New Wheels/Tires, Thule 696 Install

[workmeistr]

Hi, Earl. You can get the 696 powdercoated for about $50 at any reputable coater around you. My powder guy is horribly unorganized, so I would not be able to find out the brand of powder/color code from him. I took the book of samples to the VX and chose one the color of the mirrors/roof rails. I wanted the gas cap to show, but not be obnoxious, so I went with that color already on the vehicle, as opposed to trying to match the cladding and blend in too well. Taking the 696 apart completely allows you to put it back together with Red Locktite, to snug it all up a little more than when new, and Renew Restoring the plastic endcaps of the 696, as well as the plastic bits of the rack, itself. If you take the 696 apart down to its elemental 9 rails, it shouldn't cost more than $50, but I guess that could vary regionally. BTW, I note no difference in wind noise between my previous fairing set-up, and now with no fairing, with 696. Cross winds may prove differently, though. All of theses projects are why I couldn't swing the fender mirror, though I often think about how it would look.... 'Later Earl, Bren.