Cleaning/Restoring process for OEM roof racks

[VX KAT]

Thought I'd share some pics of the cleaning/restoring process I've done on most of the OEM roof racks I've obtained and sold here over the last 8 months or so. This condition was fairly typical of what I've encountered. Some worse, some better. But it's really expected since they're anywhere from 9-11 yrs old....that's a lot of crud and sun and such!

I know I've sung the praises of Aerospace Protectant 303 on here until you're all probably sick of hearing about it....but these pics really tell the story.

Here's one as received from a 2001. The rubber strips on this one are in a bit better than average condition.
I disassembled all parts:
















SURPRISE! This was a first....think it's a hornet or wasp's nest..luckily it was empty.

[atilla_the_fun]

I always wondered why aren't our roof racks more stylish? I think they disappoint, like our dashboards...

Great work Kat!

[VX KAT]

Cleaning & restoration process begins! I let the hard plastic pieces soak with the 303 on for a few hours, and spray & wipe down the black metal cross members.






Bottom of cross member and both rubber strips soaking with 303:



After soaking for a while, I rub down and hand buff all parts with a very damp rag with 303. Then wipe dry.







Close up of bottom of cross member and end caps, particulary amazing, I thought.


Close up of BOTTOM of cross member: Note the streaking marks are almost entirely gone.


Close up of TOP of cross member:




With rubber strips reinserted.






All parts disassembled, cleaned & restored:





And now, all reassembled (except for the flaps & brackets):

[circmand]

You got way too much time on your hands

[Hiredgoon]

That looks brilliant Kat, thanks for sharing! I'm going to pick sone of that stuff up and see if it dresses up my mirrors.

[vt_maverick]

Looks great Sue! Hope you were getting some sort of pass through fee for all that hard work!

[RallyDude]

So now that you found all who are in need of a rack, will you start a reconditioning service for the rest of us? Looks awesome Sue.

[VX KAT]

So now that you found all who are in need of a rack, will you start a reconditioning service for the rest of us? Looks awesome Sue.

Hey, that's a GREAT IDEA! Bring 'em on!
Ship 'em to me, I'll do my magic, takes about 4-5 hrs, ship 'em back! Shipping is $17 each way....whatcha think $100 total?

p.s....I'm serious!

[nfpgasmask]

Those are good results, Sue. And I take it these results are lasting? I mean, obviously, when you wash you reapply, but it looks like it did a stellar job!

Bart

[VX KAT]

Those are good results, Sue. And I take it these results are lasting? I mean, obviously, when you wash you reapply, but it looks like it did a stellar job!

Bart

It's pretty long lasting, but not permanent.... bottle says reapply "every 6 weeks for best UV protection". I really wasn't after the UV protection as much as the rejuvenation of the metal, rubber and plastic.
For example,
~my roof rack plastic end caps are only slightly lighter than when I treated them over 3 months ago...been through numerous monsoon downpours...no streaking or blotching...just slightly lighter.
~Metal cross members are still very dark.
~Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket still nice dark black
~VX interior panels are almost like just applied...been over 3 months
~Dash still looks almost freshly treated, just getting dusty from my environment, but it's not sticky.

I sure wish I could've tried it on the cladding before I did the R/R....
Somebody was goin' try that....who was it? Anybody??? Results?

[nfpgasmask]

I sure wish I could've tried it on the cladding before I did the R/R.... Somebody was goin' try that....who was it? Anybody??? Results?

I wonder how it would work on the hood insert? I'll give it a try on both the hood insert and my cladding and let you know. I picked up the small bottle today from Cabellas for $10. I'll let you know how it works.

Bart

[tom4bren]

Hey, that's a GREAT IDEA! Bring 'em on!
Ship 'em to me, I'll do my magic, takes about 4-5 hrs, ship 'em back! Shipping is $17 each way....whatcha think $100 total?

p.s....I'm serious!

I'll ship you my whole VX. Just call me when it's fully detailed

[circmand]

just to buy the roof rack (and basket) from VXKat, she does all the work and delivers it to you all nice and pretty.

[VX KAT]

just to buy the roof rack (and basket) from VXKat, she does all the work and delivers it to you all nice and pretty.

Thanks Dave
I did your entire Coleman roof basket in the 303, but even that SPF40 probably isn't a match for that hot oven called Lake Havasu City where you are...better getcha some 303 to redo it once in a while!

[blacksambo]

Nice job! I'm sold. I'm gonna do my cladding and will let you all know.