roof rack EXTREMELY disconcerting

[nycnml2]

i am being told by the dealer that i need a new wingrack bar (cost: $129). i can't get him to tell me if the wingrack comes with the attachment arm (or foot) that secures to the raingutter. does anyone know if that's the case?

[nfpgasmask]

Well, Sorry I cannot be of help here, but if your dealer can get a roof rack, let me know, because I thought these were completely discontinued...???

Bart

[nycnml2]

i will post it if he's actually got them. i am preparing myself to drive up, only to have him tell me that he thought i said "amigo" or something... sure hope i'm wrong about that.

[mbeach]

The 'wing' bar is bolted to the upright 'foot'. there should be no daylight there.

You can remove the endcaps and see how the crossbar is attached to each upright. This allows the uprights to slide left and right -there is more distance between mounts on the front bar.

Without pics, it's tough to understand what you're really describing -is it possible that someone tried to pry off your roof rack?

[nycnml2]

it is possible, though i did not see any damage. i will try to take photos tonight, and post them. also, i looked at the place where the wing-shaped crossbar attaches to the foot; i did not see any hardware there. if there is, i would definitely prefer to fix / replace that hardware than to part with 129 of my hard-earned, US grade-A dollars. i am trying to figure out how to post a photos, but meanwhile, if someone's eager to see a diagram, i can email one.

[nycnml2]

diagram is now posted in the "modifications" section of the gallery.

[mbeach]

I'm having troubles uploading photos, but there is definately a bolt holding the crossbar to the "foot".

It's sort of a T-nut arrangement, with the T residing in the channel on the bottom of the crossbar (this channel has a rubber strip sealing it). If you remove the rack, you will clearly see this bolt (it's an 8mm oval head bolt IIRC).
Loosen this bolt to adjust the feet in or out.

Since this bolt is oriented "head down" when on the vehicle, it's possible that Manhattan potholes have caused your bolt to drop out. In this case, you'll hear the "T" sliding around inside your crossbar (unless it fell out somehow).