45:01
| Woolies do lots of trim sections, one might suit your needs
https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/
What about 3D printing some overclips? | |
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Dirtbiker
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1061 Posts | Posted - 15 Nov 2019 : 20:32:44
| Hi,
Wow, great suggestions.
Roger - I like that idea and I may well go for it. Mess free and simple.
Off the Planet - Yep, that would work really well on the inner bits.
Melle - have you got a picture?
Simon - Did you use the spray on stuff, ie spray it into a vessel so you could dip it? I remember seeing something 20 years ago at work that was a box which I think was heated and you put powder in it to plastic coat. I can't find anything like it now though.
Stevebod - Woolies a good idea. I did discount 3D printing as too time consuming but remembering back to when I used to use CAD at work it would be a ten minute job to do the drawings. I haven't used any CAD (other than cornflake packets and masking tape!) for ten years now though. What software is free and easy to use? I used to use Autodesk Inventor - even did a week long course and got pretty good at it.
Thanks for all the input and sorry I have thrown back lots more questions!
Cheers
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stevebod
V4 Fanatic
United Kingdom
416 Posts | Posted - 16 Nov 2019 : 22:03:08
| Gareth,
Re:Cad software......
Some people use Google Sketch-up and like it. I've seen some impressive models from it.
However I use a free version of Creo Elements Direct.
https://www.ptc.com/en/products/cad/elements-direct/modeling/express
This free home version is limited to 60 parts but apart from that it is fully functioning. It can output STL files which is what a 3D printer needs.
3D parts are created by drawing on a work plane which is like a piece of paper and then extruding or rotating to form a solid. | |
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Dirtbiker
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1061 Posts | Posted - 19 Nov 2019 : 17:27:14
| Hi Steve,
I have downloaded that software and will have a play. I'm ok with extruding shapes and saving stl files - I'll let you know how I get on.
For this small project though I have decided to take the easiest option (I think) which is Plastidip which I have realised you can buy in a tin (I thought it was spray only).
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233291424847
Cheers | |
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UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 19 Nov 2019 : 20:33:53
| I was literally going to paste the same link!
I did mine in white though, as the only original that was left on the rack was white - so thought I'd stick with that. Black will probably look better as it won't get grubby. | |
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UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 21 Nov 2019 : 10:27:21
| Actually, I need to do mine too, but wondering if I should get it re-powder-coated first.
The guys that coated it last time (in a chrome-effect paint), didn't bother to take it apart, so adjusting the bolts has chipped the paint, plus I tied a 96 roof section to it too, which took off even more paint!
 |
Edited by - UK_Sub on 21 Nov 2019 10:32:48 | |
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Dirtbiker
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1061 Posts | Posted - 21 Nov 2019 : 17:04:19
| What about getting it galvanised? This would probably have been how it was finished originally.
Not sure how expensive it would be, maybe look for a local trailer manufacturer or similar and find out who they use? | |
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melle
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
3833 Posts | Posted - 21 Nov 2019 : 20:15:32
| The originals are electro plated, most trailers are hot dipped I would think?
www.saabv4.com | |
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Dirtbiker
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1061 Posts | Posted - 22 Nov 2019 : 16:20:21
| Good point Melle. Yes, trailers are hot dipped and this might distort a roof rack.
I use this place http://www.smbplating.co.uk/ in Plymouth for plating all my nuts, bolts and fixings (what a Rock and Roll life I lead!) and I'm sure there will be something similar near Simon.
Cheers | |
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green96v4
V4 Mad
Canada
738 Posts | Posted - 23 Nov 2019 : 12:16:39
| I used a place in Aylesbury that were very good, you could literally take a handful of parts in and they'd sort it
I'd have to dig out their name/contacts though | |
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UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 23 Nov 2019 : 20:11:26
| Aylesbury isn't too far from me, so any details would be useful.
Cheers. | |
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| Topic | |
Roof Rack Rubber
